new DE razor from rex supply - the envoy

The second shave was considerably better than the first.  I used 2 shims under the blade, which raised the efficiency level up 1 notch.  
I also used my favorite handle, which is lighter and more maneuverable than the stock one.  This razor, as presented, is a damn fine razor however, 
just not what I'm wanting in a shaving tool.  First, it's heavy, almost 4 oz.  Second, it has almost no blade feel; it's a very mild razor.  And third, 
there is the handle.  It uses a proprietary handle which is thicker and rougher than I like.  Note: I don't like proprietary handles in general; just saying.  
I like to have my choices left open.  A good razor should fit your hand as well as your face.  However, though it is a bit heavy, it is also well balanced.  
Though it is mild, it gave me a clean shave in just 1 pass.  And it's well built and affordably priced.  So I'm going to stick with my original 4.5 star rating, with half a point off for the proprietary handle.  I'm probably going to get one more shave in before I send it on.

I've now gotten 4 shaves from this razor; 3 great shaves with a Feather blade, and 1 okay shave with a Czech Tatra blade.  
I am more pleased with it now than I was at first shave.  I would probably buy this razor if it were lighter.  
It's a little heavy, but well balanced, and when paired with a Feather blade, it gives great shaves.  
It's a damn fine razor, but I still don't like proprietary handles; so it only gets 4.5 stars.  
I will be sending it on to the next participant later today.  Thanks for the opportunity to try out this excellent safety razor.

A pet accident and subsequent watching of her has cut down my time to review this razor. I should be able to get in one more shave tomorrow and will send it on. First shave was with a new Personna Blue blade. Initial handling of the razor left me with the impression grip would not be an issue and using it confirmed it. The razor handle did roll and shift in use, but did not cause me to lose grip, and had a sort of massaging effect. An odd sensation to explain, but I had no issues with it and quite enjoyed it.

I had a few days of growth so the razor did not feel overly aggressive in the first use. It’s not as efficient as the Blackbird, which is a good thing as that leaves me typically too close a shave with that. Thinking on the razors I have used it is probably close to a Weber PH with a touch more smoothness. Just enough to easily mow down a few days growth without being too harsh. Getting around my lips and corner of mouth wasn’t as smooth as the Start razor was, or the AS-D2, but I wouldn’t describe it as difficult to use either. My second pass went much easier. Timeless and Mergress would be my most difficult razors in terms of maneuverability. I was left with a DFS. One last area that struck me as extremely impressive was the fit. Putting the blade on the tabs and then tightening it was like putting on a glass slipper so to speak. I don’t have any complaints about the fit on other razors, but this one was to a level I haven’t seen until now.

Had a second shave with the Envoy. Much of my impressions remain the same, which is good. If you like knurling, it is hands down the best I’ve tried bar none. Maneuverability is above average, being a bit different from what I’m used to, but all that is needed for this is more time using it. The second time felt more natural than the first. I used the same Personna blade today and had no issues with cuts or nicks.

For some reason I decided to do an ATG pass which I haven’t done in some time and was left impressed with the results. It also made me realize that my facial growth has been shifting again which some of the same areas still exhibiting oh so slight stubble. I felt more burn applying water to my skin than I did with the alum which was a first. The burn was very mild, and have no discomfort now from the shave.

Compared to the Start razor I just tried, I have to say that left a more lasting impression, but that is just for me personally. I have no complaints about the quality of the Envoy, and could see a potential spot in my den for me as the best straight bar razor when I haven’t shaved for a week. That is my preferred type as open combs and slants are too harsh in everyday use scenarios, but excel for me when I haven’t shaved for awhile, but still can be a bit harsh in a few areas and are best left as only one pass razors for me. For anyone looking at this for a razor I would strongly recommend it, and I’ll be keeping my mind open to adding it in the future to my den!

Envoy on its way to next participant! Thank you for the opportunity to try a new razor!

I have the pass-around Envoy, and was getting ready for my 3rd shave tonight. After 2 shaves with the Envoy, I agree that is "slightly" more efficient than the Ambassador on a 3 setting. After putting a blade in my Ambassador, I set it to 3, and compared the blade gap to the Envoy. They are very close. If there is a difference, it is in the 3rd or 4th decimal point. I then compared the caps, "eyeballing" from all angles. The cap geometry is very close to the Ambassador. Without a digital scanning tool to actually measure any differences in the cap geometry, we would need an input from Matt at Razor Emporium. All we can do is shave, and report our subjective results. I suspect that the "apparent" shaving difference is due to the handle length and weight difference between the Envoy and Ambassador. This may affect the shaving technique which each of us employ.

The envoy and ambassador use the exact same cap. We just use a different length of stem / thread on them.

Thx!!

Matt

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I would like to join the West Coast pass around if possible

I would like to join the West Coast pass around if possible

I believe this pass around is over with now. keep an eye in the contest section, I'll be raffling off 1 of the envoy razors soon.

Envoy on its way to next participant! Thank you for the opportunity to try a new razor!

I have just got the pass-around razor. Will post my review, soon...

oops, sorry about that Oasisdave....lots of messages and PMs about razors being moved around, I lost track of both Envoy razors. I'll add you to the West Coast pass around...