Member
UK Staffordshire
rawfox1 and pc123 Apologies for missing your posts and my late reply.
Having read the last few posts I feel I can answer a few issues raised. I’ve only been DE shaving for two years, so I’m not going to say I’m the most experienced or have the best technique, far from it. What follows are my experience and opinions.
I’ve tried 3 different Rex Ambassadors. The first, an earlier ‘M’ model from a friend. The second, my own ‘N’ type and the third, a ‘N’ type with the top cap and safety bars polished.
When I used the (M type) Rex for the first time I really struggled with drag and my face felt tender and rough. The finished results were stunning and the closest (and long lasting) shave I’ve had since using the Muhle R41. I also loved the look of it. A classic in the making. I wasn’t impressed with fit and finish for such an expensive razor and the drag was a major issue.
During my time with the loaned Rex , the N variant was released. After reading the amendments and refinements which were made I decided to buy one. A bit reckless and impulsive if I’m being totally honest.
I thought the latest version would shave a lot better. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case. I was a lot happier and satisfied with the improvements and the fit and finish. They were where they should be for a razor in this price bracket. Sadly the drag was still evident. I was very disappointed and looked to see how I could reduce the drag and stop the rough and tender spots.
Another member from the forum I frequent kindly offered to send his Rex, this time the top cap and safety bars polished. I found the slightest of improvements but not enough for me to consider having my Rex polished.
Now I do have a bit of a reputation over on the UK forums as someone who moves things on quickly. This time I was of the mindset not to be defeated and sell it.
I quizzed owners and tried to get as many tips as possible. After 10 plus shaves things started to come together. I have touched on this on a previous post but it’s worth going through it again.
I hold the razor closer to the head with my index between the collar head. The balance is spot on (for me).
I use A LOT less pressure.
I use shorter strokes.
I angle the razor slightly more towards the safety bar than the top cap.
I found whatever soap I used I still had drag until I implemented the above steps. On my last shave with the Rex I used a Personna blade and had one of the smoothest shave ever. The finish was great but I found it wasn’t as long lasting as my usual shaves with the Rex.
So my findings so far. The drag is down to technique, nothing to do with the razor itself. The M and N versions shave exactly the same and it isn’t worth polishing it for performance sake alone.
I’ve bought and had a lot of razors on loan. To name a few…
Timeless with various base plates. I couldn’t get on with it. Rough with way too much blade feel.
Blackbird SB & OC. Way too aggressive and harsh.
Charcoal Goods Level 2. Too aggressive. Smelly.
Wolfman Guerrilla. The most inefficient razor I’ve used to date. Lovely build quality though.
My favourite razors:
Paradigm Titanium II. Perfection.
REX Ambassador
ATT S2
GEM Micromatic Clog Pruf
Every Ready 1912
Cobra Classic
I think that’s enough for now.
Cheers
Rob
Having read the last few posts I feel I can answer a few issues raised. I’ve only been DE shaving for two years, so I’m not going to say I’m the most experienced or have the best technique, far from it. What follows are my experience and opinions.
I’ve tried 3 different Rex Ambassadors. The first, an earlier ‘M’ model from a friend. The second, my own ‘N’ type and the third, a ‘N’ type with the top cap and safety bars polished.
When I used the (M type) Rex for the first time I really struggled with drag and my face felt tender and rough. The finished results were stunning and the closest (and long lasting) shave I’ve had since using the Muhle R41. I also loved the look of it. A classic in the making. I wasn’t impressed with fit and finish for such an expensive razor and the drag was a major issue.
During my time with the loaned Rex , the N variant was released. After reading the amendments and refinements which were made I decided to buy one. A bit reckless and impulsive if I’m being totally honest.
I thought the latest version would shave a lot better. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case. I was a lot happier and satisfied with the improvements and the fit and finish. They were where they should be for a razor in this price bracket. Sadly the drag was still evident. I was very disappointed and looked to see how I could reduce the drag and stop the rough and tender spots.
Another member from the forum I frequent kindly offered to send his Rex, this time the top cap and safety bars polished. I found the slightest of improvements but not enough for me to consider having my Rex polished.
Now I do have a bit of a reputation over on the UK forums as someone who moves things on quickly. This time I was of the mindset not to be defeated and sell it.
I quizzed owners and tried to get as many tips as possible. After 10 plus shaves things started to come together. I have touched on this on a previous post but it’s worth going through it again.
I hold the razor closer to the head with my index between the collar head. The balance is spot on (for me).
I use A LOT less pressure.
I use shorter strokes.
I angle the razor slightly more towards the safety bar than the top cap.
I found whatever soap I used I still had drag until I implemented the above steps. On my last shave with the Rex I used a Personna blade and had one of the smoothest shave ever. The finish was great but I found it wasn’t as long lasting as my usual shaves with the Rex.
So my findings so far. The drag is down to technique, nothing to do with the razor itself. The M and N versions shave exactly the same and it isn’t worth polishing it for performance sake alone.
I’ve bought and had a lot of razors on loan. To name a few…
Timeless with various base plates. I couldn’t get on with it. Rough with way too much blade feel.
Blackbird SB & OC. Way too aggressive and harsh.
Charcoal Goods Level 2. Too aggressive. Smelly.
Wolfman Guerrilla. The most inefficient razor I’ve used to date. Lovely build quality though.
My favourite razors:
Paradigm Titanium II. Perfection.
REX Ambassador
ATT S2
GEM Micromatic Clog Pruf
Every Ready 1912
Cobra Classic
I think that’s enough for now.
Cheers
Rob
Member
(This post was last modified: 07-18-2018, 02:51 PM by sgarnett.)
I have several razors that work best riding the cap, but yes the Rex seems to work best with the guard in play. Actually, it’s quite intuitive if I don’t think about it.
I also find that it removes lather just as effectively as stubble. Less residual slickness is left behind than with other razors (no idea why). At a minimum, a quick wipe of soapy water (if not fully relathering) helps tremendously for touch ups. Really, that’s true of any razor, but it is even more so for the Rex.
The jury is still out on this, but I think I may also like my lather a little wetter for the Rex.
I also find that it removes lather just as effectively as stubble. Less residual slickness is left behind than with other razors (no idea why). At a minimum, a quick wipe of soapy water (if not fully relathering) helps tremendously for touch ups. Really, that’s true of any razor, but it is even more so for the Rex.
The jury is still out on this, but I think I may also like my lather a little wetter for the Rex.
Member
(07-18-2018, 11:46 AM)sgarnett Wrote: I have several razors that work best riding the cap, but yes the Rex seems to work best with the guard in play.
I also find that it removes lather just as effectively as stubble. Less residual slickness is less behind than with other razors (no idea why). At a minimum, a quick wipe of soapy water (if not fully relathering) helps tremendously for touch ups. Really, that’s true of any razor, but it is even more so for the Rex.
My experience exactly. Maybe the thick baseplate is behind the lather removal.
Member
Colorado
(07-23-2018, 02:29 PM)HoosierShave Wrote: I have 17 shaves completed with the Rex...more than enough shaves to know this razor deserves to be one of the top 2 razors in my denI agree. I completed my thirty consecutive shaves with the Rex this past Friday. Excellent razor!
I didn't notice the drag that others have mentioned. I'm a ride the cap, light touch shaver. Works great for me. YMMV.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Shave Maharaja
India
I received my Rex Ambassador razor with the serial number 1305N2 in my hands yesterday and used it for a first shave !
The razor is beautiful in its looks and machining especially the length and the weight balance.
I put in a Gillette 7OC Super Platinum black blade on 3.5 setting.
It was an extremely efficient and smooth shave. It was a superb BBS shave with great post shave skin feel.
I did notice a slight deviation of the blade feel on both sides which surpised me. Kind of like we would expect from a Gillette vintage adjustable bought from auction sides.
I haven't read about this as an issue from other owners. I will writing to Matt about this - however any ideas would help to know if I am doing anything wrong !
For now I can say that my RAD is quenched. A SS adjustable razor with a smooth and efficient shave and great post shave skin feel !!
The razor is beautiful in its looks and machining especially the length and the weight balance.
I put in a Gillette 7OC Super Platinum black blade on 3.5 setting.
It was an extremely efficient and smooth shave. It was a superb BBS shave with great post shave skin feel.
I did notice a slight deviation of the blade feel on both sides which surpised me. Kind of like we would expect from a Gillette vintage adjustable bought from auction sides.
I haven't read about this as an issue from other owners. I will writing to Matt about this - however any ideas would help to know if I am doing anything wrong !
For now I can say that my RAD is quenched. A SS adjustable razor with a smooth and efficient shave and great post shave skin feel !!
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