Upgrading razors

I just started using DE razors a month ago. Started with a merker 34c and a Rockwell 6c on setting 5. I already have the bug too buy a Rex ambassador or envoy. Are razors like that really much of an upgrade from the 6s, and if I’ve been using it at setting 5, would it be better to buy the ambassador over the envoy?

My candid advice.  Stay with the 6c for 3 months.  Then consider if you want a new razor.

On a side note - moving to a SS or Ti razor is nice and feels luxurious. That being said, I still use my Merkurs here and there.

Here's my take: I have several dozen razors and have had many more that I've sold or traded.

There are multiple reasons to try new razors.

If your reason for trying something new is to get a better shave than the 6C will provide, you're unlikely to get that. Stick with it and hone your skills - that will make the most difference. Try a few different blades for variety.

If your reason for switching is to try something new, then go ahead. Just realize that you will probably not stop at the Rex and the purchasing will continue. Every time you get a new razor, you will be fascinated with it until you realize that it shaves you just as well as the previous one.

Nothing wrong with this, it's just a matter of managing expectations. The 6C will probably shave you as well as any razor you try. Some people do like SE razors because of the stiffer blades, which does make a difference, but DE razors are all much the same except for their aggressiveness. Getting a better shave begins and ends with you.

Lastly, I've had Wolfman razors, Tradere, Weber, vintage Darwin, Toggles, etc. You name it, I've probably tried it (not a Rex so far). My Rockwell 6S has stuck around because it is a better tool for me than those were. That's one man's take, and is not applicable to anyone else.

Here's my take: I have several dozen razors and have had many more that I've sold or traded.

There are multiple reasons to try new razors.

If your reason for trying something new is to get a better shave than the 6C will provide, you're unlikely to get that. Stick with it and hone your skills - that will make the most difference. Try a few different blades for variety.

If your reason for switching is to try something new, then go ahead. Just realize that you will probably not stop at the Rex and the purchasing will continue. Every time you get a new razor, you will be fascinated with it until you realize that it shaves you just as well as the previous one.

Nothing wrong with this, it's just a matter of managing expectations. The 6C will probably shave you as well as any razor you try. Some people do like SE razors because of the stiffer blades, which does make a difference, but DE razors are all much the same except for their aggressiveness. Getting a better shave begins and ends with you.

Lastly, I've had Wolfman razors, Tradere, Weber, vintage Darwin, Toggles, etc. You name it, I've probably tried it (not a Rex so far). My Rockwell 6C has stuck around because it is a better tool for me than those were. That's one man's take, and is not applicable to anyone else.

Best summary I've seen yet, couldn't say it any better myself !

Thanks for the input. Like any new hobby, it’s easy to go down the rabbit hole. Think I’ll stick with the 6C for a while.

In a little less than 3 months since buying my first DE safety razor, I've added 3 more: an Edwin Jagger DE89, a Rockwell 6C and a Razorock Game Changer 68-P.
All have filled a niche for me but I can honestly say I have no plans on expanding my tiny collection any more at this time.  I've got numerous soaps/shave creams, 18 different blades, a couple of brushes and mugs ...
Well, I have no regrets.  I haven't spent a fortune.  It's a reasonable amount and I've learned a lot but at this point, I'm satiated for now and quite happy to simply use the tools I have. But, trust me, I certainly appreciate the interest in wanting to try lots of razors/blades/soaps/creams, etc.  It's not a contest. It's whatever you want to do.
And that's the cool part.

Here's my take: I have several dozen razors and have had many more that I've sold or traded.

There are multiple reasons to try new razors.

If your reason for trying something new is to get a better shave than the 6C will provide, you're unlikely to get that. Stick with it and hone your skills - that will make the most difference. Try a few different blades for variety.

If your reason for switching is to try something new, then go ahead. Just realize that you will probably not stop at the Rex and the purchasing will continue. Every time you get a new razor, you will be fascinated with it until you realize that it shaves you just as well as the previous one.

Nothing wrong with this, it's just a matter of managing expectations. The 6C will probably shave you as well as any razor you try. Some people do like SE razors because of the stiffer blades, which does make a difference, but DE razors are all much the same except for their aggressiveness. Getting a better shave begins and ends with you.

Lastly, I've had Wolfman razors, Tradere, Weber, vintage Darwin, Toggles, etc. You name it, I've probably tried it (not a Rex so far). My Rockwell 6S has stuck around because it is a better tool for me than those were. That's one man's take, and is not applicable to anyone else.

+1  Great advice.

If you're getting good shaves with your 34C and the Rockwell 6C or 6S, then you don't need any other razors. The only reason you would want to try another razor is because of curiosity, not need. I'm not saying you shouldn't try other razors, but only if you have disposable income and you want to treat yourself. Good luck.

I'd stick with your razors for a bit longer. It could be worth it going to a heavier material. I found that overall I really like stainless steel a lot, and the added heft. Might just be added heft, and testing that with some chrome plated brass razors. I went from a Gillette Tech after a few months to a Muhle R89 for a few years, and then a Feather AS-D2 and found the step up to stainless steel was quite nice. Frankly if I shaved everyday still I probably wouldn't have wanted to move away from it. I've found some other razors that work well in certain situations. Sometimes perception adds a lot to the shave, but technique always reigns supreme. My Sterling HA demands full attention, and I will get harshness if I am careless, but for those times when I haven't shaved for 2 weeks it's just what I need. Something about the heft or material I like better. My Mergress can cut through the hair too, but not as nicely as the Sterling HA. Easier to clean the Mergress out though, and I can dial the razor down after my first pass unlike my HA. I'm doing better with using it for a second pass, but I've had to reach for a much less aggressive razor for some time.

It might do you good to explore open comb and slant razors even. I've found with time what works for me, and what works for me very well might not work best for you. Using the BST to score some cheap razors after some time can be a great way to broaden your horizons for a cheaper price. Get a little Barbicide and you can disinfect the razors easily.

I am going to jump in on this one as well. New member here and I have a similar question. I have had my DE razor for several years (I bought an Edwin Jagger from target with a Van Der Hagen brush soap mug set) and it shaves leaps and bounds better than anything I have used before it. Started with a sample pack of blades off of amazon and kinda just picked one. I am learning tips and tricks from reading through old posts and have gotten even better shaves in the recent weeks.

I guess my question is how good is good enough and when will I know?

I'd stick with your razors for a bit longer. It could be worth it going to a heavier material. I found that overall I really like stainless steel a lot, and the added heft. Might just be added heft, and testing that with some chrome plated brass razors. I went from a Gillette Tech after a few months to a Muhle R89 for a few years, and then a Feather AS-D2 and found the step up to stainless steel was quite nice. Frankly if I shaved everyday still I probably wouldn't have wanted to move away from it. I've found some other razors that work well in certain situations. Sometimes perception adds a lot to the shave, but technique always reigns supreme. My Sterling HA demands full attention, and I will get harshness if I am careless, but for those times when I haven't shaved for 2 weeks it's just what I need. Something about the heft or material I like better. My Mergress can cut through the hair too, but not as nicely as the Sterling HA. Easier to clean the Mergress out though, and I can dial the razor down after my first pass unlike my HA. I'm doing better with using it for a second pass, but I've had to reach for a much less aggressive razor for some time.

It might do you good to explore open comb and slant razors even. I've found with time what works for me, and what works for me very well might not work best for you. Using the BST to score some cheap razors after some time can be a great way to broaden your horizons for a cheaper price. Get a little Barbicide and you can disinfect the razors easily.

How does the straight vs slant razor experience compare? I’m a daily shaver, I’ve read the slant is good for heavier facial hair.