new DE razor from rex supply - the envoy

andrewjs18  I was expecting to get Envoy in February, but I can see some members removed at user's request.
I am out of town now, can you remove my name from the list?

do you want me to bump you further down on the list?

Envoy Pass-Around:

WEST COAST
gvw755
IanG153*removed at the user's request*
kehole
dabearis
fmalpartida
Ram57
Chef Glenn *removed at user's request*
captainjonny
draebeard
kooshman7
andrewjs18

EAST COAST
ScientficShaves
ShaveMD
Nh wet shaver  *skipped for now as user hasn't responded to address messages*
Zen Shaver
slantman
velohammer
ANG69 *removed at user's request*
AJSharp
Tiny *removed at user's request*
CK89
Asafiev *removed at user's request*
Dave in KY
andrewjs18

I recently got my turn on The Envoy pass around and want to thank all (andrewjs18 and Matt, Razor Emporium) who have made this possible including all the other reviewers. I purposely have not reread the prior reviews so as not to bias my opinions but need to fill you in on some of my preferences, which may cloud my opinions. I prefer very efficient razors that are smooth, and yes, I have found a few that fit that very high standard. The Envoy is not and has not been promoted to be that razor – it is a mild razor and those are my expectations. Also I am not including pictures as those before me have included plenty of photos already.

SPECS: This 3 piece razor in a matte finish has a consistent “dark grey” appearance without machine marks or flaws. The base plate has its name and serial number engraved in contrasting black lettering. The cap covers the DE blade tabs whereas the plate has a recessed opening to accommodate the handle - this may limit the fit of other handles (unless you use a washer) if one desires to change the handle. The vendor’s initial release of the adjustable Rex Ambassador was a modern inspiration of the adjustable Gibbs and this Envoy is a fixed plated version of the Ambassador with an equivalent of a 3 (gap) on the Rex Ambassador (check out the site). I have never used the Ambassador but the adjustable Gibbs is one of the smoothest and most efficient razors ever made – search out the recently banned “World Shave-Off Showdown’s” last competition of the smoothest razor and the Gibbs was a semi-finalist.

Cap  10.3 gm + Plate 27.9 gm = Head 38.3 gm + Handle 67.8 gm = Razor 106 gm

Handle is 79 mm but the last 2-3 mm are inset into the base plate making the handle a total 76 mm effective length

EFFICIENCY:  This is a mild razor which, depending on one’s technique and experience, can still yield a BBS result if not a DFS. It is mild which I am sure is appreciated by many and shaves similar to the GameChanger 68 or Karve brass B (or C) plate (I suspect the Timeless 68 is more efficient). My resultant shave lasted 4 hours or so before I started noticing stubble and represents a satisfactory shave.

SMOOTHNESS:  The weight and heft of this “shortie” (80 mm) provided a reasonably smooth shave. There was no blade chatter as it was well clamped into the head nor was there any drag when going XTG. It was a smooth as the Karve but not as smooth as the GameChanger.

MANEUVERABILITY:   When using the Envoy I did not swap out the handle as this is the way it was made and in fairness I believe that is the way it should be used and evaluated. It is the same size as a FatBoy (77.8 gm) yet significantly heavier (106 gm). I prefer handles that are 90 mm (or 3.5”) which work for my hands and dexterity. The knurling ensures a slip-free grip even with wet soapy hands. The weight is somewhat heavier than I am accustomed such that the Envoy is a little “clunky” in its handling. Nevertheless the head is thin enough to get in those tight corners under the nose. Physically with respect to weight and maneuverability the Envoy reminds me of the unobtainable Paradigm 17-4 which apart from it’s initial pricing and secondary market pricing ($400 if you can find it) was much smoother and more efficient than the Envoy. I was able to use the Envoy for a 2 pass shave with touch ups without any difficulty or skin irritation.

PROS: 1.         It is a mild yet smooth razor that “works”.

            2.         The DE blade tabs are covered.

            3.         Excellent knurling and secure handle grip.

            4.         Nice finish and engraving adds that professional touch.

CONS: 1.         Handle too short and razor too “clunky” for my personal liking.

            2.         Other handles may not fit the recessed base limiting options.

            3.         Slightly more pricey than similar razors offered by RazoRock or Karve (brass).

OVERALL this is a mild stainless steel razor in an ever-growing crowded market of new stainless steel razors. It does what it is designed to do albeit at a slightly more expensive price point ($125) than other equally competent tools. Nevertheless the vendor, Matt (Razor Emporium) has a fine reputation with his customer service in bringing out the adjustable Rex Ambassador so I would have no issues with his delivery and customer support. If you have the adjustable Rex Ambassador you may not get anything extra with the Envoy but if you prefer a milder shave this fixed plate Envoy is a worthwhile contender for one’s shave den.

andrewjs18  I was expecting to get Envoy in February, but I can see some members removed at user's request.
I am out of town now, can you remove my name from the list?

do you want me to bump you further down on the list?

If I can get it in February, sure. Thanks a lot for your help.

East Envoy has landed safely. I'll get shaves started by the weekend and post reviews soon. Thanks andrewjs18 and Matt, Razor Emporium

I recently got my turn on The Envoy pass around and want to thank all (andrewjs18 and Matt, Razor Emporium) who have made this possible including all the other reviewers. I purposely have not reread the prior reviews so as not to bias my opinions but need to fill you in on some of my preferences, which may cloud my opinions. I prefer very efficient razors that are smooth, and yes, I have found a few that fit that very high standard. The Envoy is not and has not been promoted to be that razor – it is a mild razor and those are my expectations. Also I am not including pictures as those before me have included plenty of photos already.

SPECS: This 3 piece razor in a matte finish has a consistent “dark grey” appearance without machine marks or flaws. The base plate has its name and serial number engraved in contrasting black lettering. The cap covers the DE blade tabs whereas the plate has a recessed opening to accommodate the handle - this may limit the fit of other handles (unless you use a washer) if one desires to change the handle. The vendor’s initial release of the adjustable Rex Ambassador was a modern inspiration of the adjustable Gibbs and this Envoy is a fixed plated version of the Ambassador with an equivalent of a 3 (gap) on the Rex Ambassador (check out the site). I have never used the Ambassador but the adjustable Gibbs is one of the smoothest and most efficient razors ever made – search out the recently banned “World Shave-Off Showdown’s” last competition of the smoothest razor and the Gibbs was a semi-finalist.

Cap  10.3 gm + Plate 27.9 gm = Head 38.3 gm + Handle 67.8 gm = Razor 106 gm

Handle is 79 mm but the last 2-3 mm are inset into the base plate making the handle a total 76 mm effective length

EFFICIENCY:  This is a mild razor which, depending on one’s technique and experience, can still yield a BBS result if not a DFS. It is mild which I am sure is appreciated by many and shaves similar to the GameChanger 68 or Karve brass B (or C) plate (I suspect the Timeless 68 is more efficient). My resultant shave lasted 4 hours or so before I started noticing stubble and represents a satisfactory shave.

SMOOTHNESS:  The weight and heft of this “shortie” (80 mm) provided a reasonably smooth shave. There was no blade chatter as it was well clamped into the head nor was there any drag when going XTG. It was a smooth as the Karve but not as smooth as the GameChanger.

MANEUVERABILITY:   When using the Envoy I did not swap out the handle as this is the way it was made and in fairness I believe that is the way it should be used and evaluated. It is the same size as a FatBoy (77.8 gm) yet significantly heavier (106 gm). I prefer handles that are 90 mm (or 3.5”) which work for my hands and dexterity. The knurling ensures a slip-free grip even with wet soapy hands. The weight is somewhat heavier than I am accustomed such that the Envoy is a little “clunky” in its handling. Nevertheless the head is thin enough to get in those tight corners under the nose. Physically with respect to weight and maneuverability the Envoy reminds me of the unobtainable Paradigm 17-4 which apart from it’s initial pricing and secondary market pricing ($400 if you can find it) was much smoother and more efficient than the Envoy. I was able to use the Envoy for a 2 pass shave with touch ups without any difficulty or skin irritation.

PROS: 1.         It is a mild yet smooth razor that “works”.

            2.         The DE blade tabs are covered.

            3.         Excellent knurling and secure handle grip.

            4.         Nice finish and engraving adds that professional touch.

CONS: 1.         Handle too short and razor too “clunky” for my personal liking.

            2.         Other handles may not fit the recessed base limiting options.

            3.         Slightly more pricey than similar razors offered by RazoRock or Karve (brass).

OVERALL this is a mild stainless steel razor in an ever-growing crowded market of new stainless steel razors. It does what it is designed to do albeit at a slightly more expensive price point ($125) than other equally competent tools. Nevertheless the vendor, Matt (Razor Emporium) has a fine reputation with his customer service in bringing out the adjustable Rex Ambassador so I would have no issues with his delivery and customer support. If you have the adjustable Rex Ambassador you may not get anything extra with the Envoy but if you prefer a milder shave this fixed plate Envoy is a worthwhile contender for one’s shave den.

Really good review man, especially the comparisons to razors I’ve owned and sold in the past. Based on this I’ll skip it. Thanks!

andrewjs18  I was expecting to get Envoy in February, but I can see some members removed at user's request.
I am out of town now, can you remove my name from the list?

do you want me to bump you further down on the list?

If I can get it in February, sure. Thanks a lot for your help.

for some reason I thought you were on the west coast anyways. what state are you in? you can PM if you'd prefer to share it privately.

Friday January 17, 2020
2020 Shave # 18 ( 438 Consecutive Shaves )
Razor: Rex Envoy
Blade: Wizamet (1)
Brush: Stirling Boar
Soap: CBL Tonsorial Fresh Lime 3017 (18)
Aftershave 1: Humphrey's Alcoholado Maravilla
Aftershave 2: CFG Ghost Town Barber
Fragrance: CFG Ghost Town Barber

1st shave with the Rex Envoy with a new Wizamet blade. This is a mild razor that if you pay attention to angle renders a GREAT shave. It's a hefty boy weighing in at 105 grams with the blade installed and has a grip that seems to grip you back like it has stickum on it. It's so mild it had me buffing and buffing some problem spots on the jawline to see how smooth I could get them..................took work but feels like glass. I did pay for the over shaving these areas with just a tad of tenderness but oh so worth it for the smoothness attained. Looking forward to tomorrows shave.

I'm interested in these reports finding the Envoy to be "mild" as it is supposed to mirror the Ambassador set on '3'. I find the Ambassador pretty aggressive at all settings a/c blade exposure. The again, I am sensitive to such things, especially as a daily shaver. My take on what "aggressive" means admittedly would change if I went from a 6x/week shaver to a no more than 2x/week shaver.

I'm interested in these reports finding the Envoy to be "mild" as it is supposed to mirror the Ambassador set on '3'.  I find the Ambassador pretty aggressive at all settings a/c blade exposure.  The again, I am sensitive to such things, especially as a daily shaver.  My take on what "aggressive" means admittedly would  change if I went from a 6x/week shaver to a no more than 2x/week shaver.

It's been quite awhile since my trying the Ambassador but I found it more aggressive than I cared for at the time. I could shave with it fine but felt it ready to bite if I was inattentive. This seems to be a good shaver and different than the Ambassador on 3 from my poor recollection. I'm a daily shaver if that helps too. My go to at the moment is the Rockwell 6s with plate 5, Wizamet blade and a Vector with a Schick Proline blade. Just my thoughts and experience. More shaves to follow......