Shave #4 - Diplomatic Relationship Restored by Amazing Ambassador
TL;DR - Another DFS shave, just about dialed in, but wrapping up my turn
1st Pass: WTG, razor set on 2.75
2nd Pass: ATG, with some touch up, razor set on 1.75
Blade: Pol-silver Super Iridium (2)
Soap: Pre de Provence 63
Overthinking Things: everything involved with my shaves (blade choice, razor setting, soap, angle) have contributed to or detracted from a decent shave. The Rex is definitely a precision instrument that delivers high quality shaves.
The Shave: stayed with PdP 63 as my soap choice, and made sure to re-lather when passing back over the same area. Consistently achieving DFS shaves with this razor, but the degree of DFS is connected to how much skin irritation I'm willing to endure - not the razor's fault at all, just my coarse beard and sensitive skin make the razor's job exacting. This is where the "infinite" adjustments that the Rex allows really shines.
Results: a DFS shave almost as comfortable as Shave#2.
YMMV: Shave#2 ~ Shave#4 -> Shave#3 -> Shave#1
Wrapping Things Up: I love the Rex Ambassador Razor and will most likely purchase one in the future (after scraping together the resources; I'm a bit down on folding money due to the holidays and all). I think this razor is far-and-above well made and very high quality!! Will give the razor a good cleaning and blue-dip, and get it shipped to @dezmil in the next day or two.
Muchas Gracias: Big thank you to @GlazedBoker for sharing this incredible razor with us!! Very grateful to have had a chance to use the Rex Ambassador Razor!!
According to USPS the Rex was expected to be delivered on Monday. Before going through my normal morning routine, I decided to check the status just in case. I'm glad I did. USPS said it was out for delivery. Needless to say, I skipped my morning shave and opted for an afternoon shave with the Rex.
Shave #1
I'll briefly give some background info on my DE shaving history to put my review in context. I have been DE shaving for about a year, starting out with a Merkur 34C and acquiring a few modern and vintage razors along the way. My most used daily driver is the Rockwell 6S, which I acquired after participating in the pass around also sponsored by @GlazedBoker. Recently I have been using the 6S on plate R4.
Now, on to my review.
Initial Impressions: I am impressed with the build quality of this razor. The craftsmanship and finish are everything that one would expect on a razor in this price range. I find the knurling to be both functional and aesthetically appealing. The weight and balance of the Rex are excellent.
Prep: Since I already showed this morning, I went for a hot towel prep with Cremo applied as pre-shave.
Settings: 3.5/3.0/2.5
Blade: Polsilver SI (1)
Brush: Yaqi Mysterious Space Badger
Soap: Maggard London Barbershop
Aftershave: Maggard London Barbershop
The Shave: I started out with the Rex set on 3.5 for the first WTG pass and then reduced it by 0.5 for each subsequent pass, XTG and X/ATG. My third pass is generally more of a hybrid of XTG, in the opposite direction of the previous XTG, and ATG. After the first pass, I took note of the previous warnings about this razor removing more residual slickness than many other. I also found this to be true. I heeded the warning to avoid the temptation of going back over any previously shaved area without first reapplying lather. The result was a nice shave, DFS with very little irritation. That slight irritation I chalk up to just not being completely familiar with the razor, and I fully expect that to improve in my next shaves. I found it pretty intuitive to find the correct angle with this razor.
Next Shave: My next shave will be tomorrow morning before church. I'll decide for sure then, but I'm thinking of taking a similar approach only starting at 4.0 or 4.5.
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Great write-ups, @dezmil!! Very glad that the USPS got this to you quicker than expected!!Shave #2
Settings: 3.0
Blade: Polsilver SI (2)
Brush: Yaqi Mysterious Space Badger
Soap: Tabac
Aftershave: Duke Cannon Ice Cold Balm
The Shave: There wasn't much to shave off this morning since it hadn't been even a full day since my first outing with the Rex. Given this, I just decided to go with a simple 2-pass shave keeping the setting on the middle of yesterday's shave at 3.0. The result was rather uneventful, in a good way, and DFS. I'm really pleased with the shaves I am getting from this razor.
Next Shave: I'm leaning toward bumping up to a higher setting tomorrow, maybe 4.5 or so.
The Duke Cannon balm is really nice. It has a fair amount of menthol, which I like. The scent is a little strong and medicinal when first applied, but it quickly fades to a light sandalwood & bergamot scent. I highly recommend giving it a try, unless you're a clown.By the way, how do you like that Duke Cannon balm?
Shave #5
Settings: 2.5/2.0/1.5
Blade: Kai (3)
Brush: Yaqi Mysterious Space Badger
Soap: Barrister and Mann Lavanille
Aftershave: Aqua Velva Ice Blue
The Shave: I have been wanting to try out the lower settings, and I'm certainly glad I did. This was the best shave I have had with the Rex. It might be the settings, but I'm certain that my increased familiarity is also a factor. Today's shave was DFS+, comfortable, and smooth with no irritation. What more could a guy ask for from a razor?
Next Shave: I'm thinking I'll do one final shave on the same settings but back to the Polsilver SI blade.
Shave #5
Settings: 2.5/2.0/1.5
Blade: Kai (3)
Brush: Yaqi Mysterious Space Badger
Soap: Barrister and Mann Lavanille
Aftershave: Aqua Velva Ice Blue
The Shave: I have been wanting to try out the lower settings, and I'm certainly glad I did. This was the best shave I have had with the Rex. It might be the settings, but I'm certain that my increased familiarity is also a factor. Today's shave was DFS+, comfortable, and smooth with no irritation. What more could a guy ask for from a razor?
Next Shave: I'm thinking I'll do one final shave on the same settings but back to the Polsilver SI blade.