Rex Konsul Razor - First Use | Crowne & Crane Barista

[@rexsupplyco]

Thanks for the great and honest review Chris! Glad you liked the performance and looks on your first shave. Our goal was certainly a smooth and efficient razor with little blade feel to contrast it to Ambassador. To speak briefly about machining marks on the underside, notice that the slant safety bars protrude below the level of the under side of the guard. Because of this, the part cannot be turned on a lathe and have round symmetrical machining marks like the Envoy and Ambassador; those have a flat bottom to their guard. This has to be instead machined on a mill, which will always have asymmetrical and less beautiful machining marks. But make no mistake, the Envoy and the Ambassador have tons of machine marks, they are just concentric circles which look beautiful and uniform. Trying to "polish" this will have several negative consequences - first you will actually see the lines more and the 3" polishing wheel can't discern between the safety bar and the flat guard, especially when considering this is a hand operation and between several polishers and hundreds of parts, there will be a wide variety of outcomes. That means that the safety bar will start to get divots in it as you are chasing removing the lines. The alternative is to machine tumble it, which will create more uniform finishing. We have done that machine finishing in the same manner as the Ambassador and Envoy using walnut and corn cob tumbling stages. There are further aggressive steps that can remove marks, but it comes at the expense of a duller looking razor. One last alternative is sandblast - many razor makers in our industry use glass or ceramic to blast their razors. It gives a uniform texture and won't create divots like hand polishing. We experimented with that but again, it is a process that is done by hand and can have a range of outcomes across many pieces. Part of the purpose of only making 150 Konsuls (which are all sold now) was to gain valuable feedback like yours before we ramp up production to 500 or 1000 pieces next month. We may certainly explore other options for finishing the underside and we appreciate hearing from you and your audience about this. When I saw the guard after machine tumble, the lines were certainly reduced from where they started from right off the mill. To me, the lines were a reminder that this is a milled component - not cast Zinc, not metal injected, and not stamped. Milling is one of the most accurate machining methods and is also one of the most expensive. The lines were reminiscent of the mill marks on a fine firearm or watch bezel. Thanks for the feedback and we will work to incorporate it into the next large scale productions of the Konsul; the world's first Stainless Steel Adjustable Slant safety razor. Regards, Matt

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks for the explanation Matt. For me it's still a little rougher than I'd like, but it's still an amazing shaver:) I look forward to using it again soon and sharing more thoughts. I've pinned this comments so other folks can read it and take it into consideration.

[@sethcollins5536]

Matt is this razor torqued at all? Or is the blade just slanted?

[@Shaverboy516]

Always an honest and candid review from you Chris, I always come to your videos for real reviews, you never sugar coat anything, the razor is beautiful and will provide great shaves like you had here. For the underside tooling issue I would reach out to Matt and have them send a new one at the price point it should be perfect no question about it.

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks RK. The shave was phenomenal, the fit and finish on the razor..... Not so much. You're right, it should be better at its price point.

[@johnmeyer8098]

Morning Chris. That was a great commentary on the new REX Konsul. You answered a lot of my questions. That razor is something I would like to own. I am going to attend a shave meet up at Matt’s shop this Saturday. Have a great day and be safe. God bless.

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks John. This is a great shaver and I really enjoyed using it. I'm a little disappointed with the finish on the bottom but the shave it provides is superb.

[@williamcass68]

Hi Chris! Excellent Crowne & Crane shave from the REX today. I hope that you and your family have a great day.

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks so much Bill. I hope you have a great day!

[@mikedecherd8666]

We are truly blessed to have so many different opinions to choose from for shaving. Have a great day.

[@IAMCDB]

This is true Mike. Options are always a great thing:)

[@kimgray3235]

Your on a roll with Crowne and Crain soaps ! Hope mom is doing well today ❤️

[@IAMCDB]

I am indeed. They've been awesome for me.

[@mikeperritte]

Great shave. Looks like a nice mild slant razor. Have a blessed day and week

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Mike. I hope you have an excellent day sir!

[@leehaseley2164]

Thankfully, other than machine marks under the baseplate, the razor did not disappoint. Great shave, Chris.

[@IAMCDB]

I'd say the shave did not disappoint but the razor is slightly disappointing. Function - superb, form - a little underwhelming.

[@RonnieYates]

Nice honest review Chris as always. Exciting to try the first adj slant. Glad it is a great shaver which is most important. I agree should be polished smooth without marks on the base plate underside. I am surprised to hear. If it’s years in the making they had time to figure out manufacturing/finishing and QC as they proved it with the Ambassador. I’m sure Matt will be at least speaking to this soon. He should take care of this for the first run customers. His track record is good. I would guess these machining marks were not mentioned in product description. The good thing is it is cosmetic and fixable - not a core design issue. A bit pricey for my budget at full retail although it sounds more in my wheelhouse than Ambassador. Can you compare it to the 37c/39c- some of the slant standards next shave?

[@IAMCDB]

Hey Ronnie. This was an amazing shaver for sure. The fit & finish on mine is definitely subpar though. I didn't get into it much in this shave as I really wanted to experience the razor first. In the next video I'll dig into the fit and finish etc. I don't have my 37c with me as I'm traveling:)

[@Theflyguy522]

A very fair and balanced review! I like the look of this one but agree that the bottom of the base plate needs sorting out at the price point 👍

[@IAMCDB]

Thank you, Brian. Have a great evening sir!

[@lastshadow9351]

That was a great shave, Chris! Sometimes it's hard to see the slant's twist in the blade, but it's definitely there. Not as much as PAA's monster series, but as much as Icon's X3. It's pricey but these adjustable razors have a lot of parts, and it is innovative. I'm just not into adjustables but, I'm sure there are plenty that like to fiddle around with their razor. I'd rather adjust my technic than a razor. Lean and mean. Another good one from C&C. They're on a roll with their scents and I've got to get on the ball and try some out.

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Shadow. This is a fantastic razor in terms of function. In form it's a little underwhelming though. On the first use I wanted to focus on the shave but in the next one I'll go into greater detail. Have a great day sir!

[@Callahangonefishin]

Nice review brother! Sounds like an excellent razor, I'm a big fan of the Ambassador, Cheers

[@IAMCDB]

Thank you sir, I appreciate it!

[@stuartbender236]

Hi Chris, Crowne and Crane is an excellent shaving soap - wonderful scents combined with great performance. C&C is a talented artisan in our community. The razor, while interesting, is simply too expensive, and while I can forgive scratch markings on the underside in a budget-type low-cost razor, that’s disappointing to see in an elite high-priced razor. Surprised to see that. But it still looks like a nice razor. I just got the Karve Overlander and it’s a truly great razor for comfort, smoothness, and efficiency, in my opinion. Hope your Mom is feeling better and is having a great day.

[@IAMCDB]

I don't disagree with you at all. On a budget razor, these types of tool marks are absolutely acceptable. On a premium razor, it should be minimal or non-existent. If a razor is marketed as a luxury or premium item, it has to be luxury and premium throughout the experience. This one is definitely well designed and well-engineered, but the execution on the fit and finish isn't up to snuff.

[@soccorboychris]

Hey Chris, C&C Barista is my favorite scent they offer currently. I just wish they made splashes because I would like to wear the scent and I imagine the balm will not be as heavily scened.

[@IAMCDB]

It's a really nice scent, I enjoyed it. Perhaps they will make splashes in the future? We can hope:)

[@pjwroblewski]

That razor reminds me of the times I would go to the auto show and stare at a an Italian sports car only to admire but knowing I could never afford one.

[@IAMCDB]

I can certainly understand that:)

[@JT-nf9tk]

Very nice shave Chris! Once again, C&C hasn't had a scent that is off- putting. The Consul does look nice and can see why some shavers would purchase one. Personally, I set a $100 limit on safety razors because I am primarily a straight/shavette shaver. I would rather use the $350 towards a custom straight because it would be an investment and heirloom piece. Enjoy your day.

[@IAMCDB]

That makes sense JT. If you love straight razors I can totally understand that:)

[@marcgirard7551]

Great shave! I really want a soap maker to go after a dark, dense coffee scent like freshly ground dark coffee beans. Haven't seen on of those yet but this Crown and Crane sounds like a nice pleasant scent.

[@IAMCDB]

This one is lighter and is very nice. I don't know if I've seen a straight black coffee scent yet though.

[@sethcollins5536]

Leviathan.

[@obeconoberougle9497]

I'd really love to have a Konsul... eventually. Your description of the shave sounds right up my alley. But even in pristine condition, $350 is a hard pill for me to swallow. Considering there are many quality razors out there that already provide superb shaves at a fraction of the cost. Granted they aren't a SS adjustable slant like the Konsul.

[@IAMCDB]

It's definitely an amazing razor. It's also definitely pricey. I did enjoy the shave it provided however:)

[@timshull59]

Great review Chri.!Know you're going through a tough spell ,thinking of you brother.

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks so much Tim, I appreciate you sir!

[@dathanschnably4689]

I honestly believe with the twist and angles under that base plate would you be able to completely smooth that up without making it overly thick. Which would probably add a good bit of head weight and probably make it unbalanced. And if you would keep sanding away probably just make it to thin and light. Being the under side of the razor I really don’t think it looks terrible or takes away from the visible fit and finish at least on mine. Nice review and couldn’t agree more with the results of the shave and blade feel having both razors myself as well.

[@IAMCDB]

Matt left a pretty detailed explanation that I pinned above. The finish on the the bottom is rougher than I'd like but it's still an amazing shaver. I hope you have an excellent day sir!

[@willyzach1977]

What blade did you use. Great review.

[@Ali4451_]

Thanks for the insights!

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks so much Ali!

[@gordonchristie246]

Nice shave and review Chris, sounds like a great shaver. Pity about the price point. Have a great weekend. Very best regards Gordon 👍

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Gordon. It was an excellent shave for sure. I hope you have an excellent day and weekend sir!

[@TimShaves]

Nice shave Chris! Konsul seems like it's suited for wider range of shavers than the Ambassador although the price range will be steep for many.

[@IAMCDB]

The Konsul is definitely a little more user friendly I think. It's not budget friendly but it is easy to use.

[@DrRonP]

Great vid Chris! I ALWAYS appreciate your razor reviews. I’m on the fence with this one as I LOVE my Ambassador. So, I’m not sure if I’ll try the Konsul at some point or not. But either way, I respect the what a Rex is trying to accomplish with this razor. God bless!

[@IAMCDB]

It's really an excellent razor. I will use it again tomorrow and speak more about it.

[@WallyPankowski-wd8gb]

loved the video. Have you ever tried Twig razor by Leaf? How would you compare them.

[@danilobernaschina1842]

Uhauuu Chris, a mega Masterpiece of razor, a Prima, slant adjustable from Rex, I hope It was excellent, for me definitely out of budget😔😔

[@IAMCDB]

It's definitely a nice shaver but it is pricey:)

[@JMac.]

Great shave Chris!! Beautiful looking razor, but definitely priced way outta my budget though, that being said I hope it’s a successful seller for Rex! Have a great day eh!

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Justin. It's definitely a great shaver. I hope you have a terrific day sir!

[@JMac.]

@@IAMCDB you’re welcome! And thanks, pretty good so far. Appreciate ya brother!

[@mackbooker8368]

Interesting shave today. The soap piques my interest. The razor not so much. Thanks for sharing and have a great day today. Best

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Mack. This was an excellent shave for sure. Have a great day brother!

[@chrislj2890]

I was very surprised to see that finish on the underside of my Konsul also. My Ambassador and Envoy are absolutely perfect. Also the laser engraving on the base on mine is raised and rough, which usually happens with lasers and it needs to be removed. With the Ambassador I can't go above setting three, but with the Konsul I can start at five. I also thought of the comparison of the Karve Overlander to the Christopher Bradley in blade feel. I'm wondering if others have the same issue with the finish and how Matt will respond to it.

[@IAMCDB]

Quite honestly, the finish on the underside of the plate is subpar considering the price. I enjoyed the shave tremendously and the finish isn't a deal killer, but I'd by lying if I didn't say it's really disappointing. It should be better at this price, no question about it.

[@chrislj2890]

@@IAMCDB Well Matt was quick to respond about the issue, and his explanation makes sense. I think I'd rather have the machining marks than have a blasted or tumbled finish. I'm definitely not sorry I bought it, even at full price. But I do think I will take some gray Scotchbrite to that laser engraving to smooth it out.

[@IAMCDB]

@@chrislj2890 It is a little rough around the engraving for sure. I noticed that also.

[@eivindkaisen6838]

In modern diplomacy, a consul is ranked just below an ambassador. (Although you might have to be an ambassador to justify spending $350 on a razor...) Usually, a consul is the head of an office in a town/city outside the capltal. Not to be confused with the second in command in an embassy: that’s the chargé d'affaires. There are several kinds of consuls though. Or, one clould go back to Rome: "A consul held the highest elected political office of the Roman Republic (509 to 27 BC), and ancient Romans considered the consulship the second-highest level of the cursus honorum (an ascending sequence of public offices to which politicians aspired) after that of the censor."

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks for the lesson E!

[@markoakes1553]

Great, honest and open review Chris. Thank you. Firstly I would salute Matt for bringing an all stainless adjustable slant to us and I have a lot of respect for his work on previous razors, like the Envoy and Ambassador. However, though I am still interested in this razor once it goes into full production, for me, at the price point, that razor needs to be absolutely perfect and pristine in all areas including surface finish. When you are charging this sort of dollar for a razor I don't believe it's acceptable to say that the irregular machining marks are there simply because it's difficult to get a perfect finish. A work round needs to be found, it must be achieved. If I received this razor, at this price, with a clearly visable manufacturing 'blemish' I would be looking to send it back. It could be the best shave in the world but I would whince each and everytime I caught sight of the underside of that plate and it would spoil my enjoyment of the razor. I do hope Matt comes up with a fix as the time in development and the overall look and quality of the razor means it deserves one.

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Mark. I think they might have to experiment with other ways of finishing it. Matt wrote a long explanation and I pinned it. I'd definitely like to see that improved.

[@DE_Razor_Shaving]

Great, great review! 😁👌🏼💈

[@IAMCDB]

Thank you Chris.

[@jensebu78]

Thanks for that review. Do you find the efficiency on the same level with the Ambassador? I love mine but still.... There is a interest on the Konsul. But i am a BBS lover. Ambassador is, from 3 up, a amazing BBS machine...

[@IAMCDB]

I find it plenty efficient enough but I'm not sure how it compares in that regard. I can say from memory that it is considerably smoother.

[@jensebu78]

@@IAMCDB thank you for that information. I hope that I'll get a chance to try one. Won't buy it blind for that amount of money..

[@mattfox8436]

Sounds like a great razor for a collector. I’m not sure I’d gain anything by owning it personally. It does look really nice though. Soap sounds like a great scent.

[@IAMCDB]

It's definitely a great shaver. I enjoyed it a lot.

[@charlesm7646]

Seeing that the price is seven times more expensive, the real question should be, is the Konsul 7 times better than the Merkur 37c? Even with the adjustability, it’s hard to imagine it being that good.

[@stevem1563]

Nice video Chris. Looks like a nice razor. I have been enjoying the Era this week. It will be interesting to hear your longer term opinion and if it is a keeper.

[@IAMCDB]

Thanks Steve. The shave was fantastic, I found that to be first rate. The fit and finish is subpar. In the first shave I wanted to focus mainly on the shave though. I'll talk more about it soon.

[@sysdocray]

Nice shave, and good to hear they tamed the blade feel over the Ambassador. Having an Ambassador, it can be a bit rough, especially at settings over around 3, depending upon the blade. - I find mine to be very blade sensitive, with some being fairly smooth, to others feeling like I used the lid from a tin can. I missed what blade you used, safe to assume either an Astra (your go to), or a Nacet from the list of links?

[@IAMCDB]

Hi sir. This razor was definitely tamed as compared to the ambassador. The Nacet is my go to blade now. It has been for the last year or so. It's what I use the vast majority of the time:)

[@TheShavingDisciple]

I really liked Barista.

[@IAMCDB]

It's a nice one, I've really enjoyed it.

[@shavinginjapan]

I only have one razor… Rockwell 6s and I always use the R6 setting with a Voskhod blade… how does that feel compared to the Rockwell 6s?

[@judthestudo2]

I think I’ll have to enjoy the view of that razor from afar and spend my cash on more software 😂. I made a very thin lather today either A&E Pedro fiasco scented k2 and that never happens, must have had too much water from the very start. Still a great shave and splashed with declaration tribute which I am using for the first time and I have to say the scent is awesome on it!

[@IAMCDB]

The key point of your statement was, "Still a great shave." That's really all that matters. Thin, thick, watery, airy... So long as the shave goes well that's all that matters:)

[@paulspeller968]

pricy but a razor i feel will last a life time and then some. very nice sounding soap indeed my friend 👍

[@IAMCDB]

It will definitely last a good long while. That said, at the price I expect a better finish on the razor.

[@dk.damnfineshave]

No way in hell I could spend that much on a razor and have it look unfinished like that.

[@IAMCDB]

Matt wrote a detailed explanation above and it might give you some additional perspective. That said, the finish on the bottom is still a little rough for my personal taste. If I had been an early beta tester I would have told them that people would assuredly complain about that. Folks aren't used to seeing that many tool marks on a premium razor:) It is an amazing shaver though, I really enjoyed it.

[@elmanitasdeplomo]

Considering these are 350 euros over here in the Netherlands there’s is no way in hell I would consider buying it. Now I get it, there is r&d costs etc etc but at this price I would expect a flawless product. It’s the same with the ambassador, I just can’t get over how good it looks, but reading the reports about blade feel and it not being super smooth is really holding me back from trying one out.

[@Tom854]

The quality of that machined finish is nowhere near the asking price of this razor. Makes me feel like my Razorock is a steal at $70.

[@IAMCDB]

Matt wrote a detailed explanation that I pinned above. It does give additional perspective. That said, it's still less refined than I'd like on the underside.

[@razormichl2004]

top razor review👍

[@IAMCDB]

Thank you Razor, I appreciate it sir.

[@vdlorenzo2578]

Hello mate hope your keeping well, just wanted your advice if possible, I'm struggling to get good shaves with my DE razors I know having a light touch is important but I'm abit confused what the right angel is ? I see some people use more a shallow angel and then others more steep angel what are your thoughts?

[@IAMCDB]

The angle varies from razor to razor. Generally you to try to rotate the razor out to where it's cutting smoothly and efficiently, but doesn't feel scrapy. If it's not cutting efficiently, your angle might be opened up too much. (meaning your elbow and the razor handle is rotated too much towards the ceiling) If it feels scrapy and rough, your angle might be too shallow or elbow and razor handle rotated too much towards your body or the floor. It's mostly trial and error but when it clicks, it clicks. In other words, once you find the sweet spot it will be easy for you. You will get it, it's a matter of repititions and time. Blessings to you sir!

[@vdlorenzo2578]

@@IAMCDB ok thanks so much for the information I will keep trying hopefully I will be able to improve my shaves when I watch your videos you make it seem so easy and effortless but when I shaves it's a horrible experience and very painful, my main problem is my hair is extremely stiff and coarse so the blade doesn't cut through my hair with ease, I hear people say like a knife through butter when I shave it's more like a knife through a brick :( very frustrating

[@obeconoberougle9497]

@@vdlorenzo2578 Buy a few sample packs of different blades... Mild through aggressive. Everyone is different and the blade is a huge factor.

[@vdlorenzo2578]

@@obeconoberougle9497 thanks mate however I have tried almost every blade and nothing works, I'm thinking to try SE Razor now as IV heard the blades are better quality and thicker so hopefully it will cut through my hair easier

[@IAMCDB]

@@vdlorenzo2578 What blade and razors have you been using?

[@bucky9990]

How does this compare to the 37c merkur slant?

[@IAMCDB]

Considerably different as it's adjustable and stainless steel. This one feels more efficient.

[@bucky9990]

Sorry what I meant was in terms of shave closeness and smoothness? what setting on the Konsul would you compare the 37c to?

[@IAMCDB]

@@bucky9990 The Konsul seems better on both counts but I still enjoy the 37C.

[@danilobernaschina1842]

Machining marks for 350 usd, Sorry..... is it a test issue or a definitive version, 50% price ok, but Homelikeshaving does better for finishing... 😳

[@IAMCDB]

I agree, it should be better for the price. The fit and finish is not up to snuff. I'll talk more about this the next time I use it.

[@3stooges824]

Mossberg Walthers just to name a few guns at that price point 👉 now that being said it's a sexy razor but it's not for me I'd just buy nice slant and a merkur future and call it a day thank for being honest and real 😀 😄

[@IAMCDB]

Correct, it's a pricey razor, there's no doubt about it. It's not going to be for everyone for sure.

[@dimitrisvars9867]

😍💈😍💈

[@IAMCDB]

Thank you sir!

[@okiedokie_cool]

Hi Chris, great shave as always. What are your views on Futur/ Mingshi 2000s (clone), in terms of how the blade feels at 1 and 2 settings?

[@IAMCDB]

Hi sir. Those are nice razors but I cannot recall the blade feel as it's been quite a while since I've used them. The last razor I used like this was the Snmirn Razor here: amzn.to/3LVTrL8

[@leehaseley2164]

Bloody hell, Chris. That is an obnoxiously expensive razor!

[@IAMCDB]

It's definitely costly, no doubt about it.

[@kaireeves1210]

The machining marks is disappointing.

[@IAMCDB]

It is. At this price I expect a better finish. It's not a deal killer for me but it's disappointing for sure.