Slant Razor Showdown Merkur vs Parker vs PAA vs Holy Black vs Rex Supply Co.

At Razor Emporium, we believe in empowering men and women to practice traditional grooming using quality new and vintage shaving supplies. Our business is made up of three core areas, Service, Retail, and Education.
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[@miket00123]

Started with the 37c and it gave me good shaves but was looking for something that was more efficient. Instead of buying and trying more slants, I went with the Konsul and was so impressed. Gives me great shaves. Super smooth and efficient. Love it.

[@MotoTavira]

I love my Merkur 37C. I've tried a few others but always come back to it.

[@BuffaloNickel9]

Tried-and-true the longtime Undisputed champion for a reason Merkur 37C slant

[@brianh2287]

The Konsul is definitely the best by a mile IMO, I love mine. The konsul is crazy expensive, but it's pure quality. I like how the Merkur shaves over the Parker, and never tried Holy Black. The Merkur is made of zamac and almost 70$ now. I'm not paying near 70$ for zamac razors ever again, sorry. The Parker is far superior build quality to the merkur. I can get great plated brass razors for that price and cheaper. Move over Merkur, EJ, and Muhle you are becoming expensive but cheaply made products. Our artisans in this industry are awesome. Nothing surpasses the build quality of the Rex Razors, but WOW the price. The Canadians are the Champions of safety razors right now IMO.. Henson, Karve, Razorock, Rockwell, and Wolfman. What is going on in Canada man? WOW. You can get a RazoRock Stainless razor for near the price of a zamac EJ and Merkur and the Razorock razors are FAR superior.

[@dappershaves]

greetings from south africa 🖖🏻 regards dapper shaves

[@BuffaloNickel9]

Merkur 37C is perfect..The prices of Konsul razor are borderline offensive.. Merkur 37C tried-and-true. Produced for well over a century with the shave only a Slant RZR can get you. Rex Konsul is also a 10/10 level fit & finish, but an even more effortless shave, superior materials, & an absolute gem, but the price isn't.

[@brianh2287]

@@BuffaloNickel9 Oh man, the Rex Konsul is fantastic. You really hurt my feelings.

[@BuffaloNickel9]

@@brianh2287 okay you are polite and I'm sorry! Konsul is fantastic also-A+ you are right 👍 Did that cheer you back up? I hope don't let me drag you down

[@brianh2287]

@@BuffaloNickel9 I knew you'd come around ! 👍

[@footballgeek]

I had my first shave with the Konsul this morning! If all my shaves with it are as great as it was today, it will become my favorite. I love everything about it!

[@johnmeyer8098]

Morning Matt. Great comparison of slant razors. I have several slants. Each one is a little different IMO all give good results. I prefer the Konsul or the Parker Semi Slant. The most aggressive that I find is the Fatip Open Comb Slant. Thanks for the helping us make a better choice.

[@davef419]

I bought the Konsul a year ago and haven't looked back. I'm the classic "tough beard, sensitive skin" customer he describes, and I fully expect this to be my daily for... well, can't imagine anything else. Built to last, glad to support quality US production.

[@j-bed3586]

Going to have to add a slant to my arsenal! Thanks for the informative video.

[@putjesus1st]

I purchased the Konsul as soon as the XL handle came out. (I already had a Rex XL Ambassador). It instantly became my favorite razor. I am thinking of getting another slant razor just for travel to leave packed in my travel kit, so this video was terrific. Thank you!

[@terrym1065]

Hi Matt💈💈 Thanks for the comparison shave off. I've had the Konsul since day one and love it, also have the RazoRock Wunderbar which is also a fantastic razor, my two favorites of modern era razors. The Konsul being adjustable gets an extra nod for ingenuity. Haven't tried the others but think folks should give slants a try. Great video.

[@rickwiens9]

Just bought my very first Merkur 23C and have been viewing your videos on tips for shaving. As far as this video I was quite surprised by the new Bakelite razor. Cheers!

[@saintzeno]

I've tried Parker, Merkur, iKon.. , but ended up with Fatip Slant. Both closed and open comb are great. :)

[@darrengray1849]

I have been quite impressed with my Konsul XL. The first time I tried it, I knew I was something special. Loaded with an Astra Stainless Steel and Razor Emporium Old School shaving soap is an awesome Saturday morning shave.

[@lawrence1md]

I would agree with you, the konsul is the best out of the slant razors you tried.

[@JimiVPhotography]

I have other slants, but by far and away my Konsuls (regular and XL) are my favorite razors. Wonderful shavers!

[@travertinepico751]

People don’t understand the cold in Phoenix. 😅 once your acclimated to the summers anything under 70 is too cold. But I use the Parker myself, it is my first slant- I definitely like it. Going through brands trying to find my blade of choice is fun. I was surprised by how nice the included sample Parker blades felt for me too, definitely in my current top 5 blades now.

[@dickward1090]

I lucked out and got a returned Ambassador and it’s still my favorite DE. keep up the awesome work

[@doglickbrewery8280]

Thank you for championing face lathering. As for cold... perception is reality! Keep up the good work.

[@vic321344]

I bought the golden Coles razor, put in a Feather blade and it shaves like a charm. The razor looks like new and NOS out of the box. THX Matt.

[@RazorEmporium]

Happy to hear!!

[@roydavis1955]

I've tried several razors, and always keep coming back to the sr71.

[@keithosmond5730]

Only slant I've used so far is the Razorock German 37, modeled on the Merkur head. A great razor for the price. Some of these others may find their way into my collection as well at some point. I think I'd have to come into some money to add the Konsul, though, as great as it sounds / looks.

[@bradleycred99]

Howdy Matt and Co! Great showdown at the Slant Bar Corral! 👊🏼🤠

[@paulhamilton7854]

I like my Merkur for my first pass if I haven't shaved in a while (4+ days). It just feels so effortless. But I usually have to swap to something more mild to go against the grain on my neck. I always seem to get a nick or two with the Merkur on a second or third pass. I want to try a Konsul, and I frequently check the scratch and dent section. Maybe one of these days I'll finally get lucky.

[@KHLthe2nd]

The Konsul has been my go-to razor since I got it about a year ago. It's amazing and seems to work with blades I don't prefer.

[@dolphinsupernova]

I love my Konsul but it's picky with blades. I can drop mostly any blade into the Merkur for a fast & smooth shave. Loving the Sledgehammer too.

[@Shaverboy516]

Just an awesome video Matt, loved it.

[@vanceauclair9499]

I use the sledge hammer and love it, my daily shaver.

[@dappershaves]

they are very efficient razors. greetings from south africa 🖖🏻 regards dapper shaves

[@AlitaAvenger]

Thanks very much for the well-made and interesting video. Best regards!

[@dappershaves]

entertaining for sure. greetings from south africa 🖖🏻 regards dapper shaves

[@AlitaAvenger]

@@dappershaves greetings in return and best regards!

[@MrSlitskirts]

I've been using the Merkur 37C HD Slant with Platinum Double Edge (DE) blades with cold water and I've found it really good, in general hardly any nicks/cuts with the best results being from Shave Soap (Shaving Brush Lather) rather than Shave Creams. This was after using the Merkur 34C HD which is a close 2nd. Something about the Slant finally seems to suit my stubble. I usually do at least two passes for 'going to work' shave. I really like the solid feel of the razor head and handle, very Merkur 34C like. I have to admit I'm curious about the Holy Black and the Rex Konsul now. Kind regards.

[@joeygirovasi6329]

Haven't tried a slant yet. Some beautiful looking razors though 😍

[@HTMBobbyTheProducer]

Co-sign the Holy Black slant. Excellent razor, and it gets a lot of attention on my counter top.

[@CocoboloCowboy]

Alway enjoy Matt’s U-Tubes so much great information. Thank for putting out this great info. BTW I enjoyed the Meetup last Saturday. It rocked.🏆 Think the Rex you show is the onlyRazor you can drop, and because it’s STEEL,it wound break.🥳

[@jakeallama22]

Might have had a little schnapps in that green tea! Seems pretty giddy!

[@StevenLWootton]

I’ve tried the Yaqi slant, and it was like shaving with a hatchet compared to my Rockwell 6S. Haven’t been too keen on trying another one since. The Rex is tempting, though; can I rent one before buying? 😅

[@johngreen2510]

For $50, the 37c is untouchable. There isn’t a blade that I have loaded yet aside from a Rapira Lux that didn’t give a phenomenal, buttery smooth shave.

[@BuffaloNickel9]

Tried-and-true once you go 37C see you never go back

[@shaunskelton2133]

Believe it or not I use a Zertone straight razor and it does a beautiful job.

[@berniescheid5286]

Great video Matt and I want to get the Holy Black. 🇨🇦

[@harpintn]

I have been using a Muhle razor for years (when I don't use my Parker straight razor). I have long wondered what a slat razor is and if it offers and advantage. So thank you for this review. I don't see the advantage of buying a $350 razor when the $80 one does a great job, but that is the pragmatic in me speaking.

[@Vince_Tasciotti]

I have been curious about slant razors for about 2 years now. I may tryout the Merkur or the SR-71. Being very honest, the Rex Konsul is just out of my price range.

[@michelhouben4233]

Hi Matt, you've probably noticed that Ohio Shaves is a awesome growing channel within the Shaving Community here on KZbin. Together with you, David makes beautifully detailed videos. His reviews are always of high quality. I would therefore like to ask if it is possible to give him the chance to review your Rex Konsul, or in the best case even let him make a comparative review with the Ambassador VS the Konsul. David will no doubt provide beautifully edited videos where your razors will shine. Thanks for considering this ! Greetings from Belgium.

[@RazorEmporium]

Great suggestion

[@tomassalazar2798]

Love that blue one

[@kylecopeland8]

Matt, first time long time. Love the channel. Would you be able to share what brush you are using for that wonderful lather?

[@RazorEmporium]

www.razoremporium.com/razor-emporium-brush-w-acrylic-handle/

[@bakaneko113]

Now I gotta get myself a slant razor

[@dappershaves]

slant razors are very efficient. greetings from south africa 🖖🏻 regards dapper shaves

[@mhoke63]

I would like to see where he puts the the 37's bigger brother, the 39c, the "Sledgehammer". That's actually my everyday razor and I love it.

[@RazorEmporium]

Same head as 37c I thought 🤔

[@mhoke63]

@@RazorEmporium yea, Same head, but longer handle. More weight gives it a different feel and maneuverability. I typically use it with an Astra Green, so it just mows down my beard with nothing from me except the angle.

[@MrE0919]

Matt! Any plans on making a non adjustment slant for the Rex line? Similar to what the Envoy is to the Ambassador?

[@RazorEmporium]

Yes in development now.

[@GenXAccord]

Next time you do a comparison like this try the Kai blades. My first DE, a month ago, was a butterfly adjustable Feather. A good intro and let me know I liked DE shaving. But the Feather blades were brutal, razor burns, nicks, weepers. So I purchased a Rex Konsul. With the Feather blade I still got bad razor burn but almost no nicks or weepers. I tried a Kent of Inglewood mild blade and it was not much different then the Feather. Then I tried a Kai (another Japanese) blade in the Konsul and it was night and day difference with the other two. Oh my gosh. No cuts, no weepers and the most minimal razor burn I've felt yet. I'm not sure I want to test the Parker, Personna, Wilkenson, Astra and Rockwell blades after trying the Kai. Good Lord that's a good combo with the Konsul.

[@jaraket]

You’re really jazzed this time around

[@WallyPankowski-wd8gb]

Matt, I am new to blade shaving and as such, I have been watching your videos for some guidance. I was using cartridge blades and just recently started using the Twig razor. Your comments on the Konsul have intrigued me. Do you believe it is too much of a razor for an old man who is also a newbie to this world? Look forward to your suggestions.

[@RazorEmporium]

If you don't like it send it back :)

[@sm6175]

2001: A shave odyssey! Matt, I would love to see you review the two Italian razors I use sometime and see your take on them... the Fatip Lo Storto open comb slant bar and the Razorine Flatboy. Also, with the bakelite razors... do you need to use some pressure to make a difference with your shaves with them due to them being so light?

[@RazorEmporium]

Yes more pressure for the plastic ones

[@Warren.I]

Great video, Matt. I have a Merkur slant. I don't use it much, but you've gotten me to give it another try with a view to seeing if it requires fewer strokes. I have a question for you: Was the "Gillette slide" -- that diagonal stroke illustrated in so many of their print ads -- supposed to replicate the benefits of a slant razor? The concepts seem too similar to be coincidence, and I wonder if there's any historical overlap. Thanks again.

[@RazorEmporium]

Yes it's a 2 in 1 method.

[@RoderickGMacLeod]

At least it's a dry cold.

[@RazorEmporium]

Lol 🤣

[@robertcochran7103]

I watched this with great interest because I'm thinking about getting a slant razor. I'm not an experienced wet shaver -- in fact, I had a beard for 3 years until very recently, about 2 weeks ago. I'm re-learning how to shave. Earlier this week I nicked myself on my chin so I've not shaved for 2 days just to give my chin some healing time. Tonight I will shave again, and think about a slant. Does it need special skills? I really appreciate these videos because I can see how you are shaving and how you are doing other things like applying pre-shave lotion and lathering up. You definitely have a better brush than I do and it looks like it can soothe my face with some nice warm lather. And oh...I lived in the New England states at one time...I like to think that any temperatures above 0 degrees Fahrenheit is quite warm. :-)

[@brianh2287]

If you are just breaking back into wet shaving I would suggest Henson AL 13, Karve Overlander, or Rockwell 6c. All super smooth very forgiving razors. IMO the Overlander will give you the best safest shave. The Overlander does everything well with one plate. The Rockwell 6c will grow with you and let you experiment with blade gapes and blade feel. The Henson is smooth and forgiving whatever you decide to shave with it.

[@robertcochran7103]

@@brianh2287 Thank you so much! I really want to check out a made in USA razor. I have been looking at the Konsul and Envoy a lot. I would like to support the idea of 'made in America' if I think it can mean 'made to the very best quality'. Since you suggest the Overlander, I looked at that. I will also look at the Rockwell 6C and Henson AL 13. I'd like to support American manufacturing if I can get the kind of quality I want. I am undecided as yet. Again, thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.

[@chucklachance]

Correction: 32 degrees is cool as ice. I’m sorry, I need to get a hobby…… Great video by the way.

[@dappershaves]

greetings from south africa. regards dapper shaves

[@Leenunes007]

Is there a setting on the Konsul that is most like the Merkur?

[@RazorEmporium]

3-4

[@hughswanzy8871]

What ever happened to the PolSilver super iridium blades?

[@RazorEmporium]

I think P&G lost the rights to the name and now they are perma sharp.

[@GenXAccord]

Any advice on how to prevent a blade from rusting between shaves? I now have some very minor rust stains on the inside of the top cap of my Konsul that is proving to be difficult to scrub out with a toothbrush and dish soap. (I'm sure if I want to be really determined I can get some naval jelly rust remover.) Do I have to disassemble and dry off the razor and blade after EVERY shave?

[@RazorEmporium]

Take blade out is best method. Or unscrew all the way, set on the Rex stand and it will pop the cap up 1/4" to allow drying.

[@GenXAccord]

@@RazorEmporium Thanks. I contacted your support as well. In reading online forums some people dunk their razor head in rubbing alcohol to displace water and then let it air dry. I think I'm going to use a Q-tip and some clipper oil and wipe down all the blade contact points pre-shave and then remove and dry it after. I had the most minimal rust stains on the razor head that I've 99% removed with first a toothbrush and dish soap then clipper oil, a Q-tip and sanding/polishing it with a small piece of paper from an envelope. I know 316 stainless is very rust resistant but if something rusts against it that crap spreads like cancer.

[@NSchafft]

You should review or go over the best skin products for the face. Like alum and moisturizers and what nots. that'd be useful!

[@RazorEmporium]

Great idea!!

[@chewbacca7856]

Konsul all the way. I wonder how that sr 71 from holy black does under your nose with that big honking head on it. My konsul is set to 1.5 max. At 2 I can get some weepers.

[@skylerkroll8878]

In designing the REX razors, why did you choose to go with a two piece vs TTO? Was it to make adjustment on the fly easier as you don’t have to loosen the TTO mechanism to adjust or was there another motive?

[@RazorEmporium]

Gotta walk before you run.

[@nicetna2010]

For me, too much buffing with a slant razor will equal a raw finish. Keep up the good work, Matt.

[@chiranagheorghitaeugeniuth98]

where is the sledgehammer?

[@Templateideas097]

Here in Ohio we got down to -18° in January.

[@ephemeraldrift9599]

So the wizamets are not the same as polsilver?

[@RazorEmporium]

Nope

[@ephemeraldrift9599]

@@RazorEmporium ok thanks for the reply! There's so much misinformation about polsilver and wizamet out there on the web

[@bFOURdwZEROlf]

do a follow up with people!

[@avm186]

I propose a challenge… try the Elbrus and re-test these 7😊

[@RazorEmporium]

Can't get Russian products in USA right now.

[@RonVichar]

Should i be terrified of a slant razor? They look like a potato peeler that would massacre my "sensitive skin" aka neck. All drama aside is it worth saving up for the infamous Rex Konsul?

[@RazorEmporium]

Infamous or famous? :)

[@scottwinn3979]

I love my Konsul. It’s worth every cent. The adjustability is what also drew me to it. Not sure if you could make an adjustable Konsul that is a TTO, but that would be my Holy Grail razor.

[@pauldenali6367]

Love your historical and informational videos Matt. And I have a lot of respect for your expertise in revamping and designing razors. But no one can evaluate a razor in 2 or 3 strokes. This video is ridiculous.

[@RazorEmporium]

I agree - you need a dozen shaves with a razor to get to know it. This is a sample or flavor not end all be all review.

[@dappershaves]

cant agree more with that statement. greetings from south africa 🖖🏻 regards dapper shaves

[@charlesm7646]

If the Konsul was $150 less I might consider buying it. Perhaps you could make the same razor in a non stainless version and make it more affordable?

[@RazorEmporium]

The material doesn't change the price that much. It's made in USA that drives cost up. It also has to do with our distribution channels.

[@rickfm4109]

Funny how his money makers are always better!

[@Leenunes007]

Rex razors are the exact opposite of money makers for me, but come out on top of my tests too. If you had the ability to choose any machine shop to make your dream razor, would you make one that isn't as good as cheaper existing options?

[@RazorEmporium]

I'll send one to you for free and if you like it you can pay for it, if not send it back. That's how confident I am you will like it.

[@Pimp50King]

🔥👍🏻

[@billjohnsonseattle]

I had the Rhodium Konsul and it shaved very well with the grain, but when shaving against the grain it tore up my face, especially under the nose and above the lip area. Not going to try a slant razor ever again.

[@nate4shave]

Great comparison but console is stays in premium quality and price

[@raimom3179]

Custom to Finnish quality. These are mediocre. The original rex adjustable razor had sharp edges on the red indicator point. Only for heavy beard. Huge price.

[@dappershaves]

greetings from south africa 🖖🏻 regards dapper shaves

[@roydavis1955]

I've tried several razors, and always keep coming back to the sr71