The Rex Envoy razor with Barrister and Mann's shaving soap. How Many Passes Work For You?

[@paulwozencroft279]

Thanks Mark, so helpful to give a little bit of advice to us beginners..cheers, all the best, Paul in Broadstairs.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Glad you enjoyed it. All the best Paul.

[@leehaseley2164]

Thank you very much, Steve Denton.🙏🙏🙏

[@FriendshipShaving]

Dalton. No one will notice, Lee and thank you, as always for your kindness and thanks. 😀👍

[@WolfRanger2008]

You are communicating an EXCELLENT and necessary message to others(especially newbies) regarding how certain "taken as Gospel" elements of shaving varies from person to person as well as not having to be done exactly others do. That whole Copycat and it's supposed to be done this way, mode of thinking is out of control, in my opinion and this video helps tremendously.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Keith, thank you so much. It has been a while coming but I've been thinking about this quite more and more. I enjoy my three passes, but it's probably not necessary with most of my razors. That has lead me to wonder if I wouldn't be better with two passes and, if I needed, a few pick ups. Learning as we go along. I just darn well refuse to only do one pass though 👍

[@dappershaves]

interesting 🤔, regards dapper shaves

[@drunkn711]

Nice shave Mark! I have Frankly my Pear also, it's a nice scent 😎👍 Have a good weekend! Steve

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hi Steve, it's lovely isn't it? I find it has really grown in me; I quite liked it when I first smelled it but the scent changes a bit during the shave to make it pearliscious! 😁

[@leehaseley2164]

Pear and ginger pie sounds really lovely. Might go well with a glass of port? I have fresh ginger, along with oats, banana and frozen blackcurrants in my breakfast smoothie every morning.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Sounds great! You are a healthy fellow. I settle with Crunchy Nut Cornflakes and soya milk.👍

[@lesliefitzer2846]

Hi Mark quick update this morning I shaved with my Rex Envoy with a Silver Blue blade and Tabac, tallow version, and had a n amazingly comfortable shave. But for the fact I could see and hear the blade cutting I could have been forgiven for thinking I had forgot to put the blade in. It made me wonder if perhaps you may have had a more comfortable shave with a sharper blade. Just a thought. Keep well and keep safe. Hope your mom is OK.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Sounds great! Leslie, I will try it with a sharper blade, next time I use it on video, just to see if that makes a dramatic difference; thanks for the tip, I appreciate it. We shall see. Have a lovely day.

[@lesliefitzer2846]

@@FriendshipShaving The only other thing is I tend to like a luxurious lather. I'm only saying this because I would like you to experience the same fantastic shaves I get. Keep well and keep safe

[@RonnieYates]

Nice setup and shave Mark. I gotta get one of those Rex envoys at some point to try out. Take care.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Thanks 👍 You too.

[@leehaseley2164]

A superb and informative shave today, Mark. You and your mum have a great weekend. Stay safe and warm.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Thank you, Lee. I hope you are all very well. Best wishes to you.

[@Mike19663]

I only have used my Rex Envoy on my head loaded with a Schick blade. I got a BBS result with it both shaving WTG and ATG.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Fantastic, Mike. It obviously suits that razor blade, and you. Those Schick DE blades are meant to be superb, I have yet to try one, but Doug from Shaving Down Under prefers those to all other blades.

[@davidwatson3035]

Hi Mark, as always, you hit the mark :) with your review. I have the Envoy and like you, find it can be aggressive, especially against the grain. In my experience it's very much dependent on what blade I use. The blade gap is such that I stick to smooth but medium sharp blades, like Voskhods, Isreali Crystals, Med Preps. First use Feathers and similar are just too much. Even with a milder blade, I remember one shave, when I cut myself simply laying the razor on my face at the wrong angle. I find it can be strangely inefficient on my neck, my trickiest area, but on flat parts of my face it's fine. I generally use it when I have three days of growth and the key to getting a good shave is adequate prep, plenty of hot water, Proraso and good soap. The Envoy can give an excellent shave, with, across and against the grain but I find it takes some work. When it does work, you know you have had a close shave and the face feel is great. When it doesn't, the red lobster skin will burn. It's beautifully made, the handle has the best grip in the business and the stand is super, I just wish it was more consistent. All the best! David

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hi David, thank you for your thoughts on the Envoy; it seems that it's performance is very dependent on blade choice. Perhaps because of the head geometry it emphasises those slight differences on blades although that is quite something to cut yourself laying the razor on your face! It's a bit hit and miss for you, which is a shame, as it is certainly a beautifully made razor.

[@georgemakuca8870]

Derby extra and Rapira razor blades for me are the crapist razor blades.

[@leehaseley2164]

I have never been able to get my head around the fixation some people have with positive blade exposure and blade feel. Obviously, it is a matter of horses for courses, but my sweet spot it neutral blade exposure and mildness, if possible, combined with efficiency. But, as you proved, some times two passes is enough. Today I just did two and was pleased with that, but tomorrow will likely do three, as I will be using a less efficient razor. There is a razor which disproves the alleged need for a big blade gap for efficiency; the Timeless Aluminium. It has a small blade gap but is HIGHLY efficiency.

[@dappershaves]

if done correctly 2 pass is plenty, even for daily shaving. regards dapper shaves

[@FriendshipShaving]

Lee, I have the Timeless Aluminium razor. I have only used it once, so I will, in honour of you my friend, bring it out for the next Friday shave. I'm glad you got on well with two passes; I am sure that, like all things shaving related, the amount of passes needed is highly subjective, with many variables, but l prefer a neutral exposure too, as you know. Thank goodness we have something for every preference these days.

[@leehaseley2164]

@@dappershaves again, sir, I am 100% with you.

[@leehaseley2164]

@@FriendshipShaving well thank you very much indeed, Mark. You are right; there is something for everyone and every occasion.

[@FriendshipShaving]

@@leehaseley2164 Let me make that the following Monday's shave my friend. Shave #3 with the Gillette Platinum. I have to get some razors back to Andrew, so I will use a straight on Friday! I've had them for ages!

[@alanh8101]

Well happy Saturday Mark hope your doing well matte, seems winter is coming early here where I’m in Canada and I have to change my tires to snow ones..not to be caught in cold days changing it lol Great Video Mark now I did finish my Rex amabasador to premium mirror to perfection now I have to say it’s a smooth shaver Mark and I really enjoy it it’s a homage to Gibbs.. Now let me clearly say it I did reach to Razor Emporium and they didn’t change head design or anything it’s the same as it was….. Now we have Rex Ambasador and Rex Konsul kinda slant razor…. But of all well know razors in my Den I’m keeping Rex Ambasador that says it all..keep in mind As I like to say certain blade for certain “razors” this is fact but I could be wrong.. I’m waiting for my Old Spice Shoulton Mug Lid to arrive it’s really nice what they did isn’t it! B&M I enjoy that soap with Swiss Pitralon matches nive👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Cheers Alan H

[@FriendshipShaving]

Oh Alan, snow tyres already? No! I wouldn't like that, my friend. As beautiful as Canada is, you can keep your snow. Well, thank you for getting in touch with Razor Emporium; I have been convinced they did change the head design - I do not know where I read that, but it certainly made sense to me because I experienced such huge differences, on all settings, between the two Ambassador razors I tried. I know each blade behaves differently in certain razors, but surely not to that extent. I shall investigate further. All the best.

[@alanh8101]

Hi Mark Seems to me winter is coming early this year as temperatures fall below 5c so yeah I went with my gut feeling to change them in time and makes it easier than when it’s cold out there.. For Rex Amabasador I heard same what you mentioned but Matt from Razor Emporium said he made Zero Changes..my Rex Shaves smooth and nice no irritation at all… And your right surely blades behave different in certain razors to extent 100% But what I do is I cork my Blade edge 2x each side and handstrop 10x try it you’ll see difference at least I do!! Best Regards Alan H

[@CompetentSalesUSA]

Thank you

[@FriendshipShaving]

You're welcome

[@lesliefitzer2846]

Hi Mark just reading through the comments and noticed on on EDT. I am a Tarbac fan and recently decided to push the boat out and buy a Floris 89 soap as a very well regarded company that has been in existence for over 300 years and very British. Well I decided to do a side by side comparison and guess what ? If I had been blindfolded I would struggled to tell which was which. Floris 89 preceded Tabac by 8 years so made me think.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hi Leslie, now that is very interesting indeed. Nothing would surprise me in the world of perfumes and scents but I can't find any other 'internet' references to the similarity. You've git me curious now, mate. It's a good job you like Tabac 😁

[@BartBuzz]

The only Rex I have is the Ambassador. It is a quality-made adjustable razor and looks great. I don't shave with mine very often because it is too aggressive for my skin. I can't go above setting 1.5. So, it just doesn't work as an adjustable. When I discovered the Rockwell 6C, that "adjustable" razor was ideal for me. I liked it so much that I purchased the 6S. Ever since I've had no interest in looking for another brand or style. YMMV is what makes traditional wet shaving so interesting.

[@dappershaves]

have you tried a smoother blade? regards dapper shaves

[@BartBuzz]

@@dappershaves I have tried many different blades in all my safety razors. My 3 favorites are Nacet, Astra Green, and Wilkinson Sword (Gillette India). It's the blade feel (positive blade exposure) of the Rex that I don't like. I have tried riding the cap and that helps. But the Rex just doesn't give me a smooth shave. The 34C and Henson AL13 (mild) are my other smoothest DEs. Cheers!

[@FriendshipShaving]

Exactly so, it is such an interesting hobby, if one takes it that far. I can't understand how anyone finds the Ambassador a comfortable razor - however, Alan H really he'd out to Rex and according to Matt, there was no head design change! This far down the line, I can't remember where I got that information now, but it means I have had two wildly different shaves with two Ambassadors and I'm at a loss to explain the difference.

[@georgesilverhawkstrailcame2297]

Hey Mark, and nice work as always with this review. It is a nice looking razor, but I don't think I'd do well with this model. Because of my sensitivity on areas of my neck, I need a smoother shaver... even if it takes three passes because of my coarse beard. This shaving soap really sounds interesting... a nice mild sent that doesn't come out of the tub and "Slap You About" ... lol I had a good laugh over that one. I'm going to have to remember to use that. I prefer a lighter scented soap in most cases. Perhaps it makes them less likely to cause a reaction or give someone with asthma an issue. This sound nice, or warm and spice scents I like, or citrus scents. I recently received a sample of a new shaving soap from the maker on my handmade natural soaps.... it's a tropical fruit scented that is very pleasant. I liked the sample so much I just order three pucks. I agree with you assessment on the number of passes. A lot has to do with the razor and the blade, and getting to know the combination that you use. I have been shaving with my Gillette adjustable razor from the time I got my first from my father... I was 12 years old... 1972 on my birthday in October. I did also use a Schick Injector also when in collage and when traveling. To my point, I didn't shave with another razor until last October when I got my first Gillette Super Speed Flare Tip. For whatever reason I just wasn't interested in trying anything else... Gillette Fat Boy and Slim razors with Personna Bades, Gillette Blades if then didn't have Personna Blades. Now I'm trying different razors and blades, and there is a learning curve to get to know the new blade and razors... so blade simple don't work as well in different razors, and vice versa. So excellent point Mark... very important. Blessings and be safe. PS... TYPING ON MY COMPUTER AND BROKE MY GLASS.... please forgive any typing error... not seeing very well... 😵‍💫

[@FriendshipShaving]

Slap you about - I really do like that, George. It is a very good description; quite humorous, too. That soap has turned out to be a favourite, which has quite surprised me. Unlucky with the spectacles! I got a new pair that make me nauseous every time I put them on! The optician is coming back to the house. Fingers crossed, they'll get it right this time! All the best.

[@peterbudd44]

I loved the look and feel of my Rex Envoy . It felt very smooth to use and i thought i had found my Razor until i put some aftershave on ...my god , sting like you would'nt believe . I tried all kinds of blades and techniques but nothing helped . Soreness that lasted days. I had to sell it . Am finding Single Edge Razors give me close shaves without burn these days.

[@FriendshipShaving]

It does look and feel great but, even going with the grain, I'm not sure I would like to do three passes, not that I needed to, of course. Those days of soreness are horrible but a menthol cream helps. I'm all for burn free shaving 😁

[@lesliefitzer2846]

Hi Mark I own an Envoy and absolutely love it my favourite daily razor. I personally think of it as a mild razor and always do a 3 pass plus pickups shave. My favourite blades in the Envoy are Silver Blue, Nacet and Platinum light blue pack. I find it a very smooth comfortable razor and if I could only have one razor I would be delighted if it was the Envoy. So glad you pronounced it correctly I find it most irritating when our friends across the pond call it an onvoy. Keep well and keep safe.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hi Leslie. It's amusing to me, that you think of the Envoy as a mild razor - it just goes to show how different our preferences are, when it comes to wet shaving. Either that or you are as hard as nails and I am weak and worthless 😂 I have not heard it called an Onvoy before, thank goodness. Take good care.

[@lesliefitzer2846]

@@FriendshipShaving Mark I certainly don't think of you as weak and worthlessness. When I first had the Envoy I wondered if it would be to mild but I found with a sharpish blade it is excellent. It's obviously down to skin type. If you listen to the Yanks they say Onvoy. Keep well and keep safe.

[@robertmacmoneagle6917]

I see that this video is a year old Mark but I'm comforted that I didn't take advantage of a good price for an Envoy on UKWBST. Going by your review I would not have enjoyed using it at all.

[@FriendshipShaving]

Then, my job is done, Rob! I saved you money and prevented razor burn.😀

[@paulspeller968]

ooooo just for a moment i thought you were going to go for a pick up pass . and i was thinking don’t do it mate 😱😱😱😱 yes envoy is a pretty lively razor for sure but an excellent shaver just need to know when to say enough . i found it was always teetering on the edge of an over shave situation . great soap and i do love that brush

[@dappershaves]

never tried B&M but is sure looks great, regards dapper shaves

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hi Paul, my apologies mate - I am playing catch-up in the comments section.😁

[@adrian_V99]

Another socially-respectable two-pass, Mark. I've read articles where shaving with the grain alone is the way to go to avoid razor burn. They claim it takes 30 shaves until one gets it right or the whiskers grow out a certain direction. Whisker sharpness depends on whether the last pass was against or the grain with. Against renders them almost razor-sharp. I've yet to see anyone get a smooth shave with the grain only, and I thought I'd issue this fun challenge to several oresenters. I've same blades but am relieved to say all the Russian blades circulating in the west were already here before sanctions were imposed. My all-time favourites were Wilkinson Sword UK, but I haven't seen any for 20 years. I suspect the factory went the way of the Raleigh Bicycle Company in Nottingham. Go East young man?

[@dappershaves]

interesting observations, im a straight shaver, regards dapper shaves

[@adrian_V99]

@@dappershaves I've read straight edge razors yield very good results with the grain alone, but for neck area which requires ATG and actually cause less irritation, razor burn and no razor bumps. In great part due to the thickness of the blade and weight. I am speaking of a real trad. straight, not Shavettes, etc.

[@dappershaves]

@@adrian_V99 I essentially only shave ATG with a straight razor, no irritation. maybe I see you around. regards dapper shaves

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hi Adrian. I have not come across this information, thanks. In terms of the clean WTG only shave - challenge accepted! It will be interesting, but I suspect the result would depend on how thick and coarse a persons growth might be. I also think, perhaps due to KZbin that we have become a little fixated on being bbs. Just as an aside, if they made a Raleigh Chopper with an electric motor, for adults - I'd have one! 😀

[@adrian_V99]

@@FriendshipShaving Good day Mike. Thanks for accepting the challenge. Re the Raleigh , a topic very close to my heart. I followed the case when the union took Raleigh all the way up to House of Lords for shutting down Nottingham plant, putting over ten thousand workers out of work and relocating its manufacturing to the far East. Many were 6th- generation bike builders! Since then Raleigh bikes are not the same. I still ride my 1987 Canadian 12-speed Raleigh with standard Northroad handlebars.Nothing like the electroplated paint job.Cheers !

[@supernova2615]

I have been wet shaving for almost 3 years and realized that I can’t do more than 2 passes with the grain without getting irritation. So I prefer to shave daily with a mild razor and no more than two pases going north to south

[@FriendshipShaving]

Thank you for your affirmative comment. I learned to shave with a traditional razor from the internet, and sothen I did what everyone else did. It took me a really long time before I could go ATG and only with certain razors. I have seen the instruction to only shave with the grain on a few vintage razor instructions; perhaps, generally, we are too concerned with being bbs.

[@jaydengoodrem4426]

nice one

[@FriendshipShaving]

Thanks, Jayden. I haven't forgotten!😁

[@chrislj2890]

For affordable non-Russian blades I like the Derby Extra and the Dorco Titan and Prime. At least it's easier to avoid Russian products than it is to avoid Chinese made.

[@FriendshipShaving]

There are a lot of good Russian blades but thankfully the Indian blades are very easily got and there are blades from all over now. I do like Euromax blades - I hope they are not Russian! I shall have to have a look through my blade stock to seen which comes from where.

[@dappershaves]

wizamet super irridium are great blades, but I not buy russian blades again, regards dapper shaves

[@nickkambitis5340]

Blade gap .635mm. To convert inches to MM you multiply inches by 25.4 Great shave as always.

[@FriendshipShaving]

You are a marvel my friend. The amount of mathematics I have forgotten since school is quite worrying, smarter than a ten year old - probably not! 😂 Oh dear!

[@nickkambitis5340]

@@FriendshipShaving 🤣🤣

[@grantkokich6906]

Pear sounds a good fruity scent.

[@FriendshipShaving]

I really like this one, Grant. It smells of autumn and home cooking at the same time.

[@BetterEveryShave]

Hi Mark. I haven’t heard many others mention that they weren’t going to order more Russian blades but I wish they would agree. I don’t even necessarily want to use the ones that I have. Fortunately, there are so many other choices and my favorite is made elsewhere. Thanks for the video!

[@FriendshipShaving]

Hi Eric. I too still have quite a few to use up and, like you, I'm loathe to do so. I may end up throwing them away even though the money was spent a long while ago. I thought Gillette might pull out of Russia, but I've not heard of a global corporation yet that lets a war stand in the way of making a profit. The whole situation is an absolute tragedy.

[@Warren.I]

Hi, Mark. On use of blades, I am pleased to report that since the invasion of Ukraine I’ve learned to love several brands made in India: Willy’s, 7 o’clock blacks, and RKs. They suit me well. Smooth and more than sharp enough.

[@FriendshipShaving]

They are both nice blades, from India. I also like Willys, although I don't know where to get these, and Winners are great too. I'm sure there are many more. There are a few Gillette blades I will miss but perhaps they'll transfer production to another country.

[@Warren.I]

On Russian blades, I was visiting a UK web store and noticed that all and only Russian brands were flagged ["(RUS)"] to show the country of origin. That says it all. I believe Astras used to be Czech made, and with that in mind, I picked up a few tucks of Tatras and Tigers to try out. Haven't gotten to them yet. I think you may have used Tatras in the past. In fact I believe that's where I first learned that someone is still making blades there. I was wondering about Winners. Thanks. I think I bought my Willy's blades from Maggard Razors, but they're currently out. I can see they're not easy to find. As I recall, probably from a joke he made, Kevy used them once, so he may have a lead. I happened upon a UK ebay offering, though I don't know what the UK shipping fee would be. But here it is: www.ebay.com/itm/393243319165

[@royhadley686]

I concur with you regarding Astra blades: always my favourite, I will not be purchasing any more, unfortunately I have a stock of them. Have a safe weekend Mark

[@FriendshipShaving]

I have five, I think. They are so good and I do like the Gillette Platinum's but unless they are made elsewhere, they are gone for good. All the best, Roy.

[@dapperdave2865]

I’m with you on the Russian blades. The way blades have been changing or just not being made any more, (polsilver) I bought a lifetime supply of my favorites. The wife think I’m nuts,, well what’s new. Stay safe

[@dappershaves]

same here with russian blades, regards dapper shaves

[@FriendshipShaving]

I do like those vintage Polsilver and I wish I had bought a lifetimes supply of them, I am looking toward some Indian blades and may well buy 'a few'. They are often very reasonable.

[@ShaneC2788]

Totally agree I've stopped buying Russian blades too

[@FriendshipShaving]

Nice one Shane! Good man.👍