Looks like one of the first true advancements in safety razors. Thank you guys for pushing the envelope into new products. Now we need your version of a pre shave product. I love the white Proraso but I have faith in you
This razor continues to be the best DE I've ever used with my super tough beard and sensitive skin. I've now become so profficient with it that I do a 3 pass shave, with, against and then clean up on the highest setting it will go. I also only use Executive shaving oil which is a really fine concentrated liquid soap and nothing else. NO lather, nothing. It just mows through my hair and gives me a completely irritation free comfortable. For anyone with a tough beard on the fence, just buy it you will not be disappointed :)
Just bought this razor and best razor I have ever used for my skin. Little pricey but I believe it is worth it. Love the craftsmanship of it as well. Looks as good as it shaves.
I have the ambassador and the konsul. I like them both but the konsul gives me a better shave. Different blades also give a different shave. Inserting the blade is no big deal. You just have to make sure the head is engaged in the blade. The adjustment wheel on my konsul was really stiff at first but is now easy to turn after many shaves with it. It is an expensive razor but will never wear out. It's well built and well designed.
got myself proraso white preshave, tube cream and postshave balm while i was in Rome! did first shave with it yesterday after 8 days growth- good stuff!
My mistake with the Konsul and the Ambassador was doing a traditional three pass shave. I now do one pass with a "dialed back" touchup. With the Ambassador I do my first pass on 6 and it will cut through any amount of growth like butter. I can feel the blade more, but it is still smooth and I like it. I do touchups around 2.5. With the Konsul I do my first pass on a 4, that is all I can handle. It is smooth and I can't feel it slicing the hair. I do touchups at a 2. These are super efficient razors. Also, I find the Konsul more efficient which others don't believe it is. Setting four on the Konsul gives me a scary close shave. I love them both!
I have used a slant for many years, starting with the IKON, Merkur, Italian Barber, ATT, vintage.For my sensitive skin, I find the slant razor gives to best overall shave, with the least problems of skin irritation. As explained to me the concept of the rotational torque of the razor blade is to give the blade more rigidity and this less vibration during the cutting action. it has nothing to do with the blade being at a slight angle to the direction of the cut. The modern slant razors are better in the sense of safety than the vintage razors. I refer the traditional rotational torque clamp, just a personal preference, as this style seems to perform better on my face. the Solid bar also is m preference as it seems to provide more safety and less risk of accidental nicks or slices. My aim in my daily shave is a single pass, good grooming without causing more rash or abrasion. Thanks for Listening
Matt💈💈🪒👍👍 Great demo shave using the Konsul. I got mine right off the bat and like I said in my website review comment, I may never buy another razor! The Konsul is such a pleasure to use, the experience is just fantastic with smooth, efficient results. I have no problems myself loading the blade and the handle knurling is perfection. Now about the "long handle" version...😉 Thanks for the video and for making the Konsul. Enjoy!
Picked up your king R shave soap last month and I am absolutely in love with it. I was kicking myself in the rear that I didn't buy the aftershave along with it. Will be ordering it very soon. Keep up the great work!
Superb content and great feedback for us sensitive skin wetshaver's Matt. I will be purchasing a Konsul from you at some stage when the next batch is available. I recently bought my first Rex razor from Executive Shaving in the UK. The Envoy XL - I had THE best shave on Tuesday with it - It is the most superb best all round performance from a razor I have ever used (out of a modest collection of six razors) with a Gillette Seven O'Clock - Sharpedge Yellow. Which was a very pleasant surprise as that is quite a mild blade!
I agree with you about ego. For a long time I felt bad for not being able to use my Ambassador on every settings. But what I realized is I like how it shaves at 1.5. I get a close irritation-free shave at 1.5, so why would I bother with "forcing" myself to a bad shave because others uses it at 4 or 5? 1.5 for me is perfect!
When it comes to blade feel, the Envoy scared the shit out of me. I picked it up after alot of research but ultimately thought “how bad could it be?” Initially i hated it, i went from a very neutral blade to butchering my neck and i couldn’t work out why, i was close to sending it back, but i loved the quality so much and felt this really was a razor for the rest of my life, after a fortnight of perseverance i had dialled in my perfect shave, the blade feel is still there but once you know what you’re doing you can almost forget it’s there, great razor.
I have both the Envoy and the Ambassador, and love them! Setting 2 - 3 for me works perfectly fine. I’d love to try the Konsul as I’ve only heard good things, and really enjoy a shave with little to no blade feel. The problem being that supply in the UK seems non existent! I have my email out with UK stockists so hopefully I get lucky when supply is back…it’ll have to be a patience game I guess. I will most probably hold out for the XL too. The complete set is something I look forward to. Love your videos and presentations. I bought my first vintage razor last week, a Super Speed 1960, cannot wait to try that!
Executive Shaving in the UK have Rex Supply razors including the Konsul, I know it’s a year later but just wanted to let you know in case you missed it.
Yes and no. This razor is a victim of its own excellence. Super smooth at any level and so easy to use that someone new to DE shaving wouldn't have an issue using it. And there is the problem. No learning curve. You can pick it up and have a great shave without any technique requirement (apart from getting the angle right). It doesn't disconnect the user (razors that are so smooth that you are just going through the motions) but there's not much left for a shaving experience. Its the polar opposite to the Ambassador. This is only my own opinion of a razor that for me, is too perfect. Can't fault the build quality. Top notch.
Cheers from New Zealand. Always enjoy seeing your reviews and new products. Congrats on a getting this to market. Many don't appreciate what it takes from concept to delivery, well done!
Matt. You were spot on. Not going to lie. Didn't get on with the ambassador at all. Cut me to pieces. Tried for a year before selling. But I absolutely love the konsul and its not going anywhere. They are definitely two different experiences. Some will love the ambassador, some the konsul and some both.
Slant razors are my favorite with a feather,Kai, or nacet blades. If I’m not using a slant I use my O.r.en. Razor Occam’s razor with feather super blades. I have really sensitive skin and for me I find the really sharp blades do the best after my skin adjusts. The Konsul is very nice but I’ll have to save my money for it, but I’d recommend that as a gift for someone that could be passed down to the next generation.
Your RE Barbershop is my favorite of all barbershop scents. I have the soap and aftershave balm, and it is fantastic. It slightly edges out CaD, and I also rank it above B&M Seville and 345 Fresh Cut Fade. DJ makes some great soaps.
Not gonna lie shavers! Already have an ambassador, but I recently got a polished Konsul and I find myself reaching for that almost exclusively now. Yes, it's that good. I have prominent facial features I need to be careful of and heavy beard growth when I let it go any more than 3 days but with sensitive skin in most spots. I just can't explain the voodoo magic at work here and only barely believe it. Yes, it's that good and yes, it really does work! Thx guys and girls for delivering since I know you're a smaller operation doing passionate things with soap and razors. I'm keen to send my Ambassador for the same polish treatment because I feel that also makes a noticeable difference with the smoothness and ease of shaving whether shower-shaving or at the sink. Thx! I love it! And well, now I feel like I should try your barbershop line! Ha!
What makes my Konsul special is that it goes to 11 (a la Spinal Tap)!!! 🤣. I love my Konsul! Since going to it, my Ambassador and other razors just sit on the shelf. I actually like seeing the machine marks on my first edition as it proves it's hand machined. Like you, I live in the low numbers. 4 is first pass, then 2.5 and 1. Super smooth, no irritation. Totally worth it. I guess this ends my razor buying for actual shave purposes, now it would be to collect old razors just to own them. Seriously folks, if you can do it, this is an amazing, 'can't feel the blade unless you want to' razor. It also seems to like any blade I put in it.
Been using a Parker semi slant for a week now and i found the blade reveal to be very even. Yes, It's twisted but the blade maintains a constant exposed surface from one edge to another on both sides. I was actually pretty impressed by it having read the Parker brand QC issues online. IMO the even blade reveal is due to it being a "semi" slant. I'm not sure though please correct me if I'm wrong.
He purposely used his own products on his video and totally fanboyed. He’s a smart sales guy. Introduced a new razor without attacking the other one. He said it’s good to mix it up aka by both of the razors. Very smart.
Re the numbered dial, Matt, think of a Telecaster electric guitar which has no numbers on either the volume or tone knob, but one dials it in for one's individual tone.
As if my face were solid steel, the Konsul attaches like a magnet. I checked and I'm not adding additional pressure to the razor, it's instead a "squeegee effect". The Konsul is attached to the face while shaving, even more pronounced at setting 2.0 than at setting 1.5. Baby butt simple. 🤗 On brushes, I have 22mm and 24mmm synthetic brushes pony brown knots about $20 that work so much faster more efficient for face lathering than my expensive Simpson two-band and Manchurians. Maybe an advantage with badger when constructing a thick yogurt bowl lather, but that takes time. For a quick daily shave face lathering is only 8-10 rotations around the shave soap jar and onto the wet face for instant lather with synthetics. I can't make that happen with the badgers, they seem to wipe the lather off the face - go figure. lol 🤪
For my course stubble I love an aggressive razor and a blade so I use the highest setting on the Parker Felxi and also use a feather or a Gillette 7 o clock Black blade
Nice review and information Matt. Appreciate the continued improvement based on user feedback. Fixing the machine marks at this price point will go a long way for customers.
After watching this video and talking to DJ at your store, I really want one. However, I’ll probably wait until you have a long version, or better yet one with a butterfly (TTL) opening. Wish you had a trade-in or upgrade program, and I’d buy this one now.
That's a very interesting razor! The only thing that I would like to mention is that in the description of the ambassador I can see a table with the blade gap equivalent in mm with every number, but this description it's not available in the konsul (I know that with a slant the BG is not the same) but at least a reference with each number would be nice, thanks!
Finally using some Razor Emporium soap! Haha I really want the Konsul but when it was announced near Black Friday and the 25% couldn't be used for that I Opted for the Ambassador and I'm not disappointed at all with it although with all the talk and reviews about less blade feel I still want to get one eventually
Congratulations You've won the comment contest for this video. Please send Help@RazorEmporium.com your Name and Address and T-shirt Size and we will ship that out to you! Thank you - Dj@RazorEmporium
Thanks Matt for the excellent demonstration of the Konsul razor. I am anxiously awaiting this Friday to get my Konsul. I purchased it at the Phoenix Meet Up back in February. It has seemed like forever. Are you using the soap base that was given away at the meet up? I really liked how it performed. Take care and see you next Friday.
I cannot wait to get my hands on one of these. Hopefully it won't be too long till you fulfil Executive Shaving Company order and they are available again. Executive Shaving are the only stockists of it in the UK from what I've seen online. Great video Matt 👍🏻
Matt, I am a long time cartridge razor user who jumped into the world of double edged safety razors with both feet. Over the past few weeks I have purchased both the Konsul XL and the Ambassador XL. I appreciate you saying that you hold a slant razor in the same way as any other razor. I think I do this but I find that I really cut myself much more frequently when using the Konsul. I’m glad I bought both but I’m starting to be a little gun shy about using the Konsul unless I dial it in at 2 or less. No matter how subtle, is there any difference in the shaving technique i should be using between the Konsul and the Ambassador? Love both razors.
Love my new Konsul Gold, yet Derby Extras are tarnishing - rusting on top the gold finish. Any blade you guys can recommend to avoid this, yet still a smooth and not extremely sharp DE blade? Thank you : ) No Feather lol.
Oh man... now I want one. This will pair beautifully with a Feather blade! My only fear is that this thing only will last a year before I need a Safety Razor, is this made in USA?
Hi Matt, thanks for answering my previous question about a Konsul XL. Now, can you advise on how to shave under the nose with a slant razor? I don’t have a slant razor so it got me thinking. Maybe a video is due?
You can try pushing your nose out of the way, stretching your mouth to make the lip longer and easier to get to. You can also try going slightly sideways for and against the grain approach
Ahhhhh. So lower is more mild. I have an envoy and like it but this sounds more up my alley. The Sentry being a 4 may be a bit much then. Think I like the cleaner look of a non-adjustable but I think I can break that for this razor.
I just ordered a Konsul Slant from Razor Emporium website. What blades would you recommend with this? Or rather, I use Feather, Astra and Kai blades with my other razors (depending on my mood and which razor I'm using!). Would those work with the Konsul or should I get some other blade that is more optimized for this razor? Thanks.
Great video, Matt - love your presentation style as well as the content! Purchased the Ambassador and received it last week - it is absolutely phenomenal, thanks for a brilliant product. I use it to head shave and when used with Proraso shave cream and King C. Gillette blade, on setting 3 it’s the smoothest head shave I’ve ever had, closely followed by the Merkur Progress. I’ve never had a slant razor before - what is the Konsul like for head shaves? Thanks.
Thank you for the kind words and I'm happy to hear you're enjoying the ambassador. I can't comment on anything head shaving since I've never done it. Best to read around on the chat groups to see if you can find someone who's in your same position.
The only issue I have, is the price $349.00, I picked up an Wilkinson safety razor from Walmart for $30.00 with 5 blades. The blades are made in Germany and a pack of 5 razors lasted just about 1 year.
I wouldn't expect a razor that cheap to last as long as this, or very long at all really. That's the thing when you buy an expensive razor, you're buying something likely to last a very, very long time. And how the hell did you get 5 blades to last a year? 🤔
thanks for another great video, i really enjoy your outlook and attitude, your comments about things that are tangential to shaving are always interesting and enlightening... i must confess- i'm pretty lost regarding the combination of the different blades and the different settings on an adjustable blade. it feels like there are too many variables! how can i pick my "best" blade if there are multiple razor adjustments and vise versa? add to that equation the fact that there are different brushes and different soaps and i get frustrated and lost ( and nicked and razor-burned...)
Start with 1 thing at a time. Try to find the best blade in your existing razor. After that, experiment with different soaps. So on and so forth. 1 variable at a time
Hi this is my first time in the Double edge safety razor. I bought the Gillette king c safety razor and the merkur 34c. A bought and omega brush and a prorasso shaving soap with a pack of Derby extra De blades. What do you recommend for me as a beguinner . I dont know if im doing it Wright. I havent shave yet. Im a little scary. But im desperate to start using it.
Did someone change your water heater and not run all the air out of the lines or something? Maybe a filter change? If you got a new water heater/had it drained for maintenance and your faucet sounds like that. I would be very concerned that they didn’t properly fill the water heater before operation and might have possibly dry fired it as a result.
Awesome! Can't wait to get mine and give it a go! So i do have one question tho. I have the Envoy but not the Ambassador. I heard that the Envoy is close to a 3 on the Ambassador. Is that the same as the Konsul?
I’m new to Wetshaving and am looking to get my first DE razor. I currently have a supply SE I’ve been learning on but want to get either an ambassador or a konsul. Which do you recommend for some one brand new to a safety razor
@@RazorEmporium order number 103586!! I purchased the envoy and I can’t wait to try out my new goodies! Thank you for the recommendation and I will absolutely share my experience!
I just want to make sure i am loading the konsul correctly. If ii put the blade on and its not straight when i put the top part of the rtazer is does that move the blade into place? Then you just screw the bottom in?
@@RazorEmporium next time you use it on video can you so a closeup on load up/ Just want to be sure i am loading correctly first time for me loading this way. By the way this is a thing of beauty thank you
Does the current batch listed to release May 13th include the sandblasting underneath to remove the machining marks or only after this batch? That wasn’t perfectly clear. If not, do the plating options hide the machine marks?
Not sure if this would be the right place to ask: I’ve been using the Henson Razors (both mild and medium) and loved both of them due to the neutral blade feel for a while now. Given what I’ve read and heard about the this razor, do you think the Konsul is worth grabbing?
Hi Matt! I am not an adjustable guy; I like 2 and 3 piece razors. I did purchase the Envoy and don't use it much because of the positive blade feel. So... is there any plan to do a 3 piece version of the Konsul, which seems more up my alley? I bet it would be popular! 😀
I've been wet shaving since ~2015. I have soft skin and thick/coarse hair follicles ("Viking beard" says my first straight razor barbershop shave barber, as he puts his thumb up to represent my hair, vs. a pinky or thinner finger for an average follicle), and I'm just now hearing about slants for coarse haired sensitive skin folks!? It seemed such an aggressive style razor that required advanced executed techniques! Ugh.
I wonder is there some wobbling around the guard when you dial up to 5 or 6? cause it is supported by a spring. And again I would have some concern about the deterioration of spring after years of shaving.
The mechanism relies on many points of contact, including the spring. But the spring is not all there is to keep it straight. The spring is made of stainless steel so it should not deteriorate anymore than the razor.
Any chance of this being brought to the UK!? I don’t mind my Merkur 37C but I hate blade tabs not being covered. My As-D2 is almost too mild and requires a lot of passes again and again for a smooth finish which causes unnecessary irritation.
@@RazorEmporium lol local retailers don’t listen to us consumers. No “the customer is always right” policy over here on this side of the pond! Any chance to import?
@@Bungle2010 The problem is cost. UK is going through cost of living crisis at the moment and most users are all about the bottom end of the DE razors.
Sure it should be a good razor. But I think your margins should also be quite high 🙂 It should be because there are not many competitors in this category (I mean well machined stainless steel adjustable razors). I just hope the other compatitors do their work in this area as well, so that we customers can get more reasonable prices.
My margins are traditional keystone. The fact that there isn't anyone else making something like this after nearly 2.5 years on the market should tell you how easy it is to pull off.
@@RazorEmporium no, not aggression per se... Not even blade feel, really. I just find that OCs cut my beard more comfortably and with what seems like less effort... Not all OCs work out well for me. Some are downright unpleasant. However, when blade exposure is regulated properly even substantial blade gap yields a smooth shaving experience... Honestly, I think there is a lot to be said for the lather passing through the open comb to provide lubrication. I would definitely purchase an OC base plate if one was offered.
@@RazorEmporium I usually wait three or four days between shaves because anything more frequent causes too much irritation. But with a tougher beard this can be problematic I find. But the OC allows both lather and beard to freely pass through the guard to shear the hair off right at skin level letting me get away with fewer passes, and greater comfort. Thanks for considering my suggestion 😊
I was very disappointed with the Ambassador. The quality was great, but I felt that it was way too aggressive and I was nicked all over. I have sensitive skin, which is why I switched to DE Razors several years ago in the first place. Due to my sensitive skin, I wont use things like feather blades and and the like that are more on the aggressive side. I do want to try this razor, but am hesitant given my last experience with the Ambassador. That's a lot of money to drop on a non-returnable item.
Who said anything about it being non-returnable? We don't want you to have a razor you don't like. Buy it from us and if you don't like it, we're happy to give your money back. This razor is the opposite of the ambassador.
@@RazorEmporium thank you for the response. It's been a while, but I think I bought the ambassador from a secondary retailer. Anyhow, the policy with 10% restocking fee for your site is understandable and I think I will give Rex another shot. Thanks again for the reply.
Hey Matt, awesome video and congrats on the success of the Konsul 😃. I will be sure to get myself one later this year. Even though I can’t decide between the standard machined finish or deluxe rhodium 😆, would the rhodium offer a bit better glide than the machined version? Thanks for all your videos & this Konsul looks amazing!
I have used extremely slanted razors. It’s not all fun. One edge is super aggressive one side is super mild. It’s pretty bad. U would want something with a mild slant or it’s going to mess with blade exposure too much.
@@RazorEmporium I did a review of the envoy and although the exposure was a,axing he blade gap was so mild it struggled with everything. The video is on here.. such a nice razor.. jsut a shame it isn’t useable due to the blade gap being so mild. I find it struggling with even long ish stubble.
Great video and I love my Konsul. However, I'm so over the "fanboy" term used as a derogatory. It's so juvenile for grown men to one judge another man and then a display of immaturity, weakness and insecurity to verbally apply a derogatory term. I'll step down off my fanboy box now. Keep up Great work guys!
@@steveboyd3455 correct it used to mean that, but now it's being used as a derogatory. Fanboy is often used as an insult these days. To be a "fanboy" now means that you like a company/product so much that your opinion is jaded and thereby invalid. Hope this makes sense.
@@steveboyd3455 it's what Matt was hinting at when he used the term the way he did. That people would call him a fanboy, meaning that his opinion of Rex Supply is invalid because he loves Rex so much that his opinion is invalid because he can't seperate his emotions from critical thinking. That's what and how people would use the term against Matt, and they do everytime he gives his opinion on a Konsul etc. Haters are going to hate, children will always be children. I was just saying I'm over the use of the word in that context.
That sounds like the razor for me: sensitive skin with thick whiskers, and it’s adjustable. Anybody want to get me an early birthday present lol? Never tried a slant so that would be interesting.
Looks like one of the first true advancements in safety razors. Thank you guys for pushing the envelope into new products. Now we need your version of a pre shave product. I love the white Proraso but I have faith in you
This razor continues to be the best DE I've ever used with my super tough beard and sensitive skin. I've now become so profficient with it that I do a 3 pass shave, with, against and then clean up on the highest setting it will go. I also only use Executive shaving oil which is a really fine concentrated liquid soap and nothing else. NO lather, nothing. It just mows through my hair and gives me a completely irritation free comfortable. For anyone with a tough beard on the fence, just buy it you will not be disappointed :)
I can totally relate to you as I have a thick beard and sensitive skin. I’m going give this a try. Which DE blade do you use?
Just bought this razor and best razor I have ever used for my skin. Little pricey but I believe it is worth it. Love the craftsmanship of it as well. Looks as good as it shaves.
I have the ambassador and the konsul. I like them both but the konsul gives me a better shave. Different blades also give a different shave. Inserting the blade is no big deal. You just have to make sure the head is engaged in the blade. The adjustment wheel on my konsul was really stiff at first but is now easy to turn after many shaves with it. It is an expensive razor but will never wear out. It's well built and well designed.
Gorgeous razor Matt! Maybe Santa will be kind to me someday down the road. I love the look of those Rex razors!
got myself proraso white preshave, tube cream and postshave balm while i was in Rome! did first shave with it yesterday after 8 days growth- good stuff!
Just now May 2024 grabbed a Konsul in Rhodium be here next week - hope it's ok. : )
My mistake with the Konsul and the Ambassador was doing a traditional three pass shave. I now do one pass with a "dialed back" touchup. With the Ambassador I do my first pass on 6 and it will cut through any amount of growth like butter. I can feel the blade more, but it is still smooth and I like it. I do touchups around 2.5. With the Konsul I do my first pass on a 4, that is all I can handle. It is smooth and I can't feel it slicing the hair. I do touchups at a 2. These are super efficient razors. Also, I find the Konsul more efficient which others don't believe it is. Setting four on the Konsul gives me a scary close shave. I love them both!
I have used a slant for many years, starting with the IKON, Merkur, Italian Barber, ATT, vintage.For my sensitive skin, I find the slant razor gives to best overall shave, with the least problems of skin irritation. As explained to me the concept of the rotational torque of the razor blade is to give the blade more rigidity and this less vibration during the cutting action. it has nothing to do with the blade being at a slight angle to the direction of the cut. The modern slant razors are better in the sense of safety than the vintage razors. I refer the traditional rotational torque clamp, just a personal preference, as this style seems to perform better on my face. the Solid bar also is m preference as it seems to provide more safety and less risk of accidental nicks or slices. My aim in my daily shave is a single pass, good grooming without causing more rash or abrasion. Thanks for Listening
Got my first slim adjustable and absolutely loved it so seeing it with a slant peaks my interest lol
I love my Slim Adjustable, too. Much more than my Fat Boy!
Matt💈💈🪒👍👍 Great demo shave using the Konsul. I got mine right off the bat and like I said in my website review comment, I may never buy another razor! The Konsul is such a pleasure to use, the experience is just fantastic with smooth, efficient results. I have no problems myself loading the blade and the handle knurling is perfection. Now about the "long handle" version...😉 Thanks for the video and for making the Konsul. Enjoy!
Great demo Matt, I want to see more of RE products showcased! I think the air in the waterlines made for some humor:)
Picked up your king R shave soap last month and I am absolutely in love with it. I was kicking myself in the rear that I didn't buy the aftershave along with it. Will be ordering it very soon. Keep up the great work!
thanks for showing how to load. I have been using it since it's release, and had trouble with the loading. So thanks for that!
Just received my Konsul and was very impressed with my first shave. Looking forward to many more.
Superb content and great feedback for us sensitive skin wetshaver's Matt. I will be purchasing a Konsul from you at some stage when the next batch is available. I recently bought my first Rex razor from Executive Shaving in the UK. The Envoy XL - I had THE best shave on Tuesday with it - It is the most superb best all round performance from a razor I have ever used (out of a modest collection of six razors) with a Gillette Seven O'Clock - Sharpedge Yellow. Which was a very pleasant surprise as that is quite a mild blade!
I agree with you about ego. For a long time I felt bad for not being able to use my Ambassador on every settings. But what I realized is I like how it shaves at 1.5. I get a close irritation-free shave at 1.5, so why would I bother with "forcing" myself to a bad shave because others uses it at 4 or 5? 1.5 for me is perfect!
When it comes to blade feel, the Envoy scared the shit out of me. I picked it up after alot of research but ultimately thought “how bad could it be?” Initially i hated it, i went from a very neutral blade to butchering my neck and i couldn’t work out why, i was close to sending it back, but i loved the quality so much and felt this really was a razor for the rest of my life, after a fortnight of perseverance i had dialled in my perfect shave, the blade feel is still there but once you know what you’re doing you can almost forget it’s there, great razor.
I have both the Envoy and the Ambassador, and love them! Setting 2 - 3 for me works perfectly fine. I’d love to try the Konsul as I’ve only heard good things, and really enjoy a shave with little to no blade feel. The problem being that supply in the UK seems non existent! I have my email out with UK stockists so hopefully I get lucky when supply is back…it’ll have to be a patience game I guess. I will most probably hold out for the XL too. The complete set is something I look forward to.
Love your videos and presentations. I bought my first vintage razor last week, a Super Speed 1960, cannot wait to try that!
Executive Shaving in the UK have Rex Supply razors including the Konsul, I know it’s a year later but just wanted to let you know in case you missed it.
Yes and no.
This razor is a victim of its own excellence.
Super smooth at any level and so easy to use that someone new to DE shaving wouldn't have an issue using it.
And there is the problem. No learning curve.
You can pick it up and have a great shave without any technique requirement (apart from getting the angle right).
It doesn't disconnect the user (razors that are so smooth that you are just going through the motions) but there's not much left for a shaving experience.
Its the polar opposite to the Ambassador.
This is only my own opinion of a razor that for me, is too perfect.
Can't fault the build quality. Top notch.
Cheers from New Zealand. Always enjoy seeing your reviews and new products. Congrats on a getting this to market. Many don't appreciate what it takes from concept to delivery, well done!
On a semi related note… I’m moving to NZ shortly, how do you find sourcing razors/blades/ soaps etc… in NZ?
@@gityerkneedahn FineShave in Auckland are awesome to deal with. They import many excellent brands
Matt. You were spot on. Not going to lie. Didn't get on with the ambassador at all. Cut me to pieces. Tried for a year before selling. But I absolutely love the konsul and its not going anywhere. They are definitely two different experiences. Some will love the ambassador, some the konsul and some both.
Happy to hear! Thx :)
Slant razors are my favorite with a feather,Kai, or nacet blades. If I’m not using a slant I use my O.r.en. Razor Occam’s razor with feather super blades. I have really sensitive skin and for me I find the really sharp blades do the best after my skin adjusts. The Konsul is very nice but I’ll have to save my money for it, but I’d recommend that as a gift for someone that could be passed down to the next generation.
Just got my Ambassador XL. The Konsul is definitely on my next razor list.
Loving this razor! Shaved today all passes in setting 1 with a newer polsilver blade. Had zero weepers, creepers, and no feedback from my alum block.
Your RE Barbershop is my favorite of all barbershop scents. I have the soap and aftershave balm, and it is fantastic. It slightly edges out CaD, and I also rank it above B&M Seville and 345 Fresh Cut Fade. DJ makes some great soaps.
Not gonna lie shavers! Already have an ambassador, but I recently got a polished Konsul and I find myself reaching for that almost exclusively now. Yes, it's that good. I have prominent facial features I need to be careful of and heavy beard growth when I let it go any more than 3 days but with sensitive skin in most spots. I just can't explain the voodoo magic at work here and only barely believe it. Yes, it's that good and yes, it really does work! Thx guys and girls for delivering since I know you're a smaller operation doing passionate things with soap and razors. I'm keen to send my Ambassador for the same polish treatment because I feel that also makes a noticeable difference with the smoothness and ease of shaving whether shower-shaving or at the sink. Thx! I love it! And well, now I feel like I should try your barbershop line! Ha!
What makes my Konsul special is that it goes to 11 (a la Spinal Tap)!!! 🤣. I love my Konsul! Since going to it, my Ambassador and other razors just sit on the shelf. I actually like seeing the machine marks on my first edition as it proves it's hand machined. Like you, I live in the low numbers. 4 is first pass, then 2.5 and 1. Super smooth, no irritation. Totally worth it. I guess this ends my razor buying for actual shave purposes, now it would be to collect old razors just to own them.
Seriously folks, if you can do it, this is an amazing, 'can't feel the blade unless you want to' razor. It also seems to like any blade I put in it.
Great to hear and thanks for being such a fantastic Ambassador for the Konsul :)
Been using a Parker semi slant for a week now and i found the blade reveal to be very even. Yes, It's twisted but the blade maintains a constant exposed surface from one edge to another on both sides. I was actually pretty impressed by it having read the Parker brand QC issues online. IMO the even blade reveal is due to it being a "semi" slant. I'm not sure though please correct me if I'm wrong.
He purposely used his own products on his video and totally fanboyed. He’s a smart sales guy. Introduced a new razor without attacking the other one. He said it’s good to mix it up aka by both of the razors. Very smart.
I keep looking and my interest is growing to purchase one!
Always a great video, thanks Matt! I’m thinking I’ll be picking up some of the barbershop shave soap in my next order… 😁
Re the numbered dial, Matt, think of a Telecaster electric guitar which has no numbers on either the volume or tone knob, but one dials it in for one's individual tone.
Great video Matt. Congratulations on your latest razor release! Keep up the good work!
As always a great video, thank you.
Merry Christmas 🎄.
Just got the tracking # for my Kosul! Love the Ambassador but definitely looking forward to using the Konsul.
As if my face were solid steel, the Konsul attaches like a magnet. I checked and I'm not adding additional pressure to the razor, it's instead a "squeegee effect". The Konsul is attached to the face while shaving, even more pronounced at setting 2.0 than at setting 1.5.
Baby butt simple. 🤗
On brushes, I have 22mm and 24mmm synthetic brushes pony brown knots about $20 that work so much faster more efficient for face lathering than my expensive Simpson two-band and Manchurians.
Maybe an advantage with badger when constructing a thick yogurt bowl lather, but that takes time. For a quick daily shave face lathering is only 8-10 rotations around the shave soap jar and onto the wet face for instant lather with synthetics. I can't make that happen with the badgers, they seem to wipe the lather off the face - go figure. lol 🤪
For my course stubble I love an aggressive razor and a blade so I use the highest setting on the Parker Felxi and also use a feather or a Gillette 7 o clock Black blade
Nice review and information Matt. Appreciate the continued improvement based on user feedback. Fixing the machine marks at this price point will go a long way for customers.
Hi Matt ya tough it was hard to load the blade but looking at your video looks easy.
It is.
After watching this video and talking to DJ at your store, I really want one. However, I’ll probably wait until you have a long version, or better yet one with a butterfly (TTL) opening. Wish you had a trade-in or upgrade program, and I’d buy this one now.
That's a very interesting razor! The only thing that I would like to mention is that in the description of the ambassador I can see a table with the blade gap equivalent in mm with every number, but this description it's not available in the konsul (I know that with a slant the BG is not the same) but at least a reference with each number would be nice, thanks!
I wish the slant style (ie. more rounded top cap) was available for the Ambassador.
The geometry of the top cap is relational to how the blade has to be held down.
Finally using some Razor Emporium soap! Haha I really want the Konsul but when it was announced near Black Friday and the 25% couldn't be used for that I Opted for the Ambassador and I'm not disappointed at all with it although with all the talk and reviews about less blade feel I still want to get one eventually
Congratulations You've won the comment contest for this video. Please send Help@RazorEmporium.com your Name and Address and T-shirt Size and we will ship that out to you! Thank you - Dj@RazorEmporium
@@RazorEmporium woohoo!!! Super excited 😄
If I shave 🪒 every 2 days, should I shave with the grain?
Darn, I hate this video! Matt you are going to get me to buy another Rex Razor! Adding the Konsul to my collection.
iKon shavecraft tech, r41, anything proraso or fine accoutrements ... Buy one buy all they're great
Thanks Matt for the excellent demonstration of the Konsul razor. I am anxiously awaiting this Friday to get my Konsul. I purchased it at the Phoenix Meet Up back in February. It has seemed like forever.
Are you using the soap base that was given away at the meet up? I really liked how it performed.
Take care and see you next Friday.
No this is the standard razor emporium soap base
I cannot wait to get my hands on one of these. Hopefully it won't be too long till you fulfil Executive Shaving Company order and they are available again. Executive Shaving are the only stockists of it in the UK from what I've seen online. Great video Matt 👍🏻
Matt, I am a long time cartridge razor user who jumped into the world of double edged safety razors with both feet. Over the past few weeks I have purchased both the Konsul XL and the Ambassador XL. I appreciate you saying that you hold a slant razor in the same way as any other razor. I think I do this but I find that I really cut myself much more frequently when using the Konsul. I’m glad I bought both but I’m starting to be a little gun shy about using the Konsul unless I dial it in at 2 or less. No matter how subtle, is there any difference in the shaving technique i should be using between the Konsul and the Ambassador? Love both razors.
Do you have it loaded properly? When viewed from the short side of the head, the cap and blade tray should nearly be touching.
Well, I think I do have it loaded properly but I will check tomorrow morning. Thank you.
Glad to see you shilling!! 😁. That soap is good stuff.
Great looking Razor!
Love my new Konsul Gold, yet Derby Extras are tarnishing - rusting on top the gold finish. Any blade you guys can recommend to avoid this, yet still a smooth and not extremely sharp DE blade? Thank you : )
No Feather lol.
Take the blade out after use. All blades will leave tea stains.
Oh man... now I want one. This will pair beautifully with a Feather blade!
My only fear is that this thing only will last a year before I need a Safety Razor, is this made in USA?
Yes
Hi Matt, thanks for answering my previous question about a Konsul XL. Now, can you advise on how to shave under the nose with a slant razor? I don’t have a slant razor so it got me thinking. Maybe a video is due?
You can try pushing your nose out of the way, stretching your mouth to make the lip longer and easier to get to. You can also try going slightly sideways for and against the grain approach
Id be interested to know how it does with head shaving
Ahhhhh. So lower is more mild. I have an envoy and like it but this sounds more up my alley. The Sentry being a 4 may be a bit much then. Think I like the cleaner look of a non-adjustable but I think I can break that for this razor.
I just ordered a Konsul Slant from Razor Emporium website. What blades would you recommend with this? Or rather, I use Feather, Astra and Kai blades with my other razors (depending on my mood and which razor I'm using!). Would those work with the Konsul or should I get some other blade that is more optimized for this razor? Thanks.
Permasharp. Accuforge
Very nice looking razor.
Great video, Matt - love your presentation style as well as the content! Purchased the Ambassador and received it last week - it is absolutely phenomenal, thanks for a brilliant product. I use it to head shave and when used with Proraso shave cream and King C. Gillette blade, on setting 3 it’s the smoothest head shave I’ve ever had, closely followed by the Merkur Progress. I’ve never had a slant razor before - what is the Konsul like for head shaves? Thanks.
Thank you for the kind words and I'm happy to hear you're enjoying the ambassador. I can't comment on anything head shaving since I've never done it. Best to read around on the chat groups to see if you can find someone who's in your same position.
The only issue I have, is the price $349.00, I picked up an Wilkinson safety razor from Walmart for $30.00 with 5 blades. The blades are made in Germany and a pack of 5 razors lasted just about 1 year.
I wouldn't expect a razor that cheap to last as long as this, or very long at all really. That's the thing when you buy an expensive razor, you're buying something likely to last a very, very long time. And how the hell did you get 5 blades to last a year? 🤔
5 blades to last 1 year?
thanks for another great video, i really enjoy your outlook and attitude, your comments about things that are tangential to shaving are always interesting and enlightening... i must confess- i'm pretty lost regarding the combination of the different blades and the different settings on an adjustable blade. it feels like there are too many variables! how can i pick my "best" blade if there are multiple razor adjustments and vise versa? add to that equation the fact that there are different brushes and different soaps and i get frustrated and lost ( and nicked and razor-burned...)
Start with 1 thing at a time. Try to find the best blade in your existing razor. After that, experiment with different soaps. So on and so forth. 1 variable at a time
Hi this is my first time in the Double edge safety razor. I bought the Gillette king c safety razor and the merkur 34c. A bought and omega brush and a prorasso shaving soap with a pack of Derby extra De blades. What do you recommend for me as a beguinner . I dont know if im doing it Wright. I havent shave yet. Im a little scary. But im desperate to start using it.
Take your time. Experiment. Listen to your face not what you read online. Have fun.
Did someone change your water heater and not run all the air out of the lines or something? Maybe a filter change? If you got a new water heater/had it drained for maintenance and your faucet sounds like that. I would be very concerned that they didn’t properly fill the water heater before operation and might have possibly dry fired it as a result.
Matt ,
Great video
I've been using the Muhle R89 for years and thinking about a change. Would the slant bar offer a fresher experience than the embassador?
Thank you.
Awesome! Can't wait to get mine and give it a go! So i do have one question tho. I have the Envoy but not the Ambassador. I heard that the Envoy is close to a 3 on the Ambassador. Is that the same as the Konsul?
It's apples to oranges.
@@RazorEmporium ok, thank you! 😁👍🏼
Nice vid Matt! The Konsul is #1 on my short list of razors to buy. Question: is the one in your shave the standard option, or the polished? Thanks!
Standard
Was it gentler than the Supply Razor?
Yes
Have you made any changes on the top cap since release?
(I have Konsul nr 1342653. )
🙏Thanks for another awesome review ☀️
I think your serial has an S second to last character. The alignment tabs are a tiny bit longer now.
@@RazorEmporium ok, what difference does it make and is it possible to change (or is it even worth to change it)?
…and yes, it’s a S second to last character😊
I’m new to Wetshaving and am looking to get my first DE razor. I currently have a supply SE I’ve been learning on but want to get either an ambassador or a konsul. Which do you recommend for some one brand new to a safety razor
Envoy :)
@@RazorEmporium order number 103586!! I purchased the envoy and I can’t wait to try out my new goodies! Thank you for the recommendation and I will absolutely share my experience!
I just want to make sure i am loading the konsul correctly. If ii put the blade on and its not straight when i put the top part of the rtazer is does that move the blade into place? Then you just screw the bottom in?
Put the blade on the cap if there's an issue.
@@RazorEmporium next time you use it on video can you so a closeup on load up/ Just want to be sure i am loading correctly first time for me loading this way.
By the way this is a thing of beauty thank you
Does the current batch listed to release May 13th include the sandblasting underneath to remove the machining marks or only after this batch? That wasn’t perfectly clear. If not, do the plating options hide the machine marks?
Yes current match is blasted. No plating wouldn't hide this nor any mark of any kind.
Which is the best blade to use with Konsul ?
Try a perma-sharp or personna red
Personna Red are difficult to find in Italy.
Not sure if this would be the right place to ask: I’ve been using the Henson Razors (both mild and medium) and loved both of them due to the neutral blade feel for a while now. Given what I’ve read and heard about the this razor, do you think the Konsul is worth grabbing?
If you want to be able to turn up and down efficiency, yes
a lil way to lock the blade would be sooooooo amazing
What do you mean?
@@RazorEmporium like a way to keep the fresh blade in place when replacing it due to it moving sometimes.
Hi Matt! I am not an adjustable guy; I like 2 and 3 piece razors. I did purchase the Envoy and don't use it much because of the positive blade feel. So... is there any plan to do a 3 piece version of the Konsul, which seems more up my alley? I bet it would be popular! 😀
Yes
I think they released it today
thanks @@georgewashington3012
I bought the Razor Emporium Shavette and I was wondering what DE blades does it use?
Any de blade snapped in half.
Thank you
I've been wet shaving since ~2015. I have soft skin and thick/coarse hair follicles ("Viking beard" says my first straight razor barbershop shave barber, as he puts his thumb up to represent my hair, vs. a pinky or thinner finger for an average follicle), and I'm just now hearing about slants for coarse haired sensitive skin folks!? It seemed such an aggressive style razor that required advanced executed techniques! Ugh.
I wonder is there some wobbling around the guard when you dial up to 5 or 6? cause it is supported by a spring. And again I would have some concern about the deterioration of spring after years of shaving.
The mechanism relies on many points of contact, including the spring. But the spring is not all there is to keep it straight. The spring is made of stainless steel so it should not deteriorate anymore than the razor.
You say to hold it the same way you would hold any other DE razor, but wouldn't that leave you with slanted sideburns?
Well that's the one thing you'll have to adjust for.
Can this be used both left and right handed? Is the method the same for both hands?
Yes and yes
@RazorEmporium oh ok thank you for the quick response, one more quick question. Can this be good for shaving the entire head as well?
Any chance of this being brought to the UK!? I don’t mind my Merkur 37C but I hate blade tabs not being covered. My As-D2 is almost too mild and requires a lot of passes again and again for a smooth finish which causes unnecessary irritation.
Ask your local retailer to carry it :) we don't "send them out" they have to order from us.
@@RazorEmporium lol local retailers don’t listen to us consumers. No “the customer is always right” policy over here on this side of the pond! Any chance to import?
@@kwl189 There needs to be a demand. If enough people say they want to buy one they'll get them in.
@@Bungle2010 The problem is cost. UK is going through cost of living crisis at the moment and most users are all about the bottom end of the DE razors.
they may look broken but they work flawesly :-2
Hello Matt. Hope you are doing well.
Just want to ask if you are going to have this safety razor with longer handle?
Yes
Thanks for the update 🍻
@@RazorEmporium BTW can you please make a video using Deco shaving brush from your company? Because i can't find any video on TH-cam with that brush.
Someday……..someday, this razor will be mine.
It looks awesome, and I want it:)
Are both sides slanted? Or is it one side slant and flat the other?
Both slanted.
@@RazorEmporium thanks!
Great review, Matt! I love my Konsul… wins my design and performance excellence award! #unclegaryapproved
I find the blades difficult to load and keep the edges in a straight line
I think those of us with arthritis have difficulty with the blade because hooks don’t seem to hold while loading
Sure it should be a good razor. But I think your margins should also be quite high 🙂
It should be because there are not many competitors in this category (I mean well machined stainless steel adjustable razors).
I just hope the other compatitors do their work in this area as well, so that we customers can get more reasonable prices.
My margins are traditional keystone. The fact that there isn't anyone else making something like this after nearly 2.5 years on the market should tell you how easy it is to pull off.
Open comb base plate for the Envoy?
Would the aim be more aggressive?
@@RazorEmporium no, not aggression per se... Not even blade feel, really. I just find that OCs cut my beard more comfortably and with what seems like less effort...
Not all OCs work out well for me. Some are downright unpleasant. However, when blade exposure is regulated properly even substantial blade gap yields a smooth shaving experience...
Honestly, I think there is a lot to be said for the lather passing through the open comb to provide lubrication. I would definitely purchase an OC base plate if one was offered.
@@RazorEmporium I usually wait three or four days between shaves because anything more frequent causes too much irritation.
But with a tougher beard this can be problematic I find. But the OC allows both lather and beard to freely pass through the guard to shear the hair off right at skin level letting me get away with fewer passes, and greater comfort.
Thanks for considering my suggestion 😊
The razor rock german 37 slant is dirty cheap on Europe, around 20-30€ and works flawesly to me
I was very disappointed with the Ambassador. The quality was great, but I felt that it was way too aggressive and I was nicked all over. I have sensitive skin, which is why I switched to DE Razors several years ago in the first place. Due to my sensitive skin, I wont use things like feather blades and and the like that are more on the aggressive side. I do want to try this razor, but am hesitant given my last experience with the Ambassador. That's a lot of money to drop on a non-returnable item.
Who said anything about it being non-returnable? We don't want you to have a razor you don't like. Buy it from us and if you don't like it, we're happy to give your money back. This razor is the opposite of the ambassador.
@@RazorEmporium thank you for the response. It's been a while, but I think I bought the ambassador from a secondary retailer. Anyhow, the policy with 10% restocking fee for your site is understandable and I think I will give Rex another shot. Thanks again for the reply.
This video bugged, no sound ;(
Hey Matt, awesome video and congrats on the success of the Konsul 😃. I will be sure to get myself one later this year. Even though I can’t decide between the standard machined finish or deluxe rhodium 😆, would the rhodium offer a bit better glide than the machined version?
Thanks for all your videos & this Konsul looks amazing!
Maybe slightly but most of the glide comes from guard shape and relationship to the blade.
@@RazorEmporium thanks for the reply & info 👍🏼.
Is it just me, or is the video missing its sound?
I have used extremely slanted razors. It’s not all fun. One edge is super aggressive one side is super mild. It’s pretty bad. U would want something with a mild slant or it’s going to mess with blade exposure too much.
Right. That's what we achieved :)
@@RazorEmporium I did a review of the envoy and although the exposure was a,axing he blade gap was so mild it struggled with everything. The video is on here.. such a nice razor.. jsut a shame it isn’t useable due to the blade gap being so mild. I find it struggling with even long ish stubble.
Great video and I love my Konsul. However, I'm so over the "fanboy" term used as a derogatory. It's so juvenile for grown men to one judge another man and then a display of immaturity, weakness and insecurity to verbally apply a derogatory term. I'll step down off my fanboy box now. Keep up Great work guys!
I guess I misunderstood but I always thought 'fanboy' just mean you liked something. I am for example a Zingari Man soap fanboy.
@@steveboyd3455 correct it used to mean that, but now it's being used as a derogatory. Fanboy is often used as an insult these days. To be a "fanboy" now means that you like a company/product so much that your opinion is jaded and thereby invalid. Hope this makes sense.
@@Tobins_throwbacks Gotcha. So I perhaps should not call myself a fanboy anymore I guess! 🤪
@@steveboyd3455 it's what Matt was hinting at when he used the term the way he did. That people would call him a fanboy, meaning that his opinion of Rex Supply is invalid because he loves Rex so much that his opinion is invalid because he can't seperate his emotions from critical thinking. That's what and how people would use the term against Matt, and they do everytime he gives his opinion on a Konsul etc. Haters are going to hate, children will always be children. I was just saying I'm over the use of the word in that context.
@@Tobins_throwbacks Yep I see. Hey while we are chatting I like your videos Tobin. Fun to see the outdoor settings. Have a great day.
That sounds like the razor for me: sensitive skin with thick whiskers, and it’s adjustable. Anybody want to get me an early birthday present lol? Never tried a slant so that would be interesting.
I tried a parker slant when I first started DE shaving and it was horrible and painful. The Konsul slant razor is really smooth.
@@chewbacca7856 thanks, that is good to know.
Nice razor and it cuts great
Can you cut the price, too? Thanks
Not if you want it to be made the way it is.