Atelier Durdan N°7 razor pass around.....

Before jumping the gun, perhaps consider the possible language barrier and/or the business customs in the country in which an artisan operates. Perhaps Augustin‘s first thought was to get the razor back for inspection and to solve the matter of reimbursement (including postage) later. Innocent until proven guilty, no?

In the interest of transparency his first response was to justify it. His second response was to inform me return cost is my responsibility. No one needs to be outraged for me. Augustine is a nice guy. And this is objectively a low quality product for $1500.

I didn't see a note of the finish cornbread ordered.. Sir, Did you order either the basic polish or the premium polish?

The reason I ask it... My first La Faulx is bronze with the premium polish and the second La Faulx is stainless steel with the basic polish..... Your titanium set looks like it is the machine polish finish. I re-read all your posts after you received your razor and didn't notice if you specified which finish you ordered.

Which finish did you order, cornbread?  https://atelierdurdan.com/en/pages/donnee-technique

Finishes:

     Machined: Industrial style with visibility of machining traces.

     Sandblasted: Matte finish without traces of machining.

     Polished Basic: Shiny surface with traces of machining.

     Premium Polished: Mirror appearance without any traces of machining.

Augustin's customer service is top notch and I'm sure they will solve the problem.

I didn't see a note of the finish cornbread ordered.. Sir, Did you order either the basic polish or the premium polish?

The reason I ask it... My first La Faulx is bronze with the premium polish and the second La Faulx is stainless steel with the basic polish..... Your titanium set looks like it is the machine polish finish. I re-read all your posts after you received your razor and didn't notice if you specified which finish you ordered.

Which finish did you order, cornbread?  https://atelierdurdan.com/en/pages/donnee-technique

Finishes:

     Machined: Industrial style with visibility of machining traces.

     Sandblasted: Matte finish without traces of machining.

     Polished Basic: Shiny surface with traces of machining.

     Premium Polished: Mirror appearance without any traces of machining.

There are reflections and machine marks. I think it is a basic polish. Does this cap finish have a problem, or is this the regular quality level of his basic polish? He is charging a lot even for a basic polish. I think the artisan doesn't want to pay for return shipping because he believes the razor doesn't have a quality problem.

My basic polish SS La Faulx looks nothing like cornbread 's No.7 cap. I have to look extremely closely to notice any difference from my premium polish bronze La Faulx.... That's why I asked what finish cornbread ordered.

I didn't see a note of the finish cornbread ordered.. Sir, Did you order either the basic polish or the premium polish?

The reason I ask it... My first La Faulx is bronze with the premium polish and the second La Faulx is stainless steel with the basic polish..... Your titanium set looks like it is the machine polish finish. I re-read all your posts after you received your razor and didn't notice if you specified which finish you ordered.

Which finish did you order, cornbread?  https://atelierdurdan.com/en/pages/donnee-technique

Finishes:

     Machined: Industrial style with visibility of machining traces.

     Sandblasted: Matte finish without traces of machining.

     Polished Basic: Shiny surface with traces of machining.

     Premium Polished: Mirror appearance without any traces of machining.

There are reflections and machine marks. I think it is a basic polish. Does this cap finish have a problem, or is this the regular quality level of his basic polish? He is charging a lot even for a basic polish. I think the artisan doesn't want to pay for return shipping because he believes the razor doesn't have a quality problem.

To clarify something. The order is mainly being returned due to how he handled the non working box. Mine doesn’t close and the hinge is crooked. Also for 150 I should get a hardwood box. This thing is light duty. And has veneer too and bottom.

The finish was only an observation. The machine line are not parallel to the head so it looks really weird. The sides all have swirl marks too which the photo doesn’t highlight.

All things considered I felt the order had to go back considering a purchase price of 1.5K. USD.i may have had a different viewpoint at a lower price level. I’m done hijacking this thread. I’m returning it at my expense to be done with it and learn my lesson

That is certainly your decision.  It is just such an unfortunate situation.  He has lost a good customer in you.

Sorry to hear that experience cornbreadHard to read when you get excited and then let down. I hope this is a learning experience for Augustin. Customers always come first especially at these boutique prices. 

I’m not expecting Wolfman level finish but definitely above those shown in your pictures. Did you ever think of just sending it out to be re-polished, instead of returning it? That would of been my first thought, but I get it, we come to expect amazing quality when you pay that amount. I hope Augustin refunds your return $$$, imo. It’s only right.

What Augustine should do is send cornbread a new box and replacement head.

Today I received the No. 7 package from Phoenixkh in tact and undamaged.  This will be my preliminary aesthetic review of the razor and packaging and not one of actual use.
As most of you reading this know, I was tempted to pull out of the pass around, but I committed to it and to Gus, so I will proceed.  I will be as unbiased and fair as possible.
I must first tell you that I am no where near the expert or technician as Gus and so many others in this forum.  My review will be strictly from the viewpoint of an average wet shaver that likes a nice razor and a smooth and efficient shave.  Weight and specifications will be left to those far more experience and knowledgeable than i.  So now I start:

Pictures are below. 

First the Box:
The box is not misaligned or damage.  But, it is not a box that warrants a price of $150 US.  If I was to compare it to another type box, it would be a microscope slide box or a calipers box for about $25.00.  The wood is neither special nor treated.  The cutouts in the box to accommodate the razor, head, stand and plates are just foam cutouts.  If you examine Mr. Konrad Dundee's photo of the box his razor came in, you will see the same foam lining and cutouts for the items.  That box would be sufficient.  This decision is obviously one for the purchaser, but it is not one that is worth the money.

On to the razor:  

When I took out the razor, the first thing that hit me was how attractive it was.  It appears to be a machined finish that does have a polished effect.  So it could very well be the basic polish.  The style and the handle carvings were aesthetically pleasing.  The weight of the handle was not too heavy nor too light.  It felt good in hand, but I will have a better review tomorrow after the shave.  As for the head and the plate, that was where it really gets interesting.  As soon as I took them out, they felt very light and insignificant .  The combination is very thin and I assume it will be very maneuverable during the shave.  Although light, I don't believe that they will not prove to be sturdy and up to the job.  The tapered end of the handle is not my favorite, but it does fit into the holder perfectly.  Since I have a custom 3D holder, I would not be buying the stand.  With the head and the handle assembled, the weight of the entire tool felt very comfortable.  I am looking forward to using it tomorrow.
I will be starting with the 1.1 plate, since everything I have read indicates that it is a great combination of efficiency and comfort.  I will know in which direction to go after that.  My preference is for efficiency without the loss of comfort.  As those who have read my comments, you know I have a great fondness for the Lambda razors.  This will be a great test to compare the 7 against them.
Again, a caveat to all.  Do not expect a detailed specific review from me.  I will try to be factual in my assessment of the razor.
The razor is beautiful.  It is well crafted and interestingly designed.  Although I am not a fan of the tapered bottom, it does fit perfectly in the stand and does not take away from the beauty of the razor.  Thank you to Gus for providing blades and nylon washers.  What really struck my attention was the thinness and light weight of the head and the base plate.  I will suggest that when those following me in the Pass Around first touch them they will think that they are flimsy.  I do not have a scale or caliper to do measurements, that will be for the more sophisticated users down the line.  I do not believe that the head nor the plate will prove to be anything but superb in their use.  The weight and feel of the handle are a different story.  The handle does have some heft to it.  It is not unwieldy and actually feels very good in the hand.  The test will come tomorrow with my first shave.  I will be using the 1.1 plate first, since I have read that it is a great balance of efficiency and comfort.  Since I like an efficient shave, I will then go up to the 1.5, unless the 1.1 tells me that I am at my maximum efficiency and comfort level.  If so, then down the plate level I go.

First Shave Tomorrow and a review will follow.