Community Authentication, Validation & Valuation Thread

I guess only those that started this process know for sure but it looks identical and I ordered one out of curiosity myself.

The angle of the razor in the photo leads to an impression that the bar is in line with the plane of the baseplate, imparting an illusion of being even thinner in the head than the 'Classic' 131 in reality, eh?

Yes, angles can be deceiving but it's the same razor. If looking for a totally flat head the vintage German made razors were known for that characteristic in particular.

Odd how light, shadow and perspective play into art. Those blessed with talent see the world differently; have always both envied and admired artists of all fields for that ability to perceive the world so differently and convey it to the rest of us

No. I’m assuming LASSC had a contract and James is honouring it

Nope, DuFour lost the recipe

I was in correspondence with John early on when the BBS-1 was first mentioned. Furthermore, I purchased a BBS-1 when they were initially released and wrote John about what was planned for the future. There were other razors in the works, but they never came to fruition and John disappeared from the collaboration. This was unfortunate as I have always felt that the BBS-1 was and still is the razor produced by Wolfman with the most comprehensive character. The ensuing Wolfman razors lack this character. I do not know whether it was because John was no longer a part of it or not, but I do know that the BBS-1 is a work of art and likely to go down in history as one most representative of its kind for its era. The BBS-1 handle is also my favorite razor handle, of which I purchased two (although John specifically stated on his website that the handles were not available for sale separately, he sold me a second one).

Here's a bit of important history for context: James Dufour of Wolfman Razors, AMA Go to the links referenced in the Reddit post to see the prototype razors from January 2015.

Now let’s think about this.  

There were 421 or so BBS-1 razors sold by the original company.  I have the number at 444, but I’ll leave that open as it’s not confirmed.  

There were open orders and a wait list for more BBS-1 razors.   The orders were cancelled, the email was sent out and the new company came out (if I am reading the Sharpologist article correctly). 

Think about how this happened.  Did the original company go out of business?  Did they not want to take the orders and fulfill the razors and make money?

Now let’s think about this.  

There were 421 or so BBS-1 razors sold by the original company.  I have the number at 444, but I’ll leave that open as it’s not confirmed.  

There were open orders and a wait list for more BBS-1 razors.   The orders were cancelled, the email was sent out and the new company came out (if I am reading the Sharpologist article correctly). 

Think about how this happened.  Did the original company go out of business?  Did they not want to take the orders and fulfill the razors and make money?

I never followed-up with John regarding why matters ended, as all of my correspondence were early on as the BBS-1 was initially released (before it took off as a hit). Initially, there was a list of interest (I was on that list) where shavers who wanted a BBS-1 were given first chance to purchase before the public. I believe John's shaving soaps were later acquired by someone else, but don't quote me on this. Regarding Sharpologist, I place little to no credence on his work—this was the guy that that went about hooting how the One Blade was the be-all end-all of razors—and I have publicly questioned this author before on another forum.

Edit: I went back, wayback, into my emails with John first starting on Aug 29, 2014. I cannot believe it's been that long since the BBS-1 came into fruition! In March 2015 I asked John for slant and adjustable in his lineup. Here's his response to an adjustable:

Believe me, a twist to open adjustable razor in stainless steel, with exposed gearing, and brass/copper parts to give it an Edwardian/Art Deco/Steampunk aesthetic, is pretty much the dream razor I'd like to be able to offer.  It’s just a question of time and available resources.

Have a good one!

John

Also, I have to dig deeper into our emails, but if I remember correctly, John's entire shaving soap operation was out of his apartment, whereas James DuFour already had a fully established commercial machine shop business.

Now let’s think about this.  

There were 421 or so BBS-1 razors sold by the original company.  I have the number at 444, but I’ll leave that open as it’s not confirmed.  

There were open orders and a wait list for more BBS-1 razors.   The orders were cancelled, the email was sent out and the new company came out (if I am reading the Sharpologist article correctly). 

Think about how this happened.  Did the original company go out of business?  Did they not want to take the orders and fulfill the razors and make money?

I never followed-up with John regarding why matters ended, as all of my correspondence were early on as the BBS-1 was initially released (before it took off as a hit). Initially, there was a list of interest (I was on that list) where shavers who wanted a BBS-1 were given first chance to purchase before the public. I believe John's shaving soaps were later acquired by someone else, but don't quote me on this. Regarding Sharpologist, I place little to no credence on his work—this was the guy that that went about hooting how the One Blade was the be-all end-all of razors—and I have publicly questioned this author before on another forum.

Edit: I went back, wayback, into my emails with John first starting on Aug 29, 2014. I cannot believe it's been that long since the BBS-1 came into fruition! In March 2015 I asked John for slant and adjustable in his lineup. Here's his response to an adjustable:

Believe me, a twist to open adjustable razor in stainless steel, with exposed gearing, and brass/copper parts to give it an Edwardian/Art Deco/Steampunk aesthetic, is pretty much the dream razor I'd like to be able to offer.  It’s just a question of time and available resources.

Have a good one!

John

Also, I have to dig deeper into our emails, but if I remember correctly, John's entire shaving soap operation was out of his apartment, whereas James DuFour already had a fully established commercial machine shop business.

John deserved much much much better than he got

I believe John's shaving soaps were later acquired by someone else, but don't quote me on this.

Yep, Ron of Chiseled Face acquired LASSCo and still makes the soaps and aftershaves. It's still a vegan base, but it's been upgraded from the original LASSCo formula which was very basic.

I have 2 of the West Coast Shaving CNC handles designed by Brian from Charcoal Goods Shaving. The Palm handle and the Space Needle. I forget what they cost to buy when they sold separately. What’s a good price for these? Space needle is on the left, Palm on the right.

I have 2 of the West Coast Shaving CNC handles designed by Brian from Charcoal Goods Shaving. The Palm handle and the Space Needle. I forget what they cost to buy when they sold separately. What’s a good price for these? Space needle is on the left, Palm on the right.

I am curious as well

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There is always this guy if you want a new CG handle.

And by new, I mean never used.

Lately, vintage rare Gillette razors, out-of-production popular CNC machined razors, and even some rare zamak razors have been going for high prices on eBay auctions. As in the other thread, the Tedalus razor is also selling quite well. I believe the market interest is shifting towards collectible and expensive razors rather than reasonably priced ones.

Lately, vintage rare Gillette razors, out-of-production popular CNC machined razors, and even some rare zamak razors have been going for high prices on eBay auctions. As in the other thread, the Tedalus razor is also selling quite well. I believe the market interest is shifting towards collectible and expensive razors rather than reasonably priced ones.

I don’t know if there is a market shift or if there are people who have enjoyed the hobby long enough to spend more on a few razors.  Being an artisan razor maker is sure not easy and you won’t become rich doing it.