Gillette Toggle Replica

Just saw this on Instagram and thought I’d share it. Looks like they are coming out with a replica of the original Gillette Toggle unlike the Janus which was inspired by but was a different design. Apparently this group came out with a Fatboy replica already which I guess I missed. So anyone know about this project? Looks like the price point is $199.0 but $149.00 is you get in early. It doesn’t say what it’s made of so Im thinking this may be being manufactured in China as we all know a Toggle has many moving parts and the price doesn’t seem to line up with what it would cost to manufacture and assemble here in the US but what do I know. Anyway here’s the photo and copy off of Instagram. I love my original Gillette Toggle but use it sparingly as I know that things can happen to it easier than most razors and I’d like to keep it in pristine condition. 

Anyone has any info on this please share it if you would. 

FWIW the posted photo is of an actual vintage toggle from Etsy seller DAPPERSTUDIOCC . Not sure if they have any affiliation. They are not misleading as if this razor is of a prototype or something, but they should be clear what they are showing. If you go to the etsy shop you can see similar razors on the same stool. This company has a ton of bad press in the forums. I would sacrifice 50$ until I see a product in the hands of a trusted forum member. 

The other photo they posted is from Etsy seller SharpmAntiques in 2013. Since they did not provide credit for the photo, I am providing it. 

I've never done business with them personally, but I've done a lot of research. From what I've read and seen on YouTube, their replicas are brass, just like the original. But...they aren't very good. There are a bunch of threads across a lot of different forums discussing how the replicas just don't feel right. They feel and even look a bit chincy, even though GSC claims that they are part-for-part reproductions. I actually chatted with Matt Pisarcik, and he had some ideas why that might be the case, but regardless, there's a pretty overwhelming consensus that the other razors they've made don't live up to the hype they try to give them. There are a few decent reviews on YouTube, but many think GSC cherry-picks the best specimens to send out to the reviewers because so many other people have been disappointed.

I don't think I would invest anything unless you're willing to risk being disappointed. Particularly with a Toggle replica. There's a distinct possibility that they won't be able to pull this one off. There's a reason that so many people refuse to work on them. They're notoriously complex and dealing with them often requires building special tooling and a lot of very detailed and precise assembly work. Even Matt Pisarcik has had to call on other people for help at times when he's dealt with them.

Seems like a shady outfit to me. I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole.

Anyone want to volunteer and take one for the team? lol..

Seems like a shady outfit to me. I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole.

I’d spend the buck and a half however I can’t take them serious.  It’s a business, not one person over there proofed the description? I can’t get past the description, sorry Lads

Yeah I’m out on this one. I’m not going to invest in a replica Toggle as I’ve read some reviews on the Fatboy they made and their not to good.
An yes they are using the photo of an Authentic Toggle because I guess it’s part of a contest and the winner gets the one in the photo.

Thought it was interesting but it sounds a little gimmicky to me . Toggles are very complex .

One possible reason for the chintzy feel: they mention on their site that a Fatboy weighs 3.7 ounces, while their Fatguy replica weighs 3.2 ounces. Seems to me it wouldn't be all that difficult to produce a razor that matched the Fatboy's weight.

Yeah I’m out on this one
 
they are using the photo of an Authentic Toggle because I guess it’s part of a contest and the winner gets the one in the photo

Toggles are very complex

Wise decision Frank.  It’s NOT the $150-$160, it’s the disappointment after the wait.  No one can tell me that Razor is going to be ready for March 2022 delivery….. That’s RUBBISH, I call BS

“TOGGLES ARE VERY COMPLEX” ask Eric over at Janus Razors. At a price point of $150-60, Eric would have been pumping those things out as we write this AND we would ALL have a Janus Toggle

Yeah I’m out on this one
 
they are using the photo of an Authentic Toggle because I guess it’s part of a contest and the winner gets the one in the photo

Toggles are very complex

Wise decision Frank.  It’s NOT the $150-$160, it’s the disappointment after the wait.  No one can tell me that Razor is going to be ready for March 2022 delivery….. That’s RUBBISH, I call BS

“TOGGLES ARE VERY COMPLEX” ask Eric over at Janus Razors. At a price point of $150-60, Eric would have been pumping those things out as we write this AND we would ALL have a Janus Toggle

Absolutely agree. I pretty much was right there on the Janus and I know a bit about what it to get that out the door so yeah I’m not going to give this replica any more thought. I have a great original in the den that I really like when I use it so I’m all set on Toggles.