Janus Razors AMA, October 30th, 2021

Will you be handling the sales of V2 as you did V1 (meaning signing up and paying in advance)? If so, where can I sign up?

When will you be updating your website to reflect V2?

I am an original owner and buyer of V1. What parts are available for V1 should an issue arise? BTW, I love how V1 shaves.

Hi Eric, thanks for doing this. I’m sure DFS community is highly appreciative of you doing so.

My Qs: 
1. When are you planning to re-release the Janus?
2. If so, will it be a different redesign from Janus v1 or will it be more like the prototype?
3. Will you plan on a Titanium offering?
4. With adjustable competitive offerings from other makers, How is the Janus different and unique? 
5. Will you be able to offer any different handle designs?

Thank You for taking time and answering our Questions.

Best,
C_S aka Marius

1. When are you planning to re-release the Janus?
I think success depends/starts on a reliable manufacturing partner (as opposed to a just vendor) whether I'm part of that or not. My designs have a double whammy always attached - complex and small volumes which then translates to expensive. A partner who owns a CNC shop would be able to schedule in runs for Janus parts in between other customer orders and own the quality instead of me hovering to check every set-up. A manufacturing partner then frees bandwidth for design, customer service (which I haven't been great at) and a bunch of other stuff that entails running any operation successfully. 

2. If so, will it be a different redesign from Janus v1 or will it be more like the prototype?
More like the LE. I got good feedback (positive & negative) about the LE. I made the changes and my gut tells me that the changes I have made are right. I'm now chasing design simplicity which translates to ease of manufacturing and eventually better costs.

3. Will you plan on a Titanium offering?
I have thought this through even though I have entertained the idea in my head several times.

4. With adjustable competitive offerings from other makers, How is the Janus different and unique?
Good question that I ask myself often including comparing it to the vintage toggle and the fatboy. I think the way to be differentiated is to nail product performance, manufacturing/craftsmanship and great customer service. 

5. Will you be able to offer any different handle designs?
Probably not. My take is that customization just adds complexity and cost.

What is the general timeline on the V2 Janus Toggle?

Will a Special Edition V2 be offered with color/finish options in addition to a regular production V2?

Will there be a limited number produced of the V2 as with the LE?

Will there be a titanium version?

What is the general timeline on the V2 Janus Toggle?
I've spent quite a bit of time on design simplification for ease of manufacturing. This is a challenge because tooling costs would be The key piece missing is a manufacturing partner. Getting the LE out made me appreciate even more how important the manufacturing piece. Design is like ideas - not worth much without incredible execution behind it. Manufacturing is a big chunk of that execution. So, in short, I don't have any timeline yet. Manufacturing partnership is just 1 of 3 routes I have considered.

Will a Special Edition V2 be offered with color/finish options in addition to a regular production V2?
Probably not. Generally, for a variants add complexity which then translates to cost. For example, different colors means adding a new vendor to the equation instead of doing everything under one shop. That is one more thing to manage on top of a long list.  

Will there be a limited number produced of the V2 as with the LE?
Can't answer this one yet until I solve manufacturing. My gut wants to say yes and the design engineer in me thinks this wouldn't be hard to do as far as varying the design/parts go. I know this answer sounds wishy washy but it is candid.

Will there be a titanium version?
Same as above

Hey, it speaks volumes for you to come and interface directly with the hobbyist so thank you first of all.

Have you been thinking about any packaging updates, a stand(would be awesome to showcase this piece), or any other accessories with V2?
Any changes you can speak of for CAD design, fabrication, or finishing that you're excited about?
How many units are you planning for this run?
Thank you!

The design work I have done since the LE includes a stand, brush and bowl. The stand would work with the LE. 

Design wise there are much fewer parts - almost 1/2. The design still doesn't use tools. From talking to finishers (including those who do medical devices), there's no way to match Wolfman. They are dumbfounded (just like me) how he gets his perfect finish. He is the absolute gold standard.

I agree with some of the others who have said it's good of you to come on here to do this on DFS.
    There's plenty of shaving enthusiast really like nice modern razors, on this site.
    I'm curious if you're making razors because you're a hobby shaver, entrepreneur, like a good challenge or something else?
   In the future if you completed your adjustable to satisfaction, would you ever consider making other forms of razors, plate type or other?
      I wish you the best success  also nice very close comfortable shaves.
   
             Thank you for your time

I'm a little bit of everything of the 3 things you mentioned which isn't comforting since it is hard to be distinguishing if one is a little bit of a lot of things. I actually have other designs (4 total) that share parts with the Janus Toggle queued up ready to go as soon as I sort out manufacturing.

I am an original owner and buyer of V1. What parts are available for V1 should an issue arise? BTW, I love how V1 shaves.

I kept a few of each part from the LE run. So, I can do the repairs. Additionally, I'm available to work out any arrangement to satisfy you. I talk or text with at least 1 LE owner per week. You have my number.

When will you be updating your website to reflect V2?

I have deliberated this in my head several times. My hesitancy has been updating with stuff that is still up in the air due to manufacturing. I will rethink this some more.

Will you be handling the sales of V2 as you did V1 (meaning signing up and paying in advance)? If so, where can I sign up?

First, all the buyers were incredibly patient despite the endless excuses, changes & hiccups during manufacturing. Absolutely, I couldn't have asked for better. I'm very grateful for the patience. I learnt a ton from the V1 LE. I think the best way is to make quality products first and then sell - the best artisans do this and customers are used to buying like that.