Rockwell Razors AMA, April 4th, 2016

Gareth, your 6S and upcoming Model T are beautiful takes on traditional double edge razors, the 3-piece and the twist-to-open. Does Rockwell Razors have any plans to make a somewhat more "unconventional" DE the way OneBlade and Roncel have done with the single edge razor?

First off, thank you for the kind words! Right now I’m comfortable with the adjustability of the Rockwell 6S and Model T coupled with the wide availability of DE blades as a prime selling point, especially to beginner classic shavers. If any inspired designs come up in the future though, we’ll definitely be letting the community know what we’re thinking of making!

With all the competition and the great razors available anytime in the market, why someone would prefer to prepay for a razor that will receive a year after the payment? Would you do that as a customer of another company, if you had no relation with manufacturing razors, blades, etc.? What would you say to people who have concerns about this tactic, which seems to be a result of lacking funds, in order to approach them? Why is it worth it to prepay for a razor in your opinion, bearing in mind all the great razors, p.e. Mongoose and Wolfman, whose makers the only thing they ask is to put you in a list and let you know when it's your turn to pay and then deliver you the razor? Have you tried any other razors in the same price range and above, with yours? Would you say objectively that yours are better shavers to deserve the prepayment and the wait?

Thanks for the detailed question - I’ll do my best to break this one down. I think that pre-paying for a Kickstarter campaign, pre-order, and reservation would most be driven by a personal perception around innovation and value (or price). For example, the Rockwell 6S offers the only adjustable, flippable base plates on the market, so if you’re looking for a sub-$100 three piece safety razor, the Rockwell 6S is your only option. If you’re looking to purchase a brand new (not vintage from an auction site) adjustable twist to open razor with all metal construction, the Rockwell Model T is your only option. As a result, if these products fit what people are looking for, I believe they’d be willing to prepay. We also have many customers who sign up for our email list to wait to here when our products are in regular stock!

I’ve recently prepaid for something called a BetterBack (I perceive it to be the best offering on the market to help with my posture) and a SmartParka (lowest price / best value on the market for a warm jacket suitable for Canadian winters).

I addressed what I’d “say to people” concerned about reservations and pre-orders in a previous post, I’ll stick with my previous answer for that question.

I think it’s up to each business owner how they run their store front-ends, but I can say that Rockwell doesn’t intend to operate in pre-order in perpetuity, we’re simply using pre-order as a mechanism while we wait for our order with our manufacturer to be finished, so we can have the 6S in regular stock. Many people have reserved a 6S, and I’m sure many people are waiting for it to be in regular stock.

For your last questions - I believe Rockwell razors are objectively the best razors that give the best shaves in the world. Full stop. However, there’s a distinct possibility I’m a little biased.

Can you tell us more about any other potential finishes for Rockwell razors?

Stainless steel is extremely challenging to add a finish to! We could use different bead-blasting finishes on the stainless steel (we’ve looked at a mirror finish - I wish I had pictures to share). That’s the only other stainless steel finish I’d look at for now. Anyone interested in a mirror finish stainless steel 6S, give me a shoutout in this thread - I want to hear from you!

Beyond stainless steel, we’re actively looking at the 6S in other materials that would really open up opportunities around other finishes and colors. Are there any finishes or colors in particular that are of interest to anyone?

Brass/bronze/copper would be my choice due to weight and patina. However the pantina process may not be as appealing to the mass market, especially to a newbie (which it seems that Rockwell is focusing on converting to out rabbit hole of a lifestyle).

I would love to try a mirror finish if it added any value. I'm still waiting for my v2 Rockwell from my vendor (I got into the Kickstarter via an unconventional route) so it's hard to judge the new version; I would wonder if there would be a reduction in 'drag' between the v2 and a polished verson.

Thanks for the feedback! We're leaning heavily towards brass for the weight and manufacturability.

Just wanted to say that it's great that you've taken the challenge of creating an available/regular-stock adjustable razor. I don't have anything against vintage, just that it's daunting for a beginner to understand what's going on... Adding options/availability is always welcomed.

Now, to the Qs:
Did you think about adding an open comb version? For both razors? (If it's even possible).

Your razor blades get pretty good reviews - since you're the first razor manufacturer that also manufacture/source your own blades (that I know of), did you think about expanding into other types of blades? Gem? Injector? AC?

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Is your goal to ultimately have your razors in box stores much like Bevel has done with its' Target partnership? How much of a concern is it having too diverse of a portfolio of products? Any concern that branching out into the software side of things causes lost focus on the hardware? It seems you have been able to differentiate yourselves well with hardware; is that same success possible in a world where soap can only be so good before it can't be any better and there are many makers that already hit that mark of "so good"? What was the logic into the entering of the software side of the wet shave world so early when you have launched one successful razor and soon to be a second one?

Why do both hardware and software when hardware seems to be working so well for you? Thanks!

First of all Gareth, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions today. I also like your early posts about taking your time to think about the answers before posting, that shows how serious you are about your participation (It took me 15 minutes to write this post). I thought your design of the 6s was a very intelligent idea to give shavers options, and it was nice to see it was well received. Personally I did not purchase one as I refuse to participate in any Kickstarter project, that is just a personal decision due to being a bit old fashioned, but I am very happy to see it worked out well for you. Also, a 2nd project shows not only your commitment to design, but also to your company and the industry which I applaud.

2nd - go Mustangs!!!

Most of the questions I had have already been been well covered, but I do have some questions about your choice of materials used in your razors.

On your website, it states the 6s is made of stainless steel. There are many grades and types of stainless steel alloy, which did you choose to use and why?

I know, it would be a grand challenge, and probably extremely expensive, but would you ever consider making an all stainless version of your new Model T? The reason I ask is that my previous experience with chromed brass is that even with diligent cleaning the chrome pits and corrodes within months. I feel the combination of heat, soap, and daily use is too much for chrome to deal with. Plus, chrome plating has been a topic of environmental debate for many years, especially in Europe since 2007 (then again, what isn't these days).

Also, did you check with Ford about using the name Model T?

Finally, what made you produce your products in the USA instead of Canada?

One bit of feedback if I may? I would like to see an "about us" section added to your website with a company mission statement and background. Share that story as it has meaning.

Please keep up the fine work you are doing. It is great to see another Canadian doing well in the shaving industry. I look forward to trying your products one day.

Did you think about adding an open comb version? For both razors? (If it's even possible).

Your razor blades get pretty good reviews - since you're the first razor manufacturer that also manufacture/source your own blades (that I know of), did you think about expanding into other types of blades? Gem? Injector? AC?

We’ve been asked a few times about the open-comb thing - I think it’s an interesting concept, but I’m not sure there’s enough demand for an open-comb version to justify the costs to make an alternative to our current molds.

I definitely want to wait until we've gotten even more feedback on the blades, but I definitely have nothing against breaking into other types of blade manufacturing, especially if I / our testers feel that the blades we're able to make are a significant upgrade at performance relative to price over what's currently available on the market!

Can you tell us more about any other potential finishes for Rockwell razors?

Stainless steel is extremely challenging to add a finish to! We could use different bead-blasting finishes on the stainless steel (we’ve looked at a mirror finish - I wish I had pictures to share). That’s the only other stainless steel finish I’d look at for now. Anyone interested in a mirror finish stainless steel 6S, give me a shoutout in this thread - I want to hear from you!

Beyond stainless steel, we’re actively looking at the 6S in other materials that would really open up opportunities around other finishes and colors. Are there any finishes or colors in particular that are of interest to anyone?

absolutely Gareth, an open comb combined with all brass 6s will be something nice, you don't even have to polish it to make it shiny, for example the all brass hone 15 is not polished and develops nice looking patina over time. Question is can you mold the brass in MIM molds? Also I have the 6s and few changes are needed for an open comb design, it suitable as it is to pull off open comb

Is your goal to ultimately have your razors in box stores much like Bevel has done with its' Target partnership? How much of a concern is it having too diverse of a portfolio of products? Any concern that branching out into the software side of things causes lost focus on the hardware? It seems you have been able to differentiate yourselves well with hardware; is that same success possible in a world where soap can only be so good before it can't be any better and there are many makers that already hit that mark of "so good"? What was the logic into the entering of the software side of the wet shave world so early when you have launched one successful razor and soon to be a second one?

Why do both hardware and software when hardware seems to be working so well for you? Thanks!

In a nutshell, yes I believe that adjustability is the key to taking double-edge safety razors from fringe concepts in big-box stores to being featured items. To me, this is because they simply break down the learning curve and eliminate the “switching cost” from cartridges so well, and have such a unique value proposition. And yes, my intention is for Rockwell to be the brand that takes adjustable double-edge shaving “mainstream”.

As for the diverse portfolio, I’m not so concerned - I think we’ve made the right choice by focusing on what I perceive to be the “hardest” thing first - making the razors themselves. Ultimately I won’t be trying to go head-to-head with artisanal soap makers with the soaps etc. that Rockwell makes, I’ll simply be rounding out the lineup for anyone who wants to go “full Rockwell” for a shave. I think we’ve hit on some really incredible quality soap prototypes that we’ll be able to offer at an incredible price, so I’m looking forward to releasing those amongst other things later this year.

So to concisely answer the question - I’m glad hardware is working out, and we will absolutely continue to work on hardware, but I feel software is an important part of a “complete offering”, which is where I’d like the Rockwell brand to go.

First of all Gareth, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions today. I also like your early posts about taking your time to think about the answers before posting, that shows how serious you are about your participation (It took me 15 minutes to write this post). I thought your design of the 6s was a very intelligent idea to give shavers options, and it was nice to see it was well received. Personally I did not purchase one as I refuse to participate in any Kickstarter project, that is just a personal decision due to being a bit old fashioned, but I am very happy to see it worked out well for you. Also, a 2nd project shows not only your commitment to design, but also to your company and the industry which I applaud.

2nd - go Mustangs!!!

Most of the questions I had have already been been well covered, but I do have some questions about your choice of materials used in your razors.

On your website, it states the 6s is made of stainless steel. There are many grades and types of stainless steel alloy, which did you choose to use and why?

I know, it would be a grand challenge, and probably extremely expensive, but would you ever consider making an all stainless version of your new Model T? The reason I ask is that my previous experience with chromed brass is that even with diligent cleaning the chrome pits and corrodes within months. I feel the combination of heat, soap, and daily use is too much for chrome to deal with. Plus, chrome plating has been a topic of environmental debate for many years, especially in Europe since 2007 (then again, what isn't these days).

Also, did you check with Ford about using the name Model T?

Finally, what made you produce your products in the USA instead of Canada?

One bit of feedback if I may? I would like to see an "about us" section added to your website with a company mission statement and background. Share that story as it has meaning.

Please keep up the fine work you are doing. It is great to see another Canadian doing well in the shaving industry. I look forward to trying your products one day.

Thank you for the kind words! And go ‘stangs!

The Rockwell 6S is made of 316 stainless steel - we wanted it to be able to withstand a full range of different top water components, and we felt that 316 was best suited to that.

We’re currently looking into a stainless steel Model T. The best we could do would likely be an all-external Model T (the internals would simply be too expensive to make out of all stainless steel, if even possible at all). But even all-stainless steel externals would be expensive for us, and therefore expensive for customers. Very cool idea, unfortunately somewhat challenging in practice. We’ve been diligent with our plating testing to make sure we won’t have the same issues as the companies I believe you’re referring to, but ultimately chromed brass is simply the clearest path to bringing the Model T to market at this time.

We did not check with them. If we did end up getting challenged on it, I think I’d rename it the Rockwell Model “Are You Serious?! It’s A Razor!!”. That has a nice ring to it.

No Canadian manufacturer would take a meeting with us! Our intended volumes were “too low”, apparently.

We’re working on the “About Us” page. Same concept as my “I like to take time to write things” comment above - I’m still trying to decide exactly how to frame the story, now that it is where it is. But it’s definitely coming!

Thanks again for the questions!