Shave review of Janus Adjustable razor and Shave Off vs Gillette F4 Toggle

Great job Eric! I’ve been part of several new razor devolopments and none were as complicated as yours and you are by far closest to original schedule. Merry Christmas to you and all my fellow DFS members

Great job Eric! I’ve been part of several new razor devolopments and none were as complicated as yours and you are by far closest to original schedule. Merry Christmas to you and all my fellow DFS members

CNC machined TTO adjustable with toggle knob. It is definitely the most complicated designed and machined one. 
One month delay is totally acceptable for me. 
I remember people were waiting over a year delay (may be even more) for Rockwell model T, and it was neither CNC machined nor made of Steel. 
I am very looking forward to get mine, but take your time and make sure to have the highest quality as possible.
Good luck Eric.

I'm on this list and VERY excited to get my hands on it...

l wasn't a fan of the red, particularly on the toggle knob itself.  I can't remember all the details right now and haven't seen the pics in a while, but if I recall correctly, I also didn't care for the changes on the dial.  

I'm hoping to pick up one of regular production models when they come out, though.  My wife says I can buy one provided that I pay for it with funds obtained by selling other things that I have acquired/collected over the years (in addition to razors, I also collected fountain pens for a long time).  I have several fairly valuable fountain pens, so I am hoping it will be pretty simple to acquire the funds needed.

You can always get a second mortgage

Seems somebody hasn't investigated the secondary fountain pen market lately.......

You can always get a second mortgage

Seems somebody hasn't investigated the secondary fountain pen market lately.......

Seems somebody hasn't investigated the secondary fountain pen market lately.......

Quick Update

 One of the improvements in the Janus Razor (over the Vintage Toggle) is that the blade loads to a close running fit – the blade has imperceptible play when it is loaded while ensuring removal without snagging. This means both sides of the razor will have the same blade exposure - both sides of the razor will shave the same!

For the close running fit, I optimized for Feather HS, Kai, Gillette SB & P and Astra SP & Astra SS. Trying to optimize fit for more brands is a losing battle. However, the Janus Razor will play nice with the following brands: Polsilver SI, Persona P, Rapira PL, Gillette 7 O’clock, Voskhod, Derby Extra, Shark & Wilkinson Sword. Regardless of the blade brand, the fit in the Janus is far much much better than that of the Toggle.

Update

For those in the US, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Production of the Janus LE is chugging along. Except for the doors, the milling portion of the project is done. Now onto the Swiss to make the 'cylindrical' parts. Here is a sampling... 





The project is still tracking 3 weeks behind the timeline I communicated just before I started taking pre-orders. I think everyone who pre-ordered has Jan 16th/17th locked as a reference point to gage against every month rather than tracking new dates. I'm pushing without souring the awesome camaraderie I have with the shops. They have been very accommodating to my OCD, they get the nuances & they are passionate about the project which is key for me. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

December Update

Gents here is the latest.

There are 8 ½ PNs (out of 21 in the design) not yet machined. The ½ is from the doors’ milling op. From the Swiss list, 8/16 PNs are complete. We are staying true to the machining order list. The 9th PN is being set-up now; should be done by end week. Here is what I can show.
  

What is machined but I’m not showing? The miniature dial detent (very different execution from Vintage Toggle), the part between the handle/barrel and the dial knob (it will give away how machined dial detent is housed & functions) and a miniature flange that retains the dial knob in place.

I pulled the trigger on ½ of the packaging stuff (box & handbook) because
1)[font=Times New Roman]   [/font]I’m past the ½ way mark, and to date, I haven’t had to modify any of the CAD models and prints
2)[font=Times New Roman]   [/font]The shop hasn’t requested any adjustments to dimensions & tolerances
3)[font=Times New Roman]   [/font]The most complex parts (‘doors’, plates + spider) are done
4)[font=Times New Roman]   [/font]My daily design checks haven’t picked up any tweaks/issues

Unlike the kraft boxes for the prototypes, the new box is smaller and uses premium stock. As soon as the boxes and booklets come in (~Jan 4th-ish), I will share photos.
  

[font=Helvetica, sans-serif]The foam insert design is complete – just waiting for an unpolished but finished razor assembly before cutting and dialing in fit. I’m using Minnesota shops so there’s no time being lost to shipping stuff back and forth.

[font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Projection Schedule
[/font][/font]
How are we tracking against the schedule?

The project is running 4 weeks behind schedule. Shipping in mid-February.

How did I get to 4 weeks? The project has been running 3 weeks behind schedule à took 3 weeks to get all the LEs sold, and understandably, the shop wanted to wait until all the units were spoken for before cutting metal. We were never able claw back the 3 weeks – some PNs have taken longer to machine + unusually high volume the small shop in the last 3 months.

[font=Helvetica, sans-serif]I checked with all shops for the remaining bits - the machine shop will keep their timeline but the shop handling polishing, passivating & laser marking requested an extra week to their previously quoted total lead time because of how busy they are. So, shipping in mid-February.[/font]

[font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Here is the work breakdown structure that I'm working from.[/font]

[font=Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]

As always, do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions. I will be logging on this week & next here and there to chat back & forth and answer any questions. Odds are high I will have one more update before the end of the month.

[font=Helvetica, sans-serif][font=Helvetica, sans-serif][font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Finally, I wanna wish everyone here a Very Merry Christmas!!! Still can't believe 2020 is just around the corner. Time flies![/font][/font][/font]

[font=Helvetica, sans-serif][font=Helvetica, sans-serif][font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Cheers,[/font][/font][/font]
[font=Helvetica, sans-serif][font=Helvetica, sans-serif][font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Eric.[/font][/font][/font]

The 9th PN is done; 7 to go on the Swiss list. The 9th PN on the list was a thin walled ring with custom threads – simple looking but challenging for the shop because of the tendency to warp/flex out of round during machining. 
 
The black ring on the Fatboy & Toggle is even thinner and I’m guessing even more challenging to make. I’m always amazed by the Fatboy & Vintage Toggle manufacturing. Those guys were really really good. I’m learning that some of the simplest parts to design take much longer to set-up. Obviously, I don’t wanna generalize here since what is challenging for one shop is OK for another.  
 
Next up is the toggle knob seat and then the handle/barrel.

l wasn't a fan of the red, particularly on the toggle knob itself.  I can't remember all the details right now and haven't seen the pics in a while, but if I recall correctly, I also didn't care for the changes on the dial.  

I'm hoping to pick up one of regular production models when they come out, though.  My wife says I can buy one provided that I pay for it with funds obtained by selling other things that I have acquired/collected over the years (in addition to razors, I also collected fountain pens for a long time).  I have several fairly valuable fountain pens, so I am hoping it will be pretty simple to acquire the funds needed.

You can always get a second mortgage

Seems somebody hasn't investigated the secondary fountain pen market lately.......

Great job Eric! I’ve been part of several new razor devolopments and none were as complicated as yours and you are by far closest to original schedule. Merry Christmas to you and all my fellow DFS members

Thanks Shavemd

l wasn't a fan of the red, particularly on the toggle knob itself.  I can't remember all the details right now and haven't seen the pics in a while, but if I recall correctly, I also didn't care for the changes on the dial.  

I'm hoping to pick up one of regular production models when they come out, though.  My wife says I can buy one provided that I pay for it with funds obtained by selling other things that I have acquired/collected over the years (in addition to razors, I also collected fountain pens for a long time).  I have several fairly valuable fountain pens, so I am hoping it will be pretty simple to acquire the funds needed.

You can always get a second mortgage

Seems somebody hasn't investigated the secondary fountain pen market lately.......

Great job Eric! I’ve been part of several new razor devolopments and none were as complicated as yours and you are by far closest to original schedule. Merry Christmas to you and all my fellow DFS members

CNC machined TTO adjustable with toggle knob. It is definitely the most complicated designed and machined one. 
One month delay is totally acceptable for me. 
I remember people were waiting over a year delay (may be even more) for Rockwell model T, and it was neither CNC machined nor made of Steel. 
I am very looking forward to get mine, but take your time and make sure to have the highest quality as possible.
Good luck Eric.

CK89, thanks for the patience. I appreciate it. The shop is seeing Eric even more frequently now. They haven't changed the locks yet. I would just add that every project has it own complexities.

So...since paying for the Janus, I've tried real hard to just forget about It. However, with February right around the corner, I must admit the anticipation is building. Are we within the 30 day delivery window?

So...since paying for the Janus, I've tried real hard to just forget about It.  However, with February right around the corner, I must admit the anticipation is building. Are we within the 30 day delivery window?

Per the last timeline Eric posted we should be very close to that 30 day window.

As we are getting closer to delivery I reached out to Eric. He expects to send an update shortly which will better explain his process but my overall impression is that this will be done right with quality control inspections at every step of the process. I expect to see a very special razor shortly.

You can always get a second mortgage

Seems somebody hasn't investigated the secondary fountain pen market lately.......

Seems somebody hasn't investigated the secondary fountain pen market lately.......

Update

For those in the US, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Production of the Janus LE is chugging along. Except for the doors, the milling portion of the project is done. Now onto the Swiss to make the 'cylindrical' parts. Here is a sampling... 





The project is still tracking 3 weeks behind the timeline I communicated just before I started taking pre-orders. I think everyone who pre-ordered has Jan 16th/17th locked as a reference point to gage against every month rather than tracking new dates. I'm pushing without souring the awesome camaraderie I have with the shops. They have been very accommodating to my OCD, they get the nuances & they are passionate about the project which is key for me. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

December Update

Gents here is the latest.

There are 8 ½ PNs (out of 21 in the design) not yet machined. The ½ is from the doors’ milling op. From the Swiss list, 8/16 PNs are complete. We are staying true to the machining order list. The 9th PN is being set-up now; should be done by end week. Here is what I can show.
  

What is machined but I’m not showing? The miniature dial detent (very different execution from Vintage Toggle), the part between the handle/barrel and the dial knob (it will give away how machined dial detent is housed & functions) and a miniature flange that retains the dial knob in place.

I pulled the trigger on ½ of the packaging stuff (box & handbook) because
1)[font=Times New Roman]   [/font]I’m past the ½ way mark, and to date, I haven’t had to modify any of the CAD models and prints
2)[font=Times New Roman]   [/font]The shop hasn’t requested any adjustments to dimensions & tolerances
3)[font=Times New Roman]   [/font]The most complex parts (‘doors’, plates + spider) are done
4)[font=Times New Roman]   [/font]My daily design checks haven’t picked up any tweaks/issues

Unlike the kraft boxes for the prototypes, the new box is smaller and uses premium stock. As soon as the boxes and booklets come in (~Jan 4th-ish), I will share photos.
  

[font=Helvetica, sans-serif]The foam insert design is complete – just waiting for an unpolished but finished razor assembly before cutting and dialing in fit. I’m using Minnesota shops so there’s no time being lost to shipping stuff back and forth.

[font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Projection Schedule
[/font][/font]
How are we tracking against the schedule?

The project is running 4 weeks behind schedule. Shipping in mid-February.

How did I get to 4 weeks? The project has been running 3 weeks behind schedule à took 3 weeks to get all the LEs sold, and understandably, the shop wanted to wait until all the units were spoken for before cutting metal. We were never able claw back the 3 weeks – some PNs have taken longer to machine + unusually high volume the small shop in the last 3 months.

[font=Helvetica, sans-serif]I checked with all shops for the remaining bits - the machine shop will keep their timeline but the shop handling polishing, passivating & laser marking requested an extra week to their previously quoted total lead time because of how busy they are. So, shipping in mid-February.[/font]

[font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Here is the work breakdown structure that I'm working from.[/font]

[font=Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]

As always, do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions. I will be logging on this week & next here and there to chat back & forth and answer any questions. Odds are high I will have one more update before the end of the month.

[font=Helvetica, sans-serif][font=Helvetica, sans-serif][font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Finally, I wanna wish everyone here a Very Merry Christmas!!! Still can't believe 2020 is just around the corner. Time flies![/font][/font][/font]

[font=Helvetica, sans-serif][font=Helvetica, sans-serif][font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Cheers,[/font][/font][/font]
[font=Helvetica, sans-serif][font=Helvetica, sans-serif][font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Eric.[/font][/font][/font]

The 9th PN is done; 7 to go on the Swiss list. The 9th PN on the list was a thin walled ring with custom threads – simple looking but challenging for the shop because of the tendency to warp/flex out of round during machining. 
 
The black ring on the Fatboy & Toggle is even thinner and I’m guessing even more challenging to make. I’m always amazed by the Fatboy & Vintage Toggle manufacturing. Those guys were really really good. I’m learning that some of the simplest parts to design take much longer to set-up. Obviously, I don’t wanna generalize here since what is challenging for one shop is OK for another.  
 
Next up is the toggle knob seat and then the handle/barrel.

January Update

Here is the latest on the Janus. [font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Only 3 PNs left to go through machining. [/font][font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Two (the toggle knob and the spider stem) are from the Swiss list. The 3rd PN is the door.[/font][font=Helvetica, sans-serif] [/font]





Half of the packaging (box & ‘handbook’) is done. I’m waiting for a finished assembly to dial-in the fit of the razor and Kai blade pack cut-outs on the packing foam insert.





[font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Project Schedule
[/font]
I’m well past the half-way mark and onto the home stretch. It is not lost on me that it has been a crazy long wait for folks. Here is the timeline for the remaining bits which are pushing out the shipping timeline by a week. 


Except for the machining work, the remaining bits are simpler day long tasks because of the legwork that has already been done. So, no time is being wasted reinventing processes.

For example, the laser marking scripts are already programmed. I’m anticipating small tweaks during laser marking set-up before running the dial knobs and the safety guards. 


[font=Helvetica, sans-serif]The polishing process is an improvement of the process used for the Janus prototypes. The changes are on type of polishing media being used and polishing time to try to get closer to Wolfman polishing which I consider the gold standard.     [/font]

The Janus parts are getting a standard passivation treatment that other 316 stainless steel parts with a passivation callout get. 

The 2D waterjet path to cut the packing foam insert is programmed and ready to go. I’m anticipating just one quick tweak after the first insert is cut.

We have had practice assembling the different sub-assemblies using the finished PNs. So, when it comes to the final assembly, there will be lots of familiar aspects.

The machine shop is cranking away at Janus parts in between other projects. This part of the project has truly tried my patience. I'm always treading the fine line of being assertive without being aggravating/annoying because not a lot of shops can do or are open to taking on such a project. 

We are onto the home stretch here and it is not lost on me that it has been a crazy long wait for folks.