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

Wow what a great phone call, we spoke for an hour.  Far from giving up, Eric is full steam ahead.  He readily admits to making a key mistake at the end:  A late tester commented that on 9 the prototype was still mild and he wished there were more settings up to 12.  Eric's solution was to widen the range of adjustment to give more efficiency at the highest settings.  The unexpected result as we know was too much aggression across all settings except the lowest.

Eric's biggest problem with production has been the machine shops.  They are all swamped with regular work.  They make the most money by machining simple parts in large numbers, ordered by large companies.  The shops he has worked with have been so busy with other work that they regularly delayed his project.  Most shops he has spoken to have said "sure we can do that" but when they see the complexity of the parts and the small numbers, they balk at taking on the work, or they don't have the capability in the first place.  

So Eric is changing his strategy from working with a machine shop as a supplier to partnering with a machine shop that has the capability, expertise, and equipment, plus the marketing and customer support capabilities that are required.  There are companies that already make razors and have their own shops and marketing divisions and he is seeking that type of partner who will have a vested interest.  Finding them is the key to his continued effort.  By the way he has had numerous offers from overseas companies (mostly China) to machine his parts but he does not want that sort of long distance relationship.  He personally supervised machine setup for first runs of parts with his local machine shops and realizes his partner company may not be local, but does not want to go overseas with it.

V2: This part really knocked my socks off.  Eric's new design for V2 has 10 machined parts, down from 19.  I don't see how he managed to do that but I am no engineer.  The LE has over 30 parts if you include springs and tiny pins.  Blade exposure will be dialed back across the range of settings.  The V2 profile will stay the same as the LE but the knurling will be different and the adjustment dial detent will be improved.  The finish will be done using electropolish technique vs. mechanical polishing and will result in a very bright (chrome like he said) finish that will cost less to achieve and be more uniform.  By the way he praised James Dufour for his incredible skill mirror polishing the Wolfman razors.  Eric said if he ever needed a hip joint replaced he would ask James to polish it for him.   

Eric told me that his main goal is to make the machine shop partnership happen so he can get V2 out there.  And although I can't share specifically how he will do it he wants to make sure every LE owner (even the folks who sent theirs back) is a happy camper on the release of the V2 to make up for shortcomings of the LE.  He wants all his customers to be happy in the end.  All depends on him finding a suitable partner to have V2 produced. 

I was worried that Eric would not continue.  Unfortunately the Janus Prototype will not be produced again but V2 most likely will be and it could be a winner.  Eric learned from his mistakes and now knows the economics of machine shops and the finer points of what we are all looking for in a razor.  End cost will be determined by cost to manufacture but Eric stated he will not cut corners.

He admits he is not good at customer support but he takes calls from LE owners.  Texts are a good way to get in touch but he has a regular day job and spends most time on the weekends with his family.  LE owners have his number and it is in the thread somewhere.  He said anyone can call and talk to him about the project though.

A note about the prototype I shaved with today: I was surprised to hear that it is not a bare steel finish but is actually platinum PVD.  (Physical Vapor Deposition.)  Electrons bombard platinum and the part in a vacuum chamber.  Hot plasma reacts with chlorine gas and platinum atoms creating a molecular vapor which is deposited on the steel surface.  It is not just plated but metallurgically bonded, is extremely hard, and resistant to corrosion.  How cool is that?

Looks like the story of the Janus New Toggle has more chapters to be written.

Thanks for that update, Mr. Sedge. Much appreciated. I am glad he is not giving up. I look forward to taking delivery of whatever he comes with.

Most anyone that kicks around other manly hobbies like knives and that forbidden subject related to 2A, knows PVD well. PVD is an exceptional finish for bare steel. Those industries generally use black tho. I will have to research this Chrome of which you speak. Still, I think black would not only be more tactical and cut just a tad closer. My Blackbird Jet is proof.

Wow what a great phone call, we spoke for an hour.  Far from giving up, Eric is full steam ahead.  He readily admits to making a key mistake at the end:  A late tester commented that on 9 the prototype was still mild and he wished there were more settings up to 12.  Eric's solution was to widen the range of adjustment to give more efficiency at the highest settings.  The unexpected result as we know was too much aggression across all settings except the lowest.

Eric's biggest problem with production has been the machine shops.  They are all swamped with regular work.  They make the most money by machining simple parts in large numbers, ordered by large companies.  The shops he has worked with have been so busy with other work that they regularly delayed his project.  Most shops he has spoken to have said "sure we can do that" but when they see the complexity of the parts and the small numbers, they balk at taking on the work, or they don't have the capability in the first place.  

So Eric is changing his strategy from working with a machine shop as a supplier to partnering with a machine shop that has the capability, expertise, and equipment, plus the marketing and customer support capabilities that are required.  There are companies that already make razors and have their own shops and marketing divisions and he is seeking that type of partner who will have a vested interest.  Finding them is the key to his continued effort.  By the way he has had numerous offers from overseas companies (mostly China) to machine his parts but he does not want that sort of long distance relationship.  He personally supervised machine setup for first runs of parts with his local machine shops and realizes his partner company may not be local, but does not want to go overseas with it.

V2: This part really knocked my socks off.  Eric's new design for V2 has 10 machined parts, down from 19.  I don't see how he managed to do that but I am no engineer.  The LE has over 30 parts if you include springs and tiny pins.  Blade exposure will be dialed back across the range of settings.  The V2 profile will stay the same as the LE but the knurling will be different and the adjustment dial detent will be improved.  The finish will be done using electropolish technique vs. mechanical polishing and will result in a very bright (chrome like he said) finish that will cost less to achieve and be more uniform.  By the way he praised James Dufour for his incredible skill mirror polishing the Wolfman razors.  Eric said if he ever needed a hip joint replaced he would ask James to polish it for him.   

Eric told me that his main goal is to make the machine shop partnership happen so he can get V2 out there.  And although I can't share specifically how he will do it he wants to make sure every LE owner (even the folks who sent theirs back) is a happy camper on the release of the V2 to make up for shortcomings of the LE.  He wants all his customers to be happy in the end.  All depends on him finding a suitable partner to have V2 produced. 

I was worried that Eric would not continue.  Unfortunately the Janus Prototype will not be produced again but V2 most likely will be and it could be a winner.  Eric learned from his mistakes and now knows the economics of machine shops and the finer points of what we are all looking for in a razor.  End cost will be determined by cost to manufacture but Eric stated he will not cut corners.

He admits he is not good at customer support but he takes calls from LE owners.  Texts are a good way to get in touch but he has a regular day job and spends most time on the weekends with his family.  LE owners have his number and it is in the thread somewhere.  He said anyone can call and talk to him about the project though.

A note about the prototype I shaved with today: I was surprised to hear that it is not a bare steel finish but is actually platinum PVD.  (Physical Vapor Deposition.)  Electrons bombard platinum and the part in a vacuum chamber.  Hot plasma reacts with chlorine gas and platinum atoms creating a molecular vapor which is deposited on the steel surface.  It is not just plated but metallurgically bonded, is extremely hard, and resistant to corrosion.  How cool is that?

Looks like the story of the Janus New Toggle has more chapters to be written.

Thanks for that update, Mr. Sedge. Much appreciated. I am glad he is not giving up. I look forward to taking delivery of whatever he comes with.

Most anyone that kicks around other manly hobbies like knives and that forbidden subject related to 2A, knows PVD well. PVD is an exceptional finish for bare steel. Those industries generally use black tho. I will have to research this Chrome of which you speak. Still, I think black would not only be more tactical and cut just a tad closer. My Blackbird Jet is proof.

Ok, I’m definitely in for this new one. I passed on the last one after hearing so many issues that people had on the final product. I kind of just sat back and observed. Sounds like Eric has really come up with a winner this time around so I will be all in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have one of the originals (#42). I'm glad I supported Eric in bringing it to reality, especially since he faced so much criticism early on. But, I have to say that the original is little more than a novelty, and I've only shaved with it once. Will be interested to see what the second version brings. But, I don't know if I'll buy. Can you share more about what he plans to do for those who own the original version. You hinted at something, and maybe you can't give specific details. I would love to have a Janus razor that I actually looked forward to using.

Sent from my 2PZC5 using Tapatalk

Awesome update, and great to hear that Eric hasn’t given up.

In the meantime I purchased a refurbished and rhodium-plated F4 toggle, so I “scratched the Toggle itch,” so to speak. Having said that, if Eric comes out with a V2 that shaves nicely and functions well, I will Iikely pony up the cheese. The toggle design has always been catnip to me.

I’m glad to hear that Eric is working on a V2 and it sounds like he’s learned a lot since the release of the LE. If and when he comes out with the V2 I’d be onboard for that razor. I hope he keeps us updated by coming on here himself with them.

I wish him success on this project.

I have one of the originals (#42). I'm glad I supported Eric in bringing it to reality, especially since he faced so much criticism early on. But, I have to say that the original is little more than a novelty, and I've only shaved with it once. Will be interested to see what the second version brings. But, I don't know if I'll buy. Can you share more about what he plans to do for those who own the original version. You hinted at something, and maybe you can't give specific details. I would love to have a Janus razor that I actually looked forward to using.

Sent from my 2PZC5 using Tapatalk

The original is the prototype, the LE is the revision. The prototype is awesome.

I agreed to not share exactly what he intends to do other than he wants to make it right for every initial supporter. Eric had already decided on that.

What would I do?  Free V2 to existing owners and a hefty discount for those who sent theirs back.      So far he has agreed with my suggestions other than to make more prototypes.

I have been a very vocal supporter of Eric and his project and some could reasonably question my motivations.   I will pay full retail and will not accept a comp V2 since I don't feel it would be appropriate.  A successful release of the V2 will be enough reward for me.

I have one of the originals (#42). I'm glad I supported Eric in bringing it to reality, especially since he faced so much criticism early on. But, I have to say that the original is little more than a novelty, and I've only shaved with it once. Will be interested to see what the second version brings. But, I don't know if I'll buy. Can you share more about what he plans to do for those who own the original version. You hinted at something, and maybe you can't give specific details. I would love to have a Janus razor that I actually looked forward to using.

Sent from my 2PZC5 using Tapatalk

The original is the prototype, the LE is the revision. The prototype is awesome.

I agreed to not share exactly what he intends to do other than he wants to make it right for every initial supporter. Eric had already decided on that.

What would I do?  Free V2 to existing owners and a hefty discount for those who sent theirs back.      So far he has agreed with my suggestions other than to make more prototypes.

I have been a very vocal supporter of Eric and his project and some could reasonably question my motivations.   I will pay full retail and will not accept a comp V2 since I don't feel it would be appropriate.  A successful release of the V2 will be enough reward for me.

As an initial supporter and still an owner I can’t wait for V2. Either way making a stainless toggle isn’t an easy feat, if it were others would be doing it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have one of the originals (#42). I'm glad I supported Eric in bringing it to reality, especially since he faced so much criticism early on. But, I have to say that the original is little more than a novelty, and I've only shaved with it once. Will be interested to see what the second version brings. But, I don't know if I'll buy. Can you share more about what he plans to do for those who own the original version. You hinted at something, and maybe you can't give specific details. I would love to have a Janus razor that I actually looked forward to using.

Sent from my 2PZC5 using Tapatalk

The original is the prototype, the LE is the revision. The prototype is awesome.

I agreed to not share exactly what he intends to do other than he wants to make it right for every initial supporter. Eric had already decided on that.

What would I do?  Free V2 to existing owners and a hefty discount for those who sent theirs back.      So far he has agreed with my suggestions other than to make more prototypes.

I have been a very vocal supporter of Eric and his project and some could reasonably question my motivations.   I will pay full retail and will not accept a comp V2 since I don't feel it would be appropriate.  A successful release of the V2 will be enough reward for me.

Free anything isn't generally a good business model. 50% off is only half better.

I can appreciate the intent but feel it unnecessary, personally. He owes me nothing and I wouldn't accept a coupon of any $$ value. He should be compensated for his investment of time and talents.

Now, if he wanted to do some limited colors/serials/etc , as discussed months ago for early backers, I wouldn't feel put out.

I have one of the originals (#42). I'm glad I supported Eric in bringing it to reality, especially since he faced so much criticism early on. But, I have to say that the original is little more than a novelty, and I've only shaved with it once. Will be interested to see what the second version brings. But, I don't know if I'll buy. Can you share more about what he plans to do for those who own the original version. You hinted at something, and maybe you can't give specific details. I would love to have a Janus razor that I actually looked forward to using.

Sent from my 2PZC5 using Tapatalk

The original is the prototype, the LE is the revision. The prototype is awesome.

I agreed to not share exactly what he intends to do other than he wants to make it right for every initial supporter.  Eric had already decided on that.

What would I do?  Free V2 to existing owners and a hefty discount for those who sent theirs back.      So far he has agreed with my suggestions other than to make more prototypes.

I have been a very vocal supporter of Eric and his project and some could reasonably question my motivations.   I will pay full retail and will not accept a comp V2 since I don't feel it would be appropriate.  A successful release of the V2 will be enough reward for me.

Free anything isn't generally a good business model. 50% off is only half better.

I can appreciate the intent but feel it unnecessary, personally. He owes me nothing and I wouldn't accept a coupon of any $$ value. He should be compensated for his investment of time and talents.

Now, if he wanted to do some limited colors/serials/etc , as discussed months ago for early backers, I wouldn't feel put out.

I'm going to pass that on to him.  Sounds like a good idea.

I think this may have been posted early on during the initial reviews but I just noticed it last night after my shave.  The photo makes it look darker but it is lightly etched inside both doors of the prototype.  When I searched for it I initially got results referring to Adidas' appropriation of the phrase as a marketing tool.
 
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”  Muhammad Ali.