Wolfman Production Pushed Back.

 I do appreciate the proprietor answering my questions with civility

Best part of the entire discussion- adult perspectives, differing opinions but handled in a civil way.

I would say that I view many things that are tools as having a strong aesthetic.

Watches, knives, guitars. Perhaps even vehicles. All designed to be used but also having the potential to showcase exemplary craftsmanship and design.

Heck, I have a Wagenfeld teapot that is in the museum of modern art!

Regardless, good dialogue and appreciate James chiming in. If frustrating to wait, I personally found it worthwhile and hope that he doesn't head to a more mass produced approach or at the least continues to offer a segmented product line that includes his hand finished goods.

 Someone said "piece of art" when referencing these razors.  I think that's a tad extreme folks.  Unless you plan to hang it in your office or living room, a razor, no matter what it looks like, is not art!  That's like saying my tree saw made by the Hutterites is art..... It's a tool, not art.

Then what would people post in SOTD pics outside, in a garden, on a cliff, razors balancing on a brush on top of lather?

As you said, these are all tools. I enjoy some of my funky disco brushes as they brighten up the mundane task of shaving...but in the end, it's just shaving and these are working items.

James, thank you so much for taking the time to address these questions.

Classy as always!

Héctor

I think Kevin and Justin said it best. If a brush can be creatively designed and made, why can't a razor? Or @Bruce 's slingshot handles for that matter. They are working items, but can be viewed as art, IMO.

I think Kevin and Justin said it best. If a brush can be creatively designed and made, why can't a razor? Or @Bruce 's slingshot handles for that matter. They are working items, but can be viewed as art, IMO.

We are getting off topic here, but since you asked....

To me, pretty much ANY item that has a useful purpose or designed for a task, is not art.

People have taken these things from shaving and almost made them idols. I'm guessing many people spend longer on staging their pics then I do shaving.

That is not to say there is anything wrong with taking those pics and spending time staging and editing, it just isn't for me. I'd venture to guess it is the same with any hobby like slingshots (as you pointed out), quilting, pipes, walking sticks and we know it happens with pens, knives, leather goods, sunglasses etc. People become obsessed with stuff and place them in a higher regard then they actually deserve.

In the end, if it doesn't harm or offend me, I don't worry too much about it. Maybe I have the 5y shave itch and don't get as excited about things as I used to.

I think Kevin and Justin said it best. If a brush can be creatively designed and made, why can't a razor? Or @Bruce 's slingshot handles for that matter. They are working items, but can be viewed as art, IMO.

To me,

Key words.

To me, this is art, a masterpiece even, yet it is built with a function.

[Image: RGM-PS801BB-JPEG-2-1940x1428.jpg]

YMMV


Justin

I understand your perspective too @Bruce. People love their stuff, often too much (myself included). But, as you said, we are getting off topic...

I won't post on this further as I think it's a moot point now.  We can agree to disagree.  I do appreciate the proprietor answering my questions with civility as some artesians have not been thicked skinned enough to take criticism.  Wish him the best and all of you waiting for his razors enjoy them and hopefully they are worth the wait.  Let me say this however.  Someone said "piece of art" when referencing these razors.  I think that's a tad extreme folks.  Unless you plan to hang it in your office or living room, a razor, no matter what it looks like, is not art!  That's like saying my tree saw made by the Hutterites is art..... It's a tool, not art.

For what it's worth, I appreciate the questions regarding supply and demand.   The demand came as a surprise to me.

I've been a machinist for over 16 years, and I ended up getting my own equipment so I could work alone and try new things.   I occasionally will still do industrial work, if I'm asked to.   When I was asked to make razors by John at LA Shaving, I had no idea I'd be making more than 20.    It was just something fun and interesting.    I had been preparing to make some pocket knives before that, for the same reason.  

The point is that my situation is probably unique and it seems there's an expectation for volume that I simply wasn't aware of going in.   It would be helpful if some of you can suggest a number of razors that you would consider to be the minimum, just in case anyone reading this is planning to introduce a new design.  

For now, I'll continue as I have been.   In case it's not clear, I'm doing all the work myself, from raw material to shipping.   I am also discussing each order with each customer.   It's a slow process and I did not intend to upset anyone who expects availability.    I'll put more thought into hiring but I can't make any promises about that.

Keep doing you, James. Your wait list says more than enough about the demand for your products and process. What some don't seem to understand is that your process is an integral part of the product. People wait for months on end because your razors are individually crafted and take time, not in spite of it.

Keep doing you, James. Your wait list says more than enough about the demand for your products and process. What some don't seem to understand is that your process is an integral part of the product. People wait for months on end because your razors are individually crafted and take time, not in spite of it.

From one artisan to another- well said Shane!