Wolfman Production Pushed Back.

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.

This says it all

I think I used the phrase piece of art in an earlier post and I stand behind it. The razor is a functional tool for sure but its executed beautifully and is a joy to look at, hold and use. It reflects on the values of the maker and the user. I've been a carpenter and I can tell you a tool isn't just a tool. Some are completely soulless utilitarian objects and others are functional art. Why do people collect vintage tools? Or vintage razors? Is a car just transportation? Is a piece of furniture, say a dining room table, merely a horizontal surface from which to eat from? It can be, a 4x8 sheet of plywood on sawhorses would suffice. Or it can be more - a tribute to the maker (earthly and otherwise). I have a massive 4x9 table made from the structural timbers (douglas fir) of a 150 year old fruit packing warehouse that was an integral part of the history of the region where it stood. I worked closely with the craftsman on dimensions and details, it has hand forged fittings made by a local metal worker. Its more than just a table, its a connection between me and my family and the generations that came before us and it will continue that link in future generations. I would call it a piece of art. I'm sure my son and future grandsons will use my Wolfman razor long after I'm gone - maybe I will hang it on the wall.
Marko

I think I used the phrase piece of art in an earlier post and I stand behind it.  The razor is a functional tool for sure but its executed beautifully and is a joy to look at, hold and use.  It reflects on the values of the maker and the user.  I've been a carpenter and I can tell you a tool isn't just a tool. Some are completely soulless utilitarian objects and others are functional art.  Why do people collect vintage tools?  Or vintage razors?  Is a car just transportation? Is a piece of furniture, say a dining room table, merely a horizontal surface from which to eat from? It can be, a 4x8 sheet of plywood on sawhorses would suffice.  Or it can be more - a tribute to the maker (earthly and otherwise).  I have a massive 4x9 table made from the structural timbers (douglas fir) of a 150 year old fruit packing warehouse that was an integral part of the history of the region where it stood. I worked closely with the craftsman on dimensions and details, it has hand forged fittings made by a local metal worker.  Its more than just a table, its a connection between me and my family and the generations that came before us and it will continue that link in future generations.  I would call it a piece of art. I'm sure my son and future grandsons will use my Wolfman razor long after I'm gone - maybe I will hang it on the wall.
Marko

I heard kumbaya playing in the background and saw puppies and kittens playing together reading this. Melodramatic much.

I think I used the phrase piece of art in an earlier post and I stand behind it.  The razor is a functional tool for sure but its executed beautifully and is a joy to look at, hold and use.  It reflects on the values of the maker and the user.  I've been a carpenter and I can tell you a tool isn't just a tool. Some are completely soulless utilitarian objects and others are functional art.  Why do people collect vintage tools?  Or vintage razors?  Is a car just transportation? Is a piece of furniture, say a dining room table, merely a horizontal surface from which to eat from? It can be, a 4x8 sheet of plywood on sawhorses would suffice.  Or it can be more - a tribute to the maker (earthly and otherwise).  I have a massive 4x9 table made from the structural timbers (douglas fir) of a 150 year old fruit packing warehouse that was an integral part of the history of the region where it stood. I worked closely with the craftsman on dimensions and details, it has hand forged fittings made by a local metal worker.  Its more than just a table, its a connection between me and my family and the generations that came before us and it will continue that link in future generations.  I would call it a piece of art. I'm sure my son and future grandsons will use my Wolfman razor long after I'm gone - maybe I will hang it on the wall.
Marko

I heard kumbaya playing in the background and saw puppies and kittens playing together reading this.  Melodramatic much.

If you say so steeleshaves, if you like I can tone it down.

Me like shave. Me like use good shaver. Wolfman good.

Is that non-melodramatic enough for you?

WolfmanRazors I can totally understand why you want to work alone as I am much the same way. If I was making something like that, I would want to be the only one with hands in it. But maybe you could hire someone just to handle the packing and shipping part to lighten the load a bit? Just a suggestion. That way you could still do all the production and finishing and not have to worry about someone else mucking it up.

I can understand James' concern about wanting to oversee every area of quality control for his razors. (Although, with the right people apprenticing underneath him, this concern can be mitigated. Or, James can manage the quality control at the end part of production, and send any back that don't meet his standards.)

Full customization, from aggressiveness, to handle and head type, to engraved lettering is also very unique. (There are perhaps ways of even continuing the customization, with James giving the customized design specs to his employees or third party machine shop.)

But in the meantime, more and more people will clog up the wait lists, making even more money than James' on the Wolfman:

Like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wolfman-closed-b...SwUuFWz48x

Personally, I'd rather see James making this kind of money, rather than opportunists for the 'get it now' price.

I can understand James' concern about wanting to oversee every area of quality control for his razors. (Although, with the right people apprenticing underneath him, this concern can be mitigated. Or, James can manage the quality control at the end part of production, and send any back that don't meet his standards.)

Full customization, from aggressiveness, to handle and head type, to engraved lettering is also very unique. (There are perhaps ways of even continuing the customization, with James giving the customized design specs to his employees or third party machine shop.)

But in the meantime, more and more people will clog up the wait lists, making even more money than James' on the Wolfman:

Like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wolfman-closed-b...SwUuFWz48x

Personally, I'd rather see James making this kind of money, rather than opportunists for the 'get it now' price.

Its good to know that at least one of my investments is in the black!

James is running his business on his own terms. I respect that.
Marko

And each and every day I thank God that an individual may and can do it his way. And, without outside interference. If he's that good, if his work is that good,and people desire his work that greatly then he is an artist regardless of what "he" is producing. I for one would desire a razor that he produces and produces on his own at his own pace and in his own time and in his on way! Why in the world would anyone want to be stuck on a machine turning out product just because demand selfishly wants it that way? Packing, mailing, correspondence, interaction are all part of enjoying life as it comes at you. I think razor buyers like many other buyers miss the point entirely! Kudos Wolfman! If I live long enough perhaps, though I don't guarantee that, I will shave with one of your razors. Mild enough and not too aggressive and shiny as can be. But at this time I am not on the list and I don't see myself scrambling to get on that list. This all just seems silly to me!!!

What is art?

Artisan creating a brush or razor (tool or art?); an individual using the said item, then composing a lovely photo (tool or art?); artisan admiring the photo (tool or art?); an oscillation of start and finish without boundaries or reference points;

Pleasure, functionality, enjoyment, simplicity.

Who knows.

For those of you who may wonder what a product development and production process can be like when the producer isn't quite as diligent as WolfmanRazors , check out this horror story written by the maker of Rockwell razors:

http://venturebeat.com/2016/03/13/how-my...p-my-life/