#21

It's sharp and it cuts. I like it...
Northeast, USA
(This post was last modified: 05-22-2020, 11:54 AM by GlazedBoker.)
(05-22-2020, 12:20 AM)surfboat Wrote:
(05-21-2020, 04:57 PM)GlazedBoker Wrote:
(05-21-2020, 03:16 PM)surfboat Wrote: As a one man show, isn't part of wolfman's pricing aimed at reducing the amount of product he needs to turn out annually to make a certain income?

Perhaps but, I wasn't questioning his business motif or on how Wolfman perceives to control his costs versus profit, availability and demand. As DanLaw above put it, it's about as good as it can be said...
Its a fair comparison/argument but with different constraints, perhaps another strategy would be better for H&S' bottom line. A related question is whether or not Aji feels his product is accessible at a higher price? One might not know it based on this forum, but it's a small subset willing to spend that much on a razor.

Well, maybe we should look at it in a different way perhaps. Granted, it will always be $$$ for the bottom line. These artisans are not in it to lose money. I think we should look at it this way, in a sense. It’s obvious that these higher end razors are catered to the upper tier of the razor enthusiasts. Not necessarily the ones that have the deeper pockets and have endless amounts to throw into this rabbit hole but, will also include the shaver that will buy one or perhaps 2 premium razors in their lifetime and want just that. A high end tool that gets the job done while providing pride in ownership of a top notch product. The far majority of shavers are not looking to acquire the next greatest and uber luxurious hyper exotic alloyed razor at every release. But, make no mistake about it that those same shavers tune into these forums and read these posts to see what the razor acquisitions zealots are clamoring for and how does Ti razor A (or any higher end alloy, your pick) perform in comparison with Ti razor B or C and so forth and quite a few are saving their pennies to acquire them. Those are the silent ones and the bigger group that far outsize the hardcore talkers such as ourselves that scrutinize every new creation and salivate over breaking down every single facet of the new rock star razor of the moment.

Ultimately, I think these razor artisans know where their market is and realize that there are various stages or groupings in the wet shaver market that they can fulfill or, just cater too. I don’t have numbers or statistics to prove one way or the other but, it seems that the wet shaving market is growing. Perhaps not at leaps and bounds or at the rate that it was 3-4 years ago but, I think there is a slow, methodical and steady growth of new shave converts to more traditional shaving. Those newcomers start low and gradually progress to the next tier and so on and so on. Granted there are those that can care less about moving up the high end razor pyramid and are happy/content with where they fit. Nowadays and I can’t possibly confirm if it’s a trend or not but, I see those newer shave entrants come in and purchase a razor or two and then all of a sudden they jump right into the deep waters and go for the good stuff. Whereas in times before the norm was usually let me acquire 10, 15 or whatever number of cheap, reliable razors and work my way to my personal grail razor. I’m only speaking of the modern high end razors today and not the other Gorilla in the room (which would need a whole other thread to discuss) of vintage/classic razors for those that chase in that realm as well.

For now, it seems as though the trend is there for producing higher end/exotic alloy razors to consumers. You see it with a couple of artisan manufacturer mainstays such as Timeless, Wolfman and more importantly even Blackland is looking at creating Ti designed razors. H&S has been around much shorter than the 3 previous merchants/manufacturers I mentioned but, it looks as though with their earlier releases and consequent success, they’ve established a base and have set up a business module to see and read market trends in this super niche market. Pricing and value will ALWAYS be subjective and up for debate as long as the world turns and humanity is still kicking. As gentlemen I guess we are just going to have to respectfully agree to disagree especially when greenbacks are involved and how we determine value & cost.....

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#22

Member
I like Pizza
(05-21-2020, 05:19 AM)vicstarrr Wrote:
(05-21-2020, 04:08 AM)Whisk-her Away Wrote:
(05-21-2020, 12:04 AM)DanLaw Wrote: The proposed price without being set firmly and finally is $400.  Before commenting, review the photos next to a SS razor costing $650 and waiting half a year minimum to acquire  Or alternatively a basic brushed finish Ti razor costing $470, unavailable (maybe forever) and taking months to acquire when available.  Context is important
What razor are you referring to? The most expensive SS Wolfman configuration - with mirror polished head and handle - is $538 USD. The basic polished is $287.


Yes, I'm also confused as to what razor you are referring to. A mirror polished Wolfman isn't even 650 canadian dollars let alone 650 U.S. dollars. To me, 400 sounds to be priced right around the competition honestly.

(05-21-2020, 07:25 AM)DanLaw Wrote: That particular razor also has some additional configuration that ran more.  

But you need recheck your figures if thinking it possible to acquire a fully polished WR1 for less than $750C using the build sheet; if you want a standard issue from menu options WR1 fully polished the price is $750C: $250 Head, $200 High Polish, $150 Handle, $150 High Polish, essentially @$550US given dollar exchange at any moment
Wolfie Math Basics is always easy when you’re ready for your new MIRROR JEWELRY grade instrument:
$538 no stand
$698 matching stand

Zero wait time premium on the BST, $200-250 additional 

My rule of thumb anyway.....

DanLaw likes this post
#23

Member
I like Pizza
Dan, you’re a Gentleman and linguistics Legend!  I’ve learned many things here at DFS, and valuations is one of them.  I’m a VERY wasteful person, I know this, BUT with people like yourself helping it’s people like me who don’t have to waste time or money.  

Your credibility is legit, you’ve mentioned the cons in your reviews too, tough to do when you really like the persons behind the brands.  I also respect you not ever bashing a brand rather suggesting alternatives.  

I appreciate the help you give to the artisans here; had it not been for your H&S reviews, I wouldn’t have purchased the #75 or the 17-4.  Your stance on the Blackland Dart has always impressed me too! So much that I purchased the most under-rated razor Blackland puts out.  That razor is a beast in its class, imo, everyone should try it! The price point for the value you get in that Dart is brilliant.

Opinions are subjective, keep doing what you do Dan, appreciate your time! It’s the opinions of all the fine members here that make up this really cool DFS community.  Now, if you can work on getting some women here, that would be pretty cool too, Cheers!

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#24

Posting Freak
Peachtree City, GA
(This post was last modified: 05-22-2020, 10:46 AM by DanLaw.)
Interesting that you should mention women...have a passaround review of the Leaf razor posting in the morning that is oriented as much toward the women in our lives as men.

ExtraProtein likes this post
#25
I got the Popcorn ready waiting for some more reviews. This is the H&S I have been waiting for.

ExtraProtein, Darktrader, GlazedBoker and 1 others like this post
#26
DanLaw Thanks for that wonderful review and these pass arounds.

GlazedBoker Wonderful perspective on the industry and very useful.

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#27

It's sharp and it cuts. I like it...
Northeast, USA
(05-22-2020, 12:57 PM)AJSharp Wrote: DanLaw Thanks for that wonderful review and these pass arounds.

GlazedBoker Wonderful perspective on the industry and very useful.

Thanks AJSharp. I don’t know if I’d classify it as useful honestly. I look at it as a melange of thoughts & opinions put together in a semi coherent sort of legible way. My inspiration and credit though goes to DanLaw, as this gentleman is a god damn savant (pardon my French) with his command & knowlege of English linguistics. As ExtraProtein stated wonderfully, it’s a true pleasure to read his insights, opinions and inside knowledge of the wet shave theater.

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#28
Dan, thank you for the detailed presentation and the useful information kindly provided! How does the P076 Ti compare to the Paradigm Ti2 razor? I tend to prefer smoothness rather than efficiency, so if it's in the same catalog as the Ti2, it's a winner in my book.
Thanks in advance!
#29

Posting Freak
Peachtree City, GA
(This post was last modified: 05-22-2020, 08:04 PM by DanLaw.)
Owned both Paradigm Ti versions; the H&S is far smoother. In fact, the H&S is the first Ti felt better than a SS. This razor is going to be in permanent rotation with my Wolfman SS razors beside its sibling N075Al. Urging Aji to produce a custom Ti N075 for personal usage, which is a strong endorsement of my perspective regarding H&S’ Ti execution

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#30
(05-22-2020, 03:18 PM)DanLaw Wrote: Owned both Paradigm Ti versions; the H&S is far smoother. In fact, the H&S is the first Ti felt better than a SS. This razor is going to be in permanent rotation with my Wolfman SS razors beside its sibling N075Al. Working on Aji producing a custom Ti N075 for personal usage, which is a strong endorsement of H&S’ Ti execution

Thank you very much, it's exactly what I wanted to hear! I'm looking forward to its release!


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