Le Maurice Pass around

Not that I'd be a prospective buyer for this razor as I am set for the long haul with my Ti Blackbird, but I can't help but point out as an outsider that I think a lot of Mfg's make a huge mistake by pawning off an elaborate shipping / presentation box that is just worthless to them once they receive the product as the razor usually goes in thebathroom cabinet to use regularly and the box usually just sets on a shelf gathering dust and is usually just in the way most times and gets shuffled around and becomes a nuisance overall. What I'm trying to say is the box serves absolutely no purpose for someone like me once I receive the razor and feel like I am paying an inflated price for a product when say a box like Blackland or Timeless uses is more than efficient and more cost effective IMO and I don't feel like I'm being gouged for something that the Mfg uses to make his product more "pretty" and if the box gets discarded its no big deal.

The option for finish is important to me as well as I just don't care for shiny razors. I prefer a natural or matte finish on my razors so maybe the added cost for an unwanted box could go to providing multiple finishes for customers that prefer one over the other.

Just an outsider looking in....

Valid point and a good argument for utilitarian reasoning and options that are simple and straightforward. But, there's a flip side to that reasoning. I think you are narrowly focused on just one spot of the picture and not stepping back to see the entirety of it as a whole. While there are many that think and side with your rationale, at times myself as well, there is something to be said about the whole "luxury shave segment" that has to be accounted for. Many shavers do look forward to a quality piece and all its grandeur from presentation to execution of said product. I can't say that I know why this manufacturer artisan is providing a potential dress up for his product but, I would like to think that he believes in his workmanship and the quality of that workmanship carries over into every detail of the process. Trust me, there are many who are willing to pay that premium for a product or service because of the experience in its entirety. The consumer or shave customer may have sons (daughters too as they have plenty of real estate to navigate) with whom they'd want to pass a creation of elegance that is kept and presented as an heirloom quality piece. I won't even delve into the collector segment as that is an entirely whole topic that has a life of its own. 

Another thing to consider is perhaps the presentation boxing can be optional or a Limited Edition sort of presentation. The reasons can be numerous and only the manufacturer knows the why and the how. I don't hold what the manufacturer believes to be his perception of craftsmanship & quality and what the premium should be. I always wait until the entirety of the act or creation is revealed then make my decision accordingly.

It's good to have options on both sides of the spectrum.

Happy shaves...

Great post and as you said, it's good to have options on both sides but as I've seen in the past when there is a fancy box that the Mfg'r wants his presentation in there are no substitutes and as a former business owner I do understand why, very hard to price both ways and probably more backlash because of it than what its worth so its offered only with a fancy box!!

If you go to the website and read the box is something if you spend $500 on items then you will get it so it is listed as an option in that way. If you buy a single razor you obviously don't get the $500 threshold and therefore do not get a box that you have to set aside but rather it comes in a velvet pouch I believe.

I truly feel for any of the artisans that try to please everybody because there is always somebody that is on the other side of that spectrum that they're pleasing. A perfect example is the blade alignment tabs being in the baseplate or the top cap. Can't be both. No matter how hard you try you will not make everybody happy but he is trying to do the best that he can with input that he gets. At some point he's going to have to just make what he would like to make and have it available for those that want it.

Valid point and a good argument for utilitarian reasoning and options that are simple and straightforward. But, there's a flip side to that reasoning. I think you are narrowly focused on just one spot of the picture and not stepping back to see the entirety of it as a whole. While there are many that think and side with your rationale, at times myself as well, there is something to be said about the whole "luxury shave segment" that has to be accounted for. Many shavers do look forward to a quality piece and all its grandeur from presentation to execution of said product. I can't say that I know why this manufacturer artisan is providing a potential dress up for his product but, I would like to think that he believes in his workmanship and the quality of that workmanship carries over into every detail of the process. Trust me, there are many who are willing to pay that premium for a product or service because of the experience in its entirety. The consumer or shave customer may have sons (daughters too as they have plenty of real estate to navigate) with whom they'd want to pass a creation of elegance that is kept and presented as an heirloom quality piece. I won't even delve into the collector segment as that is an entirely whole topic that has a life of its own. 

Another thing to consider is perhaps the presentation boxing can be optional or a Limited Edition sort of presentation. The reasons can be numerous and only the manufacturer knows the why and the how. I don't hold what the manufacturer believes to be his perception of craftsmanship & quality and what the premium should be. I always wait until the entirety of the act or creation is revealed then make my decision accordingly.

It's good to have options on both sides of the spectrum.

Happy shaves...

Great post and as you said, it's good to have options on both sides but as I've seen in the past when there is a fancy box that the Mfg'r wants his presentation in there are no substitutes and as a former business owner I do understand why, very hard to price both ways and probably more backlash because of it than what its worth so its offered only with a fancy box!!

If you go to the website and read the box is something if you spend $500 on items then you will get it so it is listed as an option in that way. If you buy a single razor you obviously don't get the $500 threshold and therefore do not get a box that you have to set aside but rather it comes in a velvet pouch I believe.

I truly feel for any of the artisans that try to please everybody because there is always somebody that is on the other side of that spectrum that they're pleasing. A perfect example is the blade alignment tabs being in the baseplate or the top cap. Can't be both. No matter how hard you try you will not make everybody happy but he is trying to do the best that he can with input that he gets. At some point he's going to have to just make what he would like to make and have it available for those that want it.

Good post and thanks for the clarification and details amigo.

Lots of great points have been made.  My views are simple:  I have enough to handle trying to live my own life graciously, and "to each his own" works best for me.  That includes artisans and customers, practical and indulgent, minimalists and collectors, and so on.  Success is measured by how warmly I can genuinely embrace differences.  In my admittedly biased view, this kind of success has been a useful barometer of good perspective.

Don't sweat the small stuff.  Just shave.  And most of the the shaving related things that perturb me - and I think perhaps I have company - are upon reflection small stuff.  Life is big stuff.

Second Shave -- Saturday Morning Luxury Edition

This morning I used the 316L 1.0 head. Using the same handle, I do not perceive any difference in maneuverability between the Ti and stainless steel heads. Comfort level and feel were close to the .8 Ti head with an expected slight increase in efficiency. The 1.0 head is closer to my preference. I achieved another comfortable BBS in 3 passes with no irritation. This head came close to my goal of a 2 pass shave, but my stubborn neck required a third pass.

My earlier comparison to the Gillette Tech was for feel only. Le Maurice is finely crafted of quality materials, and the fit and tolerances are excellent. The blade is clamped rigidly. Regarding the posts, the alignment is perfect. I personally prefer the posts on the topcap, but I have no trouble at all loading the blade. Resting the blade on the baseplate and adding the topcap aligns the blade perfectly and requires no fiddling or adjusting.

As to the presentation box discussion, the box is well crafted with thoughtful generously-sized finger holes with gently rounded edges. It displays a pride in craftsmanship and attention to detail. It is a nice touch for a high dollar purchase to conveniently store multiple parts. If I purchased a single razor I would not expect a wooden box. But it sure is convenient for all the extra parts. Perhaps the box could be offered at the discretion of the buyer for a fair price. 

So to be clear the V2 should be added to this pass around if it's completed in time? Sorry if I missed this, I was skimming though because of time restraints.

Third Shave -- 1.2 Brass Head

Tonight I used the 1.2 head, which raised the efficiency to the level I prefer. Another comfortable shave requiring only two passes with minor touchups. 

Can you tell me which razor is similar in blade feel to the SB 1.2 gap?

L'au Revoir Shave

One final shave before I bid adieu to Le Maurice. I have enjoyed getting to know this finely crafted razor. I employed the 1.2 brass head once more, as it is closest to my preference. To answer your question, League , the feel of the razor is smooth and comfortable. The blade feel puts me in mind of the Gillette Tech, Rockwell, and Karve.

My only suggestion relates to the handle. The length and weight suit me perfectly. I would love to see a handle that invokes French style and elegance. 

I am honored to have been among the first to experience Le Maurice. If I find myself in France I fully intend to visit you and drink to your health and success.

After realization of the machining program I launch the CNC milling machine, it will take me two tries to arrive at a conclusive result.

I also launch the cutting of the foam on my small laser cutter.

After sanding and finishing the box I print the logo of the workshop.

Finally I apply a finishing oil that will also waterproof the box.

I send all this to my customer tomorrow ...

Package has arrived safe & sound. My initial impressions are extremely good, at least aesthetically with the whole set and presentation. There was careful thought from this artisan in how this razor set is presented and I can appreciate that. Deciding on which set up to begin with.

First shave thoughts to follow shortly.