Rockwell Razors AMA, April 4th, 2016

Can you tell us more about any other potential finishes for Rockwell razors?

Stainless steel is extremely challenging to add a finish to! We could use different bead-blasting finishes on the stainless steel (we’ve looked at a mirror finish - I wish I had pictures to share). That’s the only other stainless steel finish I’d look at for now. Anyone interested in a mirror finish stainless steel 6S, give me a shoutout in this thread - I want to hear from you!

Beyond stainless steel, we’re actively looking at the 6S in other materials that would really open up opportunities around other finishes and colors. Are there any finishes or colors in particular that are of interest to anyone?

absolutely Gareth, an open comb combined with all brass 6s will be something nice, you don't even have to polish it to make it shiny, for example the all brass hone 15 is not polished and develops nice looking patina over time. Question is can you mold the brass in MIM molds? Also I have the 6s and few changes are needed for an open comb design, it suitable as it is to pull off open comb

Great to know! Brass would be made from casting, not MIM, so it would be totally different molds to start with. OC is a lot easier to do in brass than it is in stainless steel, no question.

I'm going to start off with the easy ones to get warmed up!

What were/are you studying in college?

I graduated last May in Environmental Science from Western University, up here in Canada. Renewable energy production and water desalination are fascinating processes that modern technology is unlocking at scale. These technologies really drove my interest and admittedly piqued my entrepreneurial curiosity, when I was very young, and I feel very fortunate that I was able to dive deep on all the modern research through my degree.

thanks for the answer.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love cooking (and eating, let’s be real), and I travel with my girlfriend as often as possible. Beyond that, I’m an avid reader / researcher. Topics that I’ve been interested in recently include ketogenic dieting, intermittent fasting, and suppression of APO-e4 gene expression in humans.

any particular cuisine you prefer cooking? what's your favorite destination you've traveled to thus far?

Hi Gareth
Thank you for the thoughtful responses.
Can you tell us how many 6S razors are in production and if they are still scheduled to ship on 4-30?
Best Regards
Stephen

Thanks for the discussion Gareth! I have two questions for you:

First, what is the logic behind the name of your company, and the names of the razor models?

Second, from a business perspective, how do you account for your product being (for all intents and purposes) indestructible? I imagine that repeat customers (excepting the most enthusiastic enthusiasts) are rare in the razor business, especially since a stainless steel razor is unlikely to break. Do you need to increase your market share to ensure viability? Or will you focus on releasing new models that appeal to different segments of the enthusiast crowd?

any particular cuisine you prefer cooking? what's your favorite destination you've traveled to thus far?

French cooking is the best - and in that vein, Paris is certainly my favourite destination, I'd go back there again and again.

Hi Gareth
Thank you for the thoughtful responses.
Can you tell us how many 6S razors are in production and if they are still scheduled to ship on 4-30?
Best Regards
Stephen

Great to see you here Stephen! We've ramped up the upcoming production to 2500 razors, and we have every reason to believe reservations will ship on or before April 30th - we're also hoping this batch will be the one that allows us to begin supplying retailers!

Thanks for the discussion Gareth! I have two questions for you:

First, what is the logic behind the name of your company, and the names of the razor models?

Second, from a business perspective, how do you account for your product being (for all intents and purposes) indestructible? I imagine that repeat customers (excepting the most enthusiastic enthusiasts) are rare in the razor business, especially since a stainless steel razor is unlikely to break. Do you need to increase your market share to ensure viability? Or will you focus on releasing new models that appeal to different segments of the enthusiast crowd?

Morgan and I are total geeks - so "Rockwell" is based off the Rockwell hardness scale (a scale to measure the hardness of metal). The name 6S is from 6 Sizes, and Model T is Model Twist.

That's a great question around the indestructibility - we essentially have placed a bet that people will spread the word about our products because they simply really like them. We're not in the business of locking people into subscriptions, and I think people appreciate (and are eager to spread the word about) excellent products. I also anticipate that people who are fans of the early products we put out will at least give ongoing products we produce a try, when we announce product launches. I know it's a bit of a counterintuitive model, MBA-types will probably be disappointed in me - we're essentially just doubling down on a bet that quality / personal connections trump marketing gimmicks / subscriptions.

Now that Rockwell has a successful 3-piece DE, and is looking to have a very successful adjustable TTO in the field, and the reviews on your blades are quite strong, do you folks have any plans on offering a Rockwell stainless straight razor?

Now that Rockwell has a successful 3-piece DE, and is looking to have a very successful adjustable TTO in the field, and the reviews on your blades are quite strong, do you folks have any plans on offering a Rockwell stainless straight razor?

Straight-up straights are very hard to get right - I'd hate to mess up on a straight due to lack of experience and hurt Rockwell's credibility. That being said, you may be able to expect a straight-shaped razor from Rockwell later this year!

I don't think this has been asked yet. if it has, I apologize...

GarRockwell, why did you decide to design a razor? did terrible shaves from cartridge/electric razors lead you down the path to finding a better solution, like so many of us have?