Shave review of Janus Adjustable razor and Shave Off vs Gillette F4 Toggle

Hello Eric,  Thank you for making yourself available.  Can you please explain any design features which you improved from the Toggle to keep it free of clogging up?  Can you please explain any regular cleaning and maintenance you would recommend for the razor?  Can you please explain how one would have to go about refurbishing/cleaning the razor.  I understand that Janus Razors is a new company, but is there any guarantees or services that the company will offer?

Thanks!

A soak in warm soapy water every so often should do. Also, a drop of mineral oil (or whatever one likes to use) every so often at the top of the dial should keep the threads turning fine.

I added a lube port (which some even beyond DFS dislike) thinking that during soaking one can take out that set-screw to provide a 'big' opening for stuff like hard water slime to fall out after soaking. This port also provides a hole to blast canned compressed air through if prepping it for storage after cleaning. This set-screw & allen wrench is a standard size one can find from local hardware store if it gets lost. If I keep getting more hesitation about this lube port, I might consider eliminating it from the production design.

I probably won't wanna soak the Janus in a solution with CLR  since I don't have a good understanding what that will do to the PVD coatings over time.

During assembly, threadlocker used. With no good spots or surfaces to clamp on to disassemble, I would advise against disassembly since parts can get scratched up. Cleaning often is a better way to go. If the razor has issues, one would simply send it back to me and I can address on a case by case basis rather than making a blanket statement. What did I miss?

Please take the port out. This is not a Harley Davidson. It does not need a toolkit. Respectfully.

Handled properly, you can limit the amount of water down the barrels. Yes, it will get cruddy eventually, but Gillette have worked for 60 years.

If the Janus is as robustly built as it seems, and it tolerates disassembly/re-assembly, I would rather you offer a $125 tune-up much like Razor Emporium does. Service it like a fine watch. Every 3 years recommend. Although with no lube port, if you go out of business, I'd be perfectly content never opening it up. It will outlive my son.

And....I would never, ever, ever soK or submerge a Toggle in ANY solution unless it IS 60+ years old and caked closed with soap scum.

I loaned a Toggle out once...thinking the no soak thing was kinda a given....nope.

Please don't soak a Toggle adjust your handling/rinsing technique if necessary.

And compressed air after every use, then stand it on it's doors to drain the barrel.

We can help write you a set of properly handling, it should be just like a Gillette

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Go buy one, nobody is stopping you. You almost sound like the guy who is manufacturing this razor.

Sent from my SM-T387V using Tapatalk

Hello Eric,  Thank you for making yourself available.  Can you please explain any design features which you improved from the Toggle to keep it free of clogging up?  Can you please explain any regular cleaning and maintenance you would recommend for the razor?  Can you please explain how one would have to go about refurbishing/cleaning the razor.  I understand that Janus Razors is a new company, but is there any guarantees or services that the company will offer?

Thanks!

A soak in warm soapy water every so often should do. Also, a drop of mineral oil (or whatever one likes to use) every so often at the top of the dial should keep the threads turning fine.

I added a lube port (which some even beyond DFS dislike) thinking that during soaking one can take out that set-screw to provide a 'big' opening for stuff like hard water slime to fall out after soaking. This port also provides a hole to blast canned compressed air through if prepping it for storage after cleaning. This set-screw & allen wrench is a standard size one can find from local hardware store if it gets lost. If I keep getting more hesitation about this lube port, I might consider eliminating it from the production design.

I probably won't wanna soak the Janus in a solution with CLR  since I don't have a good understanding what that will do to the PVD coatings over time.

During assembly, threadlocker used. With no good spots or surfaces to clamp on to disassemble, I would advise against disassembly since parts can get scratched up. Cleaning often is a better way to go. If the razor has issues, one would simply send it back to me and I can address on a case by case basis rather than making a blanket statement. What did I miss?

Please take the port out. This is not a Harley Davidson. It does not need a toolkit. Respectfully.

Handled properly, you can limit the amount of water down the barrels. Yes, it will get cruddy eventually, but Gillette have worked for 60 years.

If the Janus is as robustly built as it seems, and it tolerates disassembly/re-assembly, I would rather you offer a $125 tune-up much like Razor Emporium does. Service it like a fine watch. Every 3 years recommend. Although with no lube port, if you go out of business, I'd be perfectly content never opening it up. It will outlive my son.

And....I would never, ever, ever soK or submerge a Toggle in ANY solution unless it IS 60+ years old and caked closed with soap scum.

I load a Toggle out once...thinking the no soak thing was kinda a given....nope.

Please don't soak a Toggle adjust your handling/rinsing technique if necessary.

And compressed air after every use, then stand it on it's doors to drain the barrel.

We can help write you a set of properly handling, it should be just like a Gillette

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

!00% agree. I have used one for years and it only requires a rinse after the shave. I have never seen one bound up so I can't add to that part of the discussion.

Go buy one, nobody is stopping you. You almost sound like the guy who is manufacturing this razor.

Sent from my SM-T387V using Tapatalk

A soak in warm soapy water every so often should do. Also, a drop of mineral oil (or whatever one likes to use) every so often at the top of the dial should keep the threads turning fine.

I added a lube port (which some even beyond DFS dislike) thinking that during soaking one can take out that set-screw to provide a 'big' opening for stuff like hard water slime to fall out after soaking. This port also provides a hole to blast canned compressed air through if prepping it for storage after cleaning. This set-screw & allen wrench is a standard size one can find from local hardware store if it gets lost. If I keep getting more hesitation about this lube port, I might consider eliminating it from the production design.

I probably won't wanna soak the Janus in a solution with CLR  since I don't have a good understanding what that will do to the PVD coatings over time.

During assembly, threadlocker used. With no good spots or surfaces to clamp on to disassemble, I would advise against disassembly since parts can get scratched up. Cleaning often is a better way to go. If the razor has issues, one would simply send it back to me and I can address on a case by case basis rather than making a blanket statement. What did I miss?

Please take the port out. This is not a Harley Davidson. It does not need a toolkit. Respectfully.

Handled properly, you can limit the amount of water down the barrels. Yes, it will get cruddy eventually, but Gillette have worked for 60 years.

If the Janus is as robustly built as it seems, and it tolerates disassembly/re-assembly, I would rather you offer a $125 tune-up much like Razor Emporium does. Service it like a fine watch. Every 3 years recommend. Although with no lube port, if you go out of business, I'd be perfectly content never opening it up. It will outlive my son.

And....I would never, ever, ever soK or submerge a Toggle in ANY solution unless it IS 60+ years old and caked closed with soap scum.

I load a Toggle out once...thinking the no soak thing was kinda a given....nope.

Please don't soak a Toggle adjust your handling/rinsing technique if necessary.

And compressed air after every use, then stand it on it's doors to drain the barrel.

We can help write you a set of properly handling, it should be just like a Gillette

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

!00% agree. I have used one for years and it only requires a rinse after the shave. I have never seen one bound up so I can't add to that part of the discussion.

Caked up is the danger of a Toggle. The easiest way to clog one is set it and forget it.

My chrome toggle was locked on 3. Its the only one I've soaked.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Eric I'd like to know about the serial numbers as well.   For example I plan on signing up for the Kickstarter tomorrow as I've made my decision. If you reach your KS goal  there would be 100 razors correct? If so let's just say for example if I were number 30 to sign up would I automatically get the serial # with the number 30 on it?  Also when the full retail version comes out will the serial numbers continue from let's say 100 if you meet your KS goal?  So the first one sold at retail would be #101?  A good thing to know for a razor of this price range and also for those of us that like the idea of numbered razors. Also I like the comment on colored razor serial numbers. So if you make 10 black will the first black one be B 101 or will the serial numbers continue upward no matter what color is chosen?   I'd like to hear the plan as well.  Thanks

Eric, I almost feel bad for the Serialization branch.

While they chat, please take a few minutes to explain the lube port. How, why, etc? Thanks.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Some great questions & answers so far. Here are some of my opinion for now:

1 Simplify the serial numbers 1 to 100 irrespective of the color otherwise it gets way too messy.
2 I'd agree that a pale "blue dot" (thank you Carl Sagan) would be cool as there's already been a red dot.
3 Please do not issue a neon (kermit the frog) green Kickstarter edition as so many companies seem to do and it would be ugly for a razor.
4 Perhaps an exclusive leather travel case as this large razor does seem bigger than most travel cases - after the first 100 cases you can sell them for a hefty profit.
5 What is the exact purpose of the lube port ? Will the razor have issues with soap sludge caking up like the original toggles ?
6 How are you standing behind this not inexpensive product (re warranty or servicing) ?
7 What would be the engineer/user's best blade be for The Janus ?

And, this may rattle a few, why would one want The Janus when for nearly half the cost one could get a well maintained vintage Toggle ?

Again thank you Eric for this session and best of luck

The serial #s are specific to colors. For example, 219B0002 is a black razor made in 2nd quarter of 2019 and is the second razor of the black color ever made. The 105th black razor ever made will be 219B0105. Adding the color designation to the serial # is important for several reasons. The laser marking script inputs into a spreadsheet which I can use to see which colors are selling more, and perhaps down the road simplify the # of SKUs. Also for quality purposes, I get to isolate the quality issues to color, qtr & year.

I'm a fan of Carl Sagan. Neil had big shoes to fill with the follow-up of A Personal Voyage.

At the moment, the Janus has a laser marked donut and not the red marked dimple like the F4.

I'm offering a 30 day free returns (unsused) and a 5 year warranty against manufacturing defects. If there's a manufacturing issue, the tools I designed for assembly are also used to disassemble and repair.

I have a leather case design with machined parts that I'm still shopping around. My preference is for local manufacturers that I can work with face to face. Also, I don't wanna take on too much - I will give the razor the utmost attention and any other project I take on detracts from the razor.

There are several reasons why the Janus is more expensive than an F4. A few - materials, lots of PNs in the design & post processing (a work around for very expensive tooling that can't be justified for very small volumes), manufacturing in Mn, the Janus is an assembly intensive design, set-up costs are being distributed over a few pieces...

Eric I'd like to know about the serial numbers as well.   For example I plan on signing up for the Kickstarter tomorrow as I've made my decision. If you reach your KS goal  there would be 100 razors correct? If so let's just say for example if I were number 30 to sign up would I automatically get the serial # with the number 30 on it?  Also when the full retail version comes out will the serial numbers continue from let's say 100 if you meet your KS goal?  So the first one sold at retail would be #101?  A good thing to know for a razor of this price range and also for those of us that like the idea of numbered razors. Also I like the comment on colored razor serial numbers. So if you make 10 black will the first black one be B 101 or will the serial numbers continue upward no matter what color is chosen?   I'd like to hear the plan as well.  Thanks

Eric, I almost feel bad for the Serialization branch.

While they chat, please take a few minutes to explain the lube port. How, why, etc? Thanks.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Some great questions & answers so far. Here are some of my opinion for now:

1 Simplify the serial numbers 1 to 100 irrespective of the color otherwise it gets way too messy.
2 I'd agree that a pale "blue dot" (thank you Carl Sagan) would be cool as there's already been a red dot.
3 Please do not issue a neon (kermit the frog) green Kickstarter edition as so many companies seem to do and it would be ugly for a razor.
4 Perhaps an exclusive leather travel case as this large razor does seem bigger than most travel cases - after the first 100 cases you can sell them for a hefty profit.
5 What is the exact purpose of the lube port ? Will the razor have issues with soap sludge caking up like the original toggles ?
6 How are you standing behind this not inexpensive product (re warranty or servicing) ?
7 What would be the engineer/user's best blade be for The Janus ?

And, this may rattle a few, why would one want The Janus when for nearly half the cost one could get a well maintained vintage Toggle ?

Again thank you Eric for this session and best of luck

The serial #s are specific to colors. For example, 219B0002 is a black razor made in 2nd quarter of 2019 and is the second razor of the black color ever made. The 105th black razor ever made will be 219B0105. Adding the color designation to the serial # is important for several reasons. The laser marking script inputs into a spreadsheet which I can use to see which colors are selling more, and perhaps down the road simplify the # of SKUs. Also for quality purposes, I get to isolate the quality issues to color, qtr & year.

I'm a fan of Carl Sagan. Neil had big shoes to fill with the follow-up of A Personal Voyage.

At the moment, the Janus has a laser marked donut and not the red marked dimple like the F4.

I'm offering a 30 day free returns (unsused) and a 5 year warranty against manufacturing defects. If there's a manufacturing issue, the tools I designed for assembly are also used to disassemble and repair.

I have a leather case design with machined parts that I'm still shopping around. My preference is for local manufacturers that I can work with face to face. Also, I don't wanna take on too much - I will give the razor the utmost attention and any other project I take on detracts from the razor.

There are several reasons why the Janus is more expensive than an F4. A few - materials, lots of PNs in the design & post processing (a work around for very expensive tooling that can't be justified for very small volumes), manufacturing in Mn, the Janus is an assembly intensive design, set-up costs are being distributed over a few pieces...

To this point, I don't think I've mentioned cost. Personally, price is the last consideration. I want a quality product. Respectfully.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Eric I'd like to know about the serial numbers as well.   For example I plan on signing up for the Kickstarter tomorrow as I've made my decision. If you reach your KS goal  there would be 100 razors correct? If so let's just say for example if I were number 30 to sign up would I automatically get the serial # with the number 30 on it?  Also when the full retail version comes out will the serial numbers continue from let's say 100 if you meet your KS goal?  So the first one sold at retail would be #101?  A good thing to know for a razor of this price range and also for those of us that like the idea of numbered razors. Also I like the comment on colored razor serial numbers. So if you make 10 black will the first black one be B 101 or will the serial numbers continue upward no matter what color is chosen?   I'd like to hear the plan as well.  Thanks

Eric, I almost feel bad for the Serialization branch.

While they chat, please take a few minutes to explain the lube port. How, why, etc? Thanks.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Some great questions & answers so far. Here are some of my opinion for now:

1 Simplify the serial numbers 1 to 100 irrespective of the color otherwise it gets way too messy.
2 I'd agree that a pale "blue dot" (thank you Carl Sagan) would be cool as there's already been a red dot.
3 Please do not issue a neon (kermit the frog) green Kickstarter edition as so many companies seem to do and it would be ugly for a razor.
4 Perhaps an exclusive leather travel case as this large razor does seem bigger than most travel cases - after the first 100 cases you can sell them for a hefty profit.
5 What is the exact purpose of the lube port ? Will the razor have issues with soap sludge caking up like the original toggles ?
6 How are you standing behind this not inexpensive product (re warranty or servicing) ?
7 What would be the engineer/user's best blade be for The Janus ?

And, this may rattle a few, why would one want The Janus when for nearly half the cost one could get a well maintained vintage Toggle ?

Again thank you Eric for this session and best of luck

The serial #s are specific to colors. For example, 219B0002 is a black razor made in 2nd quarter of 2019 and is the second razor of the black color ever made. The 105th black razor ever made will be 219B0105. Adding the color designation to the serial # is important for several reasons. The laser marking script inputs into a spreadsheet which I can use to see which colors are selling more, and perhaps down the road simplify the # of SKUs. Also for quality purposes, I get to isolate the quality issues to color, qtr & year.

I'm a fan of Carl Sagan. Neil had big shoes to fill with the follow-up of A Personal Voyage.

At the moment, the Janus has a laser marked donut and not the red marked dimple like the F4.

I'm offering a 30 day free returns (unsused) and a 5 year warranty against manufacturing defects. If there's a manufacturing issue, the tools I designed for assembly are also used to disassemble and repair.

I have a leather case design with machined parts that I'm still shopping around. My preference is for local manufacturers that I can work with face to face. Also, I don't wanna take on too much - I will give the razor the utmost attention and any other project I take on detracts from the razor.

There are several reasons why the Janus is more expensive than an F4. A few - materials, lots of PNs in the design & post processing (a work around for very expensive tooling that can't be justified for very small volumes), manufacturing in Mn, the Janus is an assembly intensive design, set-up costs are being distributed over a few pieces...

To this point, I don't think I've mentioned cost. Personally, price is the last consideration. I want a quality product. Respectfully.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I'm gonna log off now. I will check in later tonight to answer any questions that have been raised. I will also log in tomorrow at ~10am. Thanks.

Deleted to keep thread on track.

Well now that Eric is logged off till tomorrow I made a list of razors to do my last Shave Off with tomorrow as the razor will be shipped out to Mark on Monday morning so I keep going back and forth on which one of these to use on this last Shave Off. Here’s my mind set on each

1. Gibbs’s Adjustable. It is an Adjustable and it is also the most efficient of all my Adjustable razors and it is smooth. Now is it as smooth and efficient as the Janus. It would be a stretch but it’s more efficient than the F4 Toggle I used. So a consideration.

2. Charcoal Level 3 SB or Wolfman WR1 .94 DC.. both of these are very efficient and smooth for their efficiency. So would one of them be a good match up?

3. Thinking a balance of both smoothness and efficiency two razors come to mind. The Paradigm 17 4 and the Raw Shaving RS 10 aggressive plate.

4. Timeless DC .95 because a lot of people can relate to it.

5. Ikon Tech or Muhle 2011 R41 both efficiency monsters but not nearly as smooth.

Any suggestions guys and if so why put it up against the Janus.

Well now that Eric is logged off till tomorrow I made a list of razors to do my last Shave Off with tomorrow as the razor will be shipped out to Mark on Monday morning so I keep going back and forth on which one of these to use on this last Shave Off. Here’s my mind set on each

1. Gibbs’s Adjustable. It is an Adjustable and it is also the most efficient of all my Adjustable razors and it is smooth. Now is it as smooth and efficient as the Janus. It would be a stretch but it’s more efficient than the F4 Toggle I used. So a consideration.

2.  Charcoal Level 3 SB or Wolfman WR1 .94 DC.. both of these are very efficient and smooth for their efficiency.  So would one of them be a good match up?

3. Thinking a balance of both smoothness and efficiency two razors come to mind. The Paradigm 17 4 and the Raw Shaving RS 10 aggressive plate.

4. Timeless DC .95 because a lot of people can relate to it.

5. Ikon Tech or Muhle 2011 R41 both efficiency monsters but not nearly as smooth.

Any suggestions guys and if so why put it up against the Janus.

My suggestion would be a Shave Off against the Blackland Blackbird. The Blackbird is also a Modern Razor, it’s Smooth and Efficient, and lots of people own it and will be able to relate. Looking forward to your final thoughts!

Just landed. Missed some good discussions I can do a side by side with the Blackbird Jet which is also High Polished and coated. Frank I am torn between the Gibbs and the 17-4.