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

January Update

Here is the latest on the Janus. Two (the toggle knob and the spider stem) are from the Swiss list of 16 part numbers (PNs). The 3rd PN is the door.





Half of the packaging (box & ‘handbook’) is done. I’m waiting for a finished assembly to dial-in the fit of the razor and Kai blade pack cut-outs on the packing foam insert.





[font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Project Schedule
[/font]
I’m well past the half-way mark and onto the home stretch. It is not lost on me that it has been a crazy long wait for folks. Here is the timeline for the remaining bits which are pushing out the shipping timeline by a week. 


Except for the machining work, the remaining bits are simpler day long tasks because of the legwork that has already been done. So, no time is being wasted reinventing processes.

For example, the laser marking scripts are already programmed. I’m anticipating small tweaks during laser marking set-up before running the dial knobs and the safety guards. 


[font=Helvetica, sans-serif]The polishing process is an improvement of the process used for the Janus prototypes. The changes are on type of polishing media being used and polishing time to try to get closer to Wolfman polishing which I consider the gold standard.     [/font]

The Janus parts are getting a standard passivation treatment that other 316 stainless steel parts with a passivation callout get. 

The 2D waterjet path to cut the packing foam insert is programmed and ready to go. I’m anticipating just one quick tweak after the first insert is cut.

We have had practice assembling the different sub-assemblies using the finished PNs. So, when it comes to the final assembly, there will be lots of familiar aspects.

The machine shop is cranking away at Janus parts in between other projects. This part of the project has truly tried my patience. I'm always treading the fine line of being assertive without being aggravating/annoying because not a lot of shops can do or are open to taking on such a project. 

We are onto the home stretch here and it is not lost on me that it has been a crazy long wait for folks.

Bravo Eric, Bravo......

I have enjoyed every single update with the thorough and transparent presentation of all stages. Certainly one of the finest if not the finest engineered razor to date. 

You get mad respect from me and many others here including any other forums you frequent. I truly appreciate the effort and work put forth on the Janus Toggle.

Bring it home!!!

Mid-February Update

Here is what has taken place this month.

The shop has started set-up the toggle stem. I've seen photos of the set-up progress that started late yesterday. I will be at the machine shop on Tuesday (02/18) evening for a progress check.

I pulled polishing & passivation forward and already dropped off all the machined parts. This will be done on 02/18 (into 02/19 perhaps). I also pulled forward the laser marking (dial knob & adjuster plate) which will now be done right after the polishing & passivation (02/19 latest). I will be present for the laser marking. This shop has some line time open up a little earlier than they had scheduled me so I took it.

We were able to cut & dial in the packing insert yesterday by using a partial assembly that has everything except the remaining parts. I will have an update with photos of everything that is completed so far on 02/19.

What hasn't been worked on yet - the doors milling & toggle knob (and of course the polishing & passivation). I will be at the shop on 02/18 and will have a better read on the remaining bits. I'm pushing without driving them crazy since we are close to the end.

I was at the shop this afternoon/evening.
 
Here is what we agreed on. I have queued up another shop; the current shop will cover to expedite making the parts if by the end of the month they are not at least ½ way done with what is left. I know this is getting old really really fast! Obviously, my preference is not to take the work to another shop because most of what we learnt from prototyping won’t transfer and it is not guaranteed that this other shop will be better. Plus, I like these guys a lot. However, we can’t wait forever. I'm speculating that even with super talented machinists in this small shop, there are too many promised jobs going through a few machines with little allowance for hiccups here and there.

All laser marking is complete.





All the packaging stuff is complete. Initially, I wasn’t too sure about cutting the packing foam without a razor in hand. I got convinced we can cover the bases by checking fit using a partial assembly along the handle & dial during set-up.



[font=Helvetica, sans-serif]Polishing & passivation is partially done. Once the remaining parts are machined, they will just get the same treatment. [/font]We got couple more working days in Feb, and I will have an update before the month is up.

This has been one hell of a project to watch. I wish you all the best.

Waiting for updates

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Are we there yet ?

Kinda forgot, but now so excited!!

Based on the prior post by Eric, I am anticipating a slight delay. No worries on my end either.

Why no word? There was supposed to be an update a few days ago!

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According to his last post, no #471 (which was only 8 days ago) he will post again before the month is up. Last I looked, there’s today plus 2 more. I don’t think there is a need to be concerned as Eric has been up front and transparent in every update since day one. We know we are not getting the razors this month as was planned. Hiccups, scheduling and the intricacies of this project are quite apparent as the updates have shown. As far as I’m concerned, this is not an issue at all. The preciseness of the parts and assembly have to be spot on. A couple more weeks or perhaps a bit more to get it right is priority. I can appreciate that and well worth the wait for a tool produced to this caliber and specs. There’s a reason why it hasn’t been attempted in decades. When it’s done, it’s done....

Information and an update should be here today from Eric. Just letting those know that he's not leaving everyone out in the dark with the progress of the Janus razor.......

thank you for a great review and all the photos i enjoyed very much. john