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

He should just build the prototype, assuming this project is scalable at all, that is. Just my 2 cents.

Eric, if I were you, I'd keep that prototype safe and not let it out of my sight.

He has more than one and has all his drawings so there you go!

I didn’t order a Janus so I have no dog in this fight but what is using the prototype razor going to accomplish now? To me, it sounds like a recipe for disaster and a big toss of salt into an open wound. I get it that some of you feel bad for the hype created around the prototype Janus but does this really contribute to anything other than people being able to say the prototype was good?

Not really. An he will be on here shortly to explain why he’d like people who bought their Janus or returned there Janus to be able to shave with his original design and concept. The man was influenced into changing his design and I myself and a couple of others said the razor was near perfect and the big mistake was trying to jump into the hyper efficient race that I think is kinda losing air now anyway and get back to what the Janus was all about. Unique in the fact that is a tribute to the Gillette Toggle and a great all around shaver that almost anyone can use. I’ll let him take it from here as he and I just got off the phone and he’s got some things to say. So you make some good points but it’s ultimately his decision on what he’d like to do and I’m good with helping him out at my end.

UPDATE:


Ok so I've been given the ok to post up what was decided in my conversation with Eric yesterday. I feel that some of this falls back on me and honestly I was upset when this Janus was delivered to me and I opened the box and saw that the fit and finish were not at all what I expected and then when I shaved with it my concerns were solidified by the terrible shave I got! So after standing behind Eric and his project and being as supportive as I could I feel that based on my reviews back when using the prototype may or may have not had an influence on some people's decision to lay down their $500 in for the what should have been improved new Janus that was just released. Again I feel like my reputation is on this line here as well and I'm not sure but I'm guessing maybe Mark feels the same as I do. I based everything on the shave I got with the Prototype. A razor that was built like a tank, hand great fit and finish compared to this latest version and yes it didn't have the mirror finish but a very nice PVD coating on it and it screamed quality. Thick metal, felt like a high quality razor in hand deep numbers in the dial etc etc. but most importantly a razor that was as efficient as a Charcoal Level 3 OC or WR2 SB 1.35 for example!  I'm using those two as I'm certain a lot of members can relate to either razor when talking about efficiency but the Janus prototype was noticeably smoother than either from my point of view as the owner of all three razors. So yes was I excited about this release? Yes very much so as I thought I was going to get a razor that hand a smaller head profile, shorter in size, mirror polished and a little bit more efficient but still with the same smoothness that prototype provided. Well as I made the statement a while back in my post. That is not what was delivered to my door at all and the more I thought about it the more upset I got as again I believe my reputation could be hurt as some folks might have laid down their money based on my reviews. Not sure how many but even if it was one it still bothers me as all you had to go on was mine and Marks reviews. 

I can post on here till I"m blue in the face that shaving with the prototype was like night and day different than this production Janus and I'm sure some might not believe me as all they can go by how this production version shaves 

So with that said I talked Eric into sending me the Prototype back. I plan on doing a side by side with the new Janus and in case your wondering I'm not keeping mine but getting a refund for it after I'm done with the comparison. 

Also here is what I convinced Eric to do to prove to people that the reviews I put out there on the prototype were not bias or an effort by me to sell his razors although I will say when you believe in something as I did the prototype I was a 100% behind the project as far as support goes but had no part in the company. 

So with that said here is what I'm going to do. As soon as I do my comparisons I'm going to start a pass around of the prototype to show folks why I was excited about the Janus. Thsi pass around is going to be only for those that have or had the new Janus. Even if you sent it back for a refund. This is not for any that didn't or don't have the Janus. 

As with all pass arounds I would ask that replacement cost of the prototype in insurance be covered ( Have to get that amount from Eric )  and of course shipping to the next person on the list. I will start a new thread just for that pass around when I have the razor in hand. 

I will also add since the prototype came out a little over a year ago there have been a lot of  both adjustables and 3 piece razors that have been released so remember what I was comparing the prototype to. I didn't have a Taiga, a Rocnel, Diamondback or H&S for some example to compare the prototype. So take that into consideration when you do get to use it. I really don't have time to manage a pass around but I'll get it started and if anyone does have exta time on their hands and experience with pass arounds I'm open to any help I can get. 

Also to clear up things Eric said he could of and probably should have just made a few changes to the prototype and will make those changes when and if he comes out with another Janus. An I'm holding him accountable for anything he does moving forward but like I said before I consider him a friend so although throughly dissapointed I'll try to be supportive as best I can but all the rest is one him.

I am very glad to hear that others will be able to see and feel the prototype.  My first review talked about it being built like a tank, designed and built by an engineer. I too was shocked when I made the first pass with the new Janus, it could not have been any more different than a gillette tech and an Ikon Tech.

Gents,

Frank and I spoke, and he requested that I send him the prototype so that he can confirm what he experienced when he tested the prototype. I am sending him the prototype tomorrow. Mark wants to re-test the prototype again too for the same reason. Makes sense to me considering they put their reputation on the line with what they wrote about the prototype.

I’ve had my share of product launch mishaps and screwups. Sharp Vectors, pre-order timeline disasters, milder-than-expected Sabres, etc. You own up to it, apologize, and fix the problem. Eric is doing all three. It sucks for everyone, but most customers are exceedingly willing and eager to forgive people they like. I’ve enjoyed following this project and I’m sure he’ll sort it out.

Blackland Razors , thank you Shane!

If the Janus guys listen to the precious feedback, the razor will be made correctly as promised.

I think that's one of the problems that has led to this situation in the first place.
Too much feedback in the early stages, not all of which should have been treated as gospel.
I speak unencumbered by any obligation to the manufacturer, but Ive watched as
various shave gurus pushed him to tweak this or that...and they are now either silent or frantically
washing their hands off in a rather clumsy way.

My advice to any manufacturer is...know your market, but have your own vision and trust only yourself.

Eric, if I were you, I'd keep that prototype safe and not let it out of my sight.

Tester28, I got feedback from several people and interpreted it on my own and made changes to the design. For those who have been following the updates, I shared in a detailed newsletter what I changed based on the feedback I got from several places. I don't think it is fair to imply that the changes are on Dragonsbeardand Shavemd because it is not true. I own the changes. In fact, Dragonsbeard and Shavemd requested refunds and I promptly honored their requests so we possibly can't be in on manufacturing together. I'm down with us continuing and keeping the discussion cordial.

If the Janus guys listen to the precious feedback, the razor will be made correctly as promised.

I think that's one of the problems that has led to this situation in the first place.
Too much feedback in the early stages, not all of which should have been treated as gospel.
I speak unencumbered by any obligation to the manufacturer, but Ive watched as
various shave gurus pushed him to tweak this or that...and they are now either silent or frantically
washing their hands off in a rather clumsy way.

My advice to any manufacturer is...know your market, but have your own vision and trust only yourself.

Tester28- 
I was one of the lucky few who was able to try the prototype razor and it was nothing like this production run. I do not consider myself a shave guru and I only do this hobby for fun. There was in no way shape or form push from people to have Eric change the razor. Eric is a stand up gentleman and if fixing the situation and honoring if people want a refund. I also have asked for a refund along with shaveMD and dragonsbeard. Therefore, I I were you I would not speak to information that you have no idea what you are talking about. There is no need to pass around information that is not true unless you have another motive...

Tester28, I got feedback from several people and interpreted it on my own and made changes to the design. For those who have been following the updates, I shared in a detailed newsletter what I changed based on the feedback I got from several places. I don't think it is fair to imply that the changes are on Dragonsbeardand Shavemd because it is not true. I own the changes. In fact, Dragonsbeard and Shavemd requested refunds and I promptly honored their requests so we possibly can't be in on manufacturing together. I'm down with us continuing and keeping the discussion cordial.

Hey, I certainly do not wish to add to the problems you have right now, so I'll just clarify that nowhere have I singled out any names
in my posts, so you implying that I am implying is just a tad overwrought. I am sure there were a number of people
whose feedback you took on board and acted upon, and they seem to now be denying any culpability.
You are 100% correct in saying that you own the changes (maybe you should have realised that sooner).

Tester28- 
I was one of the lucky few who was able to try the prototype razor and it was nothing like this production run. I do not consider myself a shave guru and I only do this hobby for fun. There was in no way shape or form push from people to have Eric change the razor. Eric is a stand up gentleman and if fixing the situation and honoring if people want a refund. I also have asked for a refund along with shaveMD and dragonsbeard. Therefore, I I were you I would not speak to information that you have no idea what you are talking about. There is no need to pass around information that is not true unless you have another motive...

The motive (your word) is simply to discuss how too many cooks can royally screw up an honest, well intentioned project.
Nothing more.

Tester28

Let’s not play games here pal.. you’ve referred to both Mark and myself as “ the shaving Grus “ multiple times in the past so we know your reasons for even coming in this thread. You seem to like to stir things up!

For your information! Just so others know the real facts, there were 3 other people that were the ones who were pushing for more blade exposure and Eric chose to listen to their suggestions and made the changes that are now this latest Janus. An I will also add if I was aware that this was going on I would have been on the phone with him in a NY freaking minute to try and convince him not to but to just lower the doors and scale down the size of the Prototype but not change the characteristics and DNA of what made the Prototype an awesome shaver! Eric will not share the names of those people that had an influence on him and like a man he is taking full responsibility for his actions and decisions which I admire. I also know he feels very bad about his decision.

So I thought you and Mark came to an agreement a while back to stay out of each other’s way. An yet you can’t seem to control yourself from making little snide remarks that only a few people who know the real story behind them pick up on.
So please stay out of my way and I’ll do the same! I’ve got a lot more important things on my plate than getting into these games again!

Agreed?

I bet this thread will turn into the Raw shaving thread and will get shut down... I hope that doesn’t happen because the point of this thread is to talk Janus and not point fingers

I will not go down this road. Eric designed and built a wonderful rendition of the Toggle. The final product differed from what I loved in the prototype. I let him know my issues and he understands and graciously offered to refund my purchase. He has been a true gentleman throughout this project and I hope he continues creating and building razors. As far as other individuals making innuendos and comments that he presents as facts, I will let others who know him decide what they want to believe. The important people to me know the facts and I will waste no more time indulging in this persons mud slinging