Thread: If you were going to make a production razor...

Originally Posted by 71L

I think the thread has diverted from the original question a little - could it be done for $100-120? Yes, as a matter of fact, it is - the PortlandRazorCo sells their "the Sprite" razor for exactly $120, and I believe I heard when they first started it was an even $100.

The thread later diverted to make the price point $40-60... considering the amount of "hands-on" time PRC puts into each of their semi-custom razors and the cost-cutting methods already discussed at length in this thread I believe that yes, should one get the starting capital to buy the equipment and then be able to create the appropriate economy of scale, it would be possible.

So the question becomes... is it possible to get the numbers? This is exactly what diverted the thread to the $40-60 range, stating maybe the lower price-point would bring the "cheapskates" (self-proclaimed, I'm not calling anyone names here) into the fold... What makes me believe that lowering the price point won't bring in the numbers is that it hasn't. As mentioned, several third-country razors, for example the Gold Dollar, routinely sell for $15 and this hasn't brought in large crowds of "cheapskates" into the straight-razor world... I know, of course, that the quality isn't there, but the fact is the vast majority of new buyers don't know that. They have no idea the Gold Dollars are poor quality and they still don't sell at the numbers it would require to produce a good quality, Western-made razor for 3-4x more $.

So the issue, it would seem, isn't completely about how "cheap" we can get it, but more so about marketing and perceived value... making it "cool". I can tell you first hand that the "interest" is there. I teach at a University and when male students hear I shave with a straight-razor they almost unanimously say "I've thought about doing that/will do that someday, but I don't have the money right now" obviously intrigued by the "cool factor" from the gleam in their eye. This is especially pronounced among the "hipster" types, even the ones with long, untrimmed, often sparse-to-mangy-looking beards... obviously they're not interested in the shave itself and more in the "cool/hipster-y" vibe that retro things have attained right now.

When female students hear I shave with a straight-razor, they are almost unanimously concerned about whether I cut myself and why I would take the risk - when I explain the fact that it turns out to be much cheaper (except for the various acquisition disorders I don't typically bring up) in the long run and that it provides a "zen" experience and forces me to slow down and appreciate my shave, they become very interested and think it would make a great gift for their boyfriend/fiance/brother/dad.

So I think the interest is there, certainly among the college-age & young-adult crowd that right now is interested in "retro" stuff... what is necessary is the proper marketing and perceived value/coolness - maybe if Apple made a straight-razor? maybe it could show you your text messages while you shaved or you could voice-activate Siri with it.

My apologies but I couldn't follow the thought progress with the run on and on writing so I just thought that I'd break it up a bit so that I and others could follow what your saying.

Sorry if I didn't do it correctly but at least I can now understand your thoughts. Please give me a break if it's not right as I'm not a teacher.

Originally Posted by MattCB

Even if this was feasible, I still think the initial investment in equipment, material, and training would make this a pipe dream for most anyone. You would need some solid backing/investments or a pre-existing setup.

I have a contact that is a machine builder. I gave him some info on the type of machine, off the top of his head he estimated 25-30k for 1 machine.
Given there would be time to test and tweek I'm saying you could add another 5-10k to a finished production machine

Originally Posted by MileMarker60

I have a contact that is a machine builder. I gave him some info on the type of machine, off the top of his head he estimated 25-30k for 1 machine.
Given there would be time to test and tweek I'm saying you could add another 5-10k to a finished production machine

Which 'Machine'?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4tkfN8tAJE

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Which 'Machine'?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4tkfN8tAJE

I should have been clearer..lol
Yes! a modern day double wheel hollow grinder.

I've also had a guy price something similar and he thought you may be able to do it for 15-20k on the cheap side.

Man, they must turn out 1000 or more a day easy. That press set up really eliminates almost all of the metal removal you would do have to do.

Originally Posted by MattCB

Man, they must turn out 1000 or more a day easy. That press set up really eliminates almost all of the metal removal you would do have to do.

I could totally be wrong but I would guess they don't turn out anything close to 1k a day.
If they did, I bet they wouldn't have a shortage

The world is a big market, but you may be (and probably are) correct.

Originally Posted by MileMarker60

I still think it's would be very tough for a anyone (short of a the German makers that has equipment on hand) to make a solid business on supplying only $100-140 razors unless your selling something really basic.
Just looking at the #'s
Lets just say.. the average sale is $125. If you could sale 1000 a year (20 a week).
$125,000 for the year. After tax, insurance, material and the other 100 thing you don't think about... you may be above the poverty line.
I'll be the first to say, if your not Dovo, TI or one of the other EU companies with the equipment, a 1000 razor's is ALOT
If I thought you could seriously make a run at it will $125 razors, I would do it. But, my experience says the # don't work.

Good points, but nobody is saying the cheapest option is the only seller. The basic razor could be their bread, adding nicer scales their butter... Some slightly better models their potatoes, and occasional custom pieces their steak. Add in strops, brushes, and skin-care products (soap, pre shave, aftershave) and you get some extra money as well. I think this is exactly how PRC is doing it and they seem to be supporting 3 people pretty well, with a brand new shop and a long waiting list to boot. I know their lowest cost razors in a post here was what got me to their website and then the great feedback from other buyers and low cost made me decide to go ahead and buy to decide for myself... What's that? I can get a much better blade, that suits my fancy for an extra $50-90? Sure. I get a discount on a strop if I order it together? I don't really need another strop, but the price is great and the reviews are even better... Sure! I get the razor and it's fantastic, as advertised, so ordered a second one... And now am keeping my eyes out on their website for one of their customs... So far I'm extremely happy with their products, which I believe I got for a bargain, despite the wait, and they seem to be making a good living, doing what they love. Could it scale up (from them or someone else) to become even cheaper and gain mass appeal? Sure, if the interest and marketing is there.

Originally Posted by MileMarker60

I would guess they don't turn out anything close to 1k a day.
If they did, I bet they wouldn't have a shortage

My friends in Germany tell me that unlike in the US once people are hired and trained they are kept as employees whether the production goes up or down (Not Laid Off).

So they are reluctant to hire and train the people who are in my opinion the most important employees and that are those who grind the razors. DOVO and others are worried that this resurgence in interest with straight razors will fade and then they will have recruited and trained employees that will no longer be needed.

Originally Posted by cudarunner

My apologies but I couldn't follow the thought progress with the run on and on writing so I just thought that I'd break it up a bit so that I and others could follow what your saying.

Sorry if I didn't do it correctly but at least I can now understand your thoughts. Please give me a break if it's not right as I'm not a teacher.

Absolutely and thank you for making it easier for others. I do have a problem with going on and clearly am not a literature/writing professor. I hope I made some good points though and furthered the discussion along.