Thread: Ordering Zulu Grey Hones

Update on my order for Zulu Grey stone. As noted in my posts above, I ordered a 3" x 8" Zulu Grey on March 27, 2018. The web site indicated that there were stones "in stock". About a month after ordering, I emailed Michael directly to follow up on the order since the status check still indicated the order was "processing".

Michael indicated that "in stock" means only that he has sufficient raw stones available to produce hones. He still has to cut, lap and polish the stones. Since this is a one man operation and production of hones in not his primary job, this can take a while. He indicated that I should receive another email from him in about a week" providing shipment information; a month later, that email has not yet arrived.

It is now May 28, more than two months since I ordered my stone and Michael accepted my PayPal payment and funds were withdrawn from my account.
I have not received any further update from Michael and the status check on my order still indicates the order is "processing".

The web site indicates that shipments are made within 20 working days. However, since the definition of "in stock" was quite different than I expected, it may be well that "working days" is defined a those days in which Michael is able to work with the stones; that might be only a day or two a week.

I still hope to receive my new hone sometime in the next month or two; but I would have been far more comfortable with my purchase had funds not been withdrawn from my account until shortly before shipment.

If you have ordered a Zulu Grey in recent weeks, or if you are considering ordering one, please be aware that you have to pay up front and it could take several months before you receive it.

I will update this post again when I receive notice of shipment.

I wish you luck and I hope the wait is worth the effort for you! Don't know what to tell you....

Ray,

Patience is a Virtue. I spent over 40 years in retail and well know that people are used to having what they want NOW.

When I ordered my Zulu Grey it was in November and Micheal was offering a nice Holiday Discount/so I'm sure he was up to his arse in alligators with orders. I believe it was late February or early March when my stone arrived.

I found the wait well worth it. I use my Zulu to finish most razors.

As other have also told of the long waiting time that they endured please be patient, Micheal will get the rock to you and you will be pleased with how it performs once you learn it.

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Ray,

Patience is a Virtue.

I understand that Michael's part-time business is vastly different than those who sell products for a living. I have ordered products from various shaving vendors and had the products shipped the next day and delivered in 2-3 days. Even when ordering custom products, I have received emails periodically with status updates.

I understand that Zulu Grey is not operating in that kind of environment and I can accept that. However, I believe Michael should be forthright in telling customers that it might take 3-4 months to fulfill an order. I do not think Michael is deliberately trying to deceive customers, but I do think he is being overly optimistic in his ability to fulfill orders. A month ago, he indicated my specific order would be shipped the following week, yet it has not been shipped.

I have several other finishing hones, so I am not desperate to receive this one. I hope the Zulu Grey one is worth the wait.

Update!

I just received an email from Michael indicating that my Zulu Grey has been taken to his local post office for shipment. I will provide another update upon receipt.

One waiting period completed, another begun.
Patience, patience, must have patience!

If my memory is correct. It took about 2 weeks for my Zulu to get from him to me. I think its got to change post offices a few times before they get it on a boat or plane. Good luck with your Zulu. I do like mine. And yes, I had a long wait too.

ANTICI....

PATION!!!!!

Be sure to read all the threads on using the Zulu Grey. Please report on your useage. You will find the Zulu is one of the hardest, dense, heaviest, smoothest stones out there. As such, after trying to raise a slurry, or using it with water or oil, I exclusively use it dry; and with complete satisfaction.

When I use mine that kinda my routine, I start wet and work it all the way dry. Gives up a very smooth edge. Tc