Yes, all the above is very true.

The fact of the matter comes down to one factor, businesses are in business to make profits and generate value for shareholders - period. Is it fulfilling to do that whilst doing something you have a passion for, of course.

Anyone that plans a business on purely sentimental values is usually doomed to failure. No one cares how much you or I value something, if there isn't a market for it, if it's to complicated to manufacture, or if at best it will target a niche market, it's already got 9 out of 10 strikes against it, no venture capitalist or bank would likely fund such a proposal unless there was significant plans and market research to back it up. And if there was, you'd probably lose your shirt on shares and control of the company.

Mind you, when I was made aware of a business plan some years ago regarding a bunch of crazy dudes that thought of selling coffee for $8.00 a cup, purchasing the most expensive real estate in any location, preferably corner locations, and filling them with expensive furniture and such, most thought they were nuts - well, they made a boatload of money by violating each and every rule of business, shake my head every time I get a Starbucks coffee....

I would highly doubt you could resurrect an old model like W&B or the like, the instant you did, comparisons would set in, and you simply couldn't beat the purists and their force in the market, and if you did manage to get the nod and enthusiasm from that community, it would then be very likely you might fail based on too much success...overwhelming demand for a product that can't be mass manufactured. Exactly what we're seeing right now with Thiers Issard and Dovo both in supply issues and quality control and assurance.

And as mentioned, the time factor, by the time you had a suitable production and distribution network, and a reputation established, would the market still be there or would a new innovation come along and sweep it all away? Risk is very high, potential rewards, at best, debatable...let alone the tertiary markets needed to support it, strops, hones, honing services etc...

This very topic was somewhat at the heart of the thread I started regarding vintage vs new production. Even the discussions around hollow vs extra-hollow grinds, extra-hollow is rare in new production razors due to demand and the skill and extra production costs necessary to manufacture them, and again, add on additional QA costs. This is probably why you may only see this level of quality via custom razor makers, and you simply couldn't place an order for 10,000 razors of various grinds, widths etc with one custom maker. Could you potentially corral several of them to work together...maybe...but the risks and the problems are the same.

Just my opinion, but the closest I think any will ever come to those treasured works of art is via E-Bay, flea markets, and the antique store.

Anyhow, as usual, I blather on....