Thread: Do you have latest news from Wacker?

Hi I've seen some threads from some members about strange relations with Wacker Solingen, but are a little old.
I also had one in the lat two months dealing directly with the factory. First with assistance service and finally with wacker himself.Quite a bad experience. But after my relation or perhaps because it now the all web says that each blade is not available. In the last months some of the models were not available but others (in the web) could be purchased.
Before telling more about what can be a great lose in our world of straight razors lovers I would like to know if anybody has recent news.

From what I gather, Wacker is not a young man anymore and at his age health concerns may trump delivery deadlines.

The fact that razors are shown as unavailable seems to confirms that.

A customer may not like this, but if it was my business and I had to decide between my health and customers demanding delivery; I'd know where my priorities lie.

English is not Mr. Wacker's native language either - and neither it is the native language of the OP it seems
So, I would consider it prudent to make allowances for difficulties in communications.

Wacker does not operate a "factory" - that might be the case for DOVO - but for Wacker and Aust the term "workshop" is much more appropriate as they do not produce razors on an industrial scale, which is ultimately one of the reasons why people are attracted to their razors.

Lastly; at the end of the day, if you are not satisfied and you don't like the way Wacker runs his business, all you have to do cancel the order.
I do not believe that Wacker charges before delivery.

But I do know that there is a considerable shortage of hand-produced quality straight razors and the number of people producing them is decreasing because of their old age.
We are not talking about toaster and coffee machines here.
The kind of razors that we like are hand-made goods where production rates are not easily increased, because straight razors require a considerable amount of skill and experience to manufacture.

If a customer does not like that, DOVO razors may be easier to obtain and similarly, or ultimately DE razors that are mass-produced items are more readily available.

Don't own a Wacker...probably never will. I do have a pair of Ralf Austs though and if maintaining a "workshop" vs. factory is what it takes to create a product such as Herr Aust's, I'm all for it.

Lately I am discovering that hand-crafted products (razors, boots, leather gear, knives, etc.) are a much better choice than those which are mass produced, cost notwithstanding.

Originally Posted by beluga

From what I gather, Wacker is not a young man anymore and at his age health concerns may trump delivery deadlines.

The fact that razors are shown as unavailable seems to confirms that.

A customer may not like this, but if it was my business and I had to decide between my health and customers demanding delivery; I'd know where my priorities lie.

English is not Mr. Wacker's native language - and neither it is the native language of the OP it seems
So, I would consider it prudent to make allowances for difficulties in communications.

Wacker does not operate a "factory" - that might be the case for DOVO - but for Wacker and Aust the term "workshop" is much more appropriate as they do not mass-produce razors, which is ultimately one of the reasons why people are attracted to their razors.

Lastly; at the end of the day, if you are not satisfied and you don't like the way Wacker runs his business, all you have to do cancel the order.
I do not believe that Wacker charges before delivery.

But I do know that there is a considerable shortage of hand-produced quality straight razors and the number of people producing them is decreasing because of their old age.
We are not talking about toaster and coffee machines here.
The kind of razors that we like are hand-made goods where production rates are not easily increased, because straight razors require a considerable amount of skills and experience to manufacture.

If a customer does not like that, DOVO razors may be easier to obtain and similarly, or ultimately DE razors that are mass-produced items are more readily available.

Thank you for your explanations,and corrections. Yes English is not my native language as you easily guest. I would like to believe that my problem was just a language problem but unfortunately it was not.
Thank you also for the other considerations, and your comprehension. I don't have Dovo. I know some models but It's not my type of razor.
Its a pleasure to be among people that care so much about straight razors the passion we share.

spbosch,

please do consider that a Wacker is a hand-made quality razor and will need time.

In a way, they are not that different from Maestro Livi razors, where nobody would complain if it took a few weeks - or months.
Made under the supervision of, or maybe even made by the hand of the Maestro himself.

If you don't want to wait quite as long and still want to own a quality straight razor, I would suggest you take a look at Aust.

I really do like his razors - and they now form the largest part of my straight razor collection.

He has a new distributor in the states who is well supplied. Herr Wacker is apparently interested in maintaining a relationship with this vendor as the vendor states Herr Wacker replies to his inquiries within about 24 hours always.

Your best bet may be to contact the dealer here in the states, and have the razor shipped. Best of luck purchasing direct via email.

Wacker-Rasiermesser

Thank you very much entropy1049 for your useful information.
I'll try the US market
This Forum is wonderful for us passionate of straight razors world
A pleasure

Unfortunately the web site is updated yesterday and ( at present) all products are out of stock. When entrpy1049 wrote me I immediately checked and some interesting pieces were on sale but in two days the situation has changed in the address
Wacker-Rasiermesser
Also it seems that only worked in US and Canada.
Do you know other tips?
Anybody has recent news from Wacker?

I just looked on the site...rather ominous....there is no inventory at all....from individual razors to 7 day sets to the very expensive Damascus steel razor....I have heard nothing but praise about these blades...I was planning one day on getting the Chevalier or the Huntsman.

Originally Posted by spbosch

Unfortunately the web site is updated yesterday and ( at present) all products are out of stock. When entrpy1049 wrote me I immediately checked and some interesting pieces were on sale but in two days the situation has changed in the address
Wacker-Rasiermesser
Also it seems that only worked in US and Canada.
Do you know other tips?
Anybody has recent news from Wacker?

Originally Posted by Phrank

I just looked on the site...rather ominous....there is no inventory at all....from individual razors to 7 day sets to the very expensive Damascus steel razor....I have heard nothing but praise about these blades...I was planning one day on getting the Chevalier or the Huntsman.

I'm guessing this is since the proprietor is travelling abroad, as he had mentioned to me when I ordered my Chevalier about two weeks ago. Probably took all stock to zero as he wouldn't be able to ship any orders while overseas. He said he would be gone for two weeks, so I think I'd just keep an eye on the website for a couple weeks. I predict you will soon see the stock has revitalized.

BTW Phrank, RE: the Chevalier, do it. It's a honey!