When I first started there were very few expensive razors on the market. Everything was dominated by Merkur and vintage Gillette models. There were a few expensive collector items but most people were using common razors available for $40 or much less. A little later EJ and Muhle came on the scene, and then a bit after that there were a few companies selling more expensive CNC'd razors.
The proliferation of all these boutique brands of expensive CNC'd razors are a relatively new thing in this hobby in my view and completely unnecessary to get a good shave. Nothing wrong with $$$ stuff if that's what you want to buy but both new people and long time DE shavers should not start thinking they need this stuff.
Hype with any product is cyclical and plenty of folks will fall victim to FOMO off a couple of glowing reviews or stealth-sponsored content on YouTube or whatever.
A lot of these companies, IMHO, are just following the money when it comes to deciding what path to take. Wetshaving is way more popular now than it was 10 or 20 years ago. With that popularity, you get more high-end customers willing to shell out more for a particular item.
It wouldn't make a lot of sense for a company today to try to beat Merkur/EJ/Muhle at their own game as they have to establish brand awareness and trust in the market first which takes time. The company would also have to invest a lot up front if they want their own factory for casting razor parts. Even if they use a third party, they will have to pay for tooling to be made. Also, their $50-60 razor will be knocked off by an Ali Express vendor in no time.
My 2 cents.
The proliferation of all these boutique brands of expensive CNC'd razors are a relatively new thing in this hobby in my view and completely unnecessary to get a good shave. Nothing wrong with $$$ stuff if that's what you want to buy but both new people and long time DE shavers should not start thinking they need this stuff.
Hype with any product is cyclical and plenty of folks will fall victim to FOMO off a couple of glowing reviews or stealth-sponsored content on YouTube or whatever.
A lot of these companies, IMHO, are just following the money when it comes to deciding what path to take. Wetshaving is way more popular now than it was 10 or 20 years ago. With that popularity, you get more high-end customers willing to shell out more for a particular item.
It wouldn't make a lot of sense for a company today to try to beat Merkur/EJ/Muhle at their own game as they have to establish brand awareness and trust in the market first which takes time. The company would also have to invest a lot up front if they want their own factory for casting razor parts. Even if they use a third party, they will have to pay for tooling to be made. Also, their $50-60 razor will be knocked off by an Ali Express vendor in no time.
My 2 cents.
