B&B Forum Razor....

[joel]

Fellas,
Just an FYI - there will be a B&B Forum Double Edge razor available shortly. Might wanna tone down the "acquisitions" a touch so as to be ready to pounce on this one... should be mighty cool!

Price, pictures, design, etc will be released upon final confirmation. As it is now, it will be a Slant Bar style head, and a VERY classy, comfortable, practical, and striking handle. Handle materials are still up in the air, but I am shooting for genuine horn..... however, depending on cost/availability we might have to settle for faux horn, or faux ivory.

Regardless.... it should be one hell of a nice razor!

[murchmb]

Cool! Is this going to be an Edwin Jagger type of thing, i.e. a Merkur head with some sort of custom handle? Can't wait to see it.

[obsessis]

That is awesome!

[woodbane]

Great idea! I don't want to create a ruckus here but any reason for a slant bar head in particular?

The only reason I ask is that from everything I've read the slant bar is a much more aggressive razor than a standard head such as the Merkur HD or Classic. :eek:

Will choosing a slant bar as the design not put off those of us with maybe less shaving experience purchasing what sounds like it's going to be one fine product! I'd hate to think that you may be limiting the potential sales of the razor due to the head design being a bit scary in some people's eyes.

Just my 2c worth, whatever the outcome I'm sure it'll be great!

[Austin]

Andy, that's a good question. If I were new to wetshaving I would probably purchase one with the intent to use it after I master and HD or gillette. Of course, I am only speaking for myself and the way I think.

[amp]

I'd vote for the faux ivory to match many of my brushes. But it would be great if there could be some extra weight added to the handle. I find most of the faux ivory handles to be a little too light.

[With The Grain]

I'd echo that, ive yet to find a light weight razor i truly like, also seeing a slant is not one of the 20+ razors i own i'll be interested for sure.

[Rik]

Great idea! I don't want to create a ruckus here but any reason for a slant bar head in particular?

The only reason I ask is that from everything I've read the slant bar is a much more aggressive razor than a standard head such as the Merkur HD or Classic. :eek:

Will choosing a slant bar as the design not put off those of us with maybe less shaving experience purchasing what sounds like it's going to be one fine product! I'd hate to think that you may be limiting the potential sales of the razor due to the head design being a bit scary in some people's eyes.

Just my 2c worth, whatever the outcome I'm sure it'll be great!
Look at it this way. What a incredible incentive to master your shaving technique. Once there you won't want to use anything else - except maybe a straight razor. :biggrin:

[Kyle]

This sounds really cool!

[ouch]

Great idea! I don't want to create a ruckus here but any reason for a slant bar head in particular?

The short answer is that we are all insane.:tongue_sm

[rtaylor61]

Andy,

IMO (and no one has actually asked for it), the advantage that a custom slant bar offers is based on economics. A regular razor is inexpensive. And while a new Slant bar is not much more expensive, it us unique. Something custom needs to be unique. Add to this the fact that most DE shavers buy more than one razor, usually a large number, a Slant is eventually probably going to be one that is picked up. Maybe not by all, but by a majority. A year ago, I would not have considered owning a slant. Now I have 3. And depending on the price point, I'll probably pick up the custom and sell two of the others. The slant is not my "go to" razor, but it is an incredible shaver.

Randy

[Stan-The-Man]

GREAT--- A Merkur Slant Bar is my favorite razor, this in my opion is the BEST RAZOR IN THE WORLD BAR NONE.

May I say it would be nice to have a travel box with it either in sterling silver or covered in leather to carry the razor and some extra blade. Even if the travel box was offered as an option. Don't forget this is an item that will last a lifetime and be passed as an airloom to your great grandclildren.
Big deal if it costs a little more, think about an engriving if is is in sterling.

BELIVE ME THIS IS,TO ME, A EXCITING EVENT.

Give it some thought. O.k. Guys state your opion.


Stanley

[joel]

Update: Still waiting to hear back from the company. I know some fellas are gone at Merkur (vacation or something) so pricing the heads may be the reason for the delay - in anay event, if we haven't heard back form them by Fri - I'll drop them a friendly note. :smile:

[woodbane]

Thanks for all the interesting replies guys in helping me to understand why a slant bar is the choice. I still think this a marvellous idea and will almost certainly be interested.

Tell me, are slant bars really that much harder to shave with? I have to admit I'm not even really sure how they work. I've seen picture's but don't get it.

A little more help in this arena might persuade me that the razor isn't a total beeeeeeeeatch!:eek:

[Stan-The-Man]

No it is not harder to shave with a slant bar as it is with any other DE razor. In fact I think is is even easer, it is hard to explain, but, when you shave with a slant bar the angle of the blade is at the correct angle for a good clean shave. It's like this with a slant bar you shave as with a slight side sclicing motion of the blade. I am very sorry it's not clear but if you tried it or saw someone shaving with one you will understand what I am trying to get at. I hope some other member who shaves with a slant bar and has a better way with words than I have, will help me out.

Stanley

[Austin]

The razor shaves over the contours of your face because of the angle of the blade.

[Stan-The-Man]

Thank you

Stanley

[PoshRichM]

No it is not harder to shave with a slant bar as it is with any other DE razor.

The razor shaves over the contours of your face because of the angle of the blade.
I'm gonna have to beg to differ, guys. Coming from the world of the HD, the Slant has taken me a fair amount of work to adjust, and I'm not there yet. I don't want to rain on the Slant Bar parade (and I think it will become one of my faves, with time), but I also don't want the uninitiated to drop three figures on this razor and think it's going to be posies in the park on their first shave.

-Rich

[Kalypso]

A slant bar is like using a Gillette Mac-3 Turbo...instead of cutting directly thru the hair, it's slices thru it like a knife "shearing" something (the Mach-3 design uses a vibrator action to make the blades vibrate, basically causing the same results). The slant-bar blade angle makes it slice (rather than cut straight thru) the hairs. Better for a close shave, but much less forgiving of mistakes.

[PottyDoctor]

I think a custom slant would be a great razor to have. I own a Merkur Slant [I call it "Shaving with My Twisted Sister"] and it is in my rotation of razors, although I have not yet perfected my technique with it. I am partial to fixed head razors, especially the Merkur.

The slant for me seems to be the next logical step of aggressiveness beyond my Merkur HD. It is not the beast that many portray it to be in my opinion. It just takes a change of technique and practice [NO pressure is the key], similar to moving from a cartridge razor to a DE. With a top shelf cream or soap and a Slant, I get a BBS shave everytime.

I'm anxious to see what the B&B Custom is going to be!

[SSLStudio]

Hey Dudes ... Im I being ignored here or what... :mad: :mad: :mad:

Why didnt no one tell me there was going to be a B&B Razor .. that is so super COOL !!!!!!!

Joseph.. dissapointed in you homie..from you atleast I would have liked to hear this specially since you know im about to order some Merkurs... I'd Def. wait a bit now..

From the way it sounds it sounds like I actually need a slantbar because my style is still M3 handle technique I mean you cant throw away 16 years of M3 technique..in 3 months..

Genuine Horn or Faux ivory..id say go with the one that brings in the most weight.

Keep on this Joel like Bee's on honey ! like flies on .... #$@#@$... :biggrin:

[joel]

Unfortunatly the manufacture has mysteriously "dissapeared." They are not responding to, or acknowledging the emails I am sending - yet they are being delivered and read (as I have the read receipts). Unfortunatly.... it looks like this is probably a "no-go."

Sorry fellas.... they had assured me it would be no problem. :blushing:

[Austin]

Joel, thanks for trying. Let's move on to the next obsession. :biggrin:

[joel]

Joel, thanks for trying. Let's move on to the next obsession. :biggrin:

Once I give that Plisson White a go on the brush test - if it is "worth it" I have a source to get some custom forum brushes made in Euro White for under $150....

[rtaylor61]

Once I give that Plisson White a go on the brush test - if it is "worth it" I have a source to get some custom forum brushes made in Euro White for under $150....

Now that I'm officially "old", my sight and hearing are going. Did you say "for under $15 dollars"? Joel, you are quite the negotiator!

Randy

[Austin]

Now that I'm officially "old", my sight and hearing are going. Did you say "for under $15 dollars"? Joel, you are quite the negotiator!

Randy

YES RANDY HE SAID $15. Did you hear that? :biggrin:

[rtaylor61]

YES RANDY HE SAID $15. Did you hear that? :biggrin:

Huh?:confused:

Randy

[joel]

Now that I'm officially "old", my sight and hearing are going. Did you say "for under $15 dollars"? Joel, you are quite the negotiator!

Randy

:a23: Randy..... crack kills. :lol:

[Austin]

:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

[guenron]

:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

[rtaylor61]

I'm beginning to feel like "Charlie Brown"..."why is everybody always picking on me...":lol:

Randy

[Austin]

I'm beginning to feel like "Charlie Brown"..."why is everybody always picking on me...":lol:

Randy

Randy, we decided to give Mark a break. :biggrin:

[SSLStudio]

2 funny , Crack kills.... :eek:

What a bummer I looked forward to a special B&B Razor to go with my B&B Cologne.

Oh well there is always room for B&B socks ,B&B Boxer shorts, the I Love B&B T-Shirt. with on the back it says if it aint BBS I aint talking to ya ! :biggrin:

Im Sure we will have our own B&B Razor there is always a better deal out there you just have to have the right timing ......

[rtaylor61]

Randy, we decided to give Mark a break. :biggrin:

It's all good. Bring it on...I think my jokes are funnier than his! :lol: Of course, I usually read them after several hours of drinking!

Randy

[Kyle]

That's a shame. As much as I've enjoyed my slant, I was really looking forward to this.:thumbdown

[Austin]

It's all good. Bring it on...I think my jokes are funnier than his! :lol: Of course, I usually read them after several hours of drinking!

Randy

:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

[Rik]

That's a shame Joel. Clearly they were not the company for us.

[joel]

Just heard back from the manufacture.... unfortunatly the slant bar head is a no go, but we could do it with the classic style head. We'd need at LEAST 23 people on board however....

[Austin]

Joel, I think a classice HD head style is more attractive to new members and all. Count me in.

[PoshRichM]

Joel, could we have a post of a link to a pic of the style of handle you're looking at? I remember a link back in the day, but can no longer find it.

-Rich

[joel]

Joel, could we have a post of a link to a pic of the style of handle you're looking at? I remember a link back in the day, but can no longer find it.

-Rich

Both of those styles - however I am leaning towards the "bulbous" styled DE's due to cost/ergonomics.

http://www.theenglishshavingcompany.com/images/chl_traz.jpg

http://www.theenglishshavingcompany.com/images/g_traz_lh.jpg

http://www.theenglishshavingcompany.com/images/g_traz_iv.jpg

http://www.theenglishshavingcompany.com/images/ie_sr_g_10300.jpg

[rtaylor61]

Both of those styles - however I am leaning towards the "bulbous" styled DE's due to cost/ergonomics.

http://www.theenglishshavingcompany.com/images/chl_traz.jpg

http://www.theenglishshavingcompany.com/images/g_traz_lh.jpg

http://www.theenglishshavingcompany.com/images/g_traz_iv.jpg

http://www.theenglishshavingcompany.com/images/ie_sr_g_10300.jpg


Joel,

You know...that EJ handle in EBONY along with MATCHING EBONY FORUM BRUSH (PERSIAN JAR 2 HANDLE) would be just the thing. Of course, I'm just thinking out loud here...! What was that old song..."Ebony and Chromery"?

Randy

[PoshRichM]

Great pix, thanks!

The ebony with a like-designed B&B forum brush would be seriously sexy... Of course I'm partial to the true horn too.

But then I've always had a soft spot for the Chatsworth! Good grief, my RAD is out of remission! :w00t:

-Rich

[joel]

Great pix, thanks!

The ebony with a like-designed B&B forum brush would be seriously sexy... Of course I'm partial to the true horn too.

But then I've always had a soft spot for the Chatsworth! Good grief, my RAD is out of remission! :w00t:

-Rich

Rich,
The Edwin Jagger Faux Horn is the nicest I have ever seen.... really superlative. On a side note however, the most tractable, and "forum member friendly" handle would probably be the faux ivory, as it would match everyones faux ivory shaving brush.

[Rik]

Joel,

You know...that EJ handle in EBONY along with MATCHING EBONY FORUM BRUSH (PERSIAN JAR 2 HANDLE) would be just the thing. Of course, I'm just thinking out loud here...! What was that old song..."Ebony and Chromery"?

Randy
:drool: :001_tt1: :drool:

[Austin]

Joel, I will take any of those models.

[acb13013]

Mark me down as interested in this razor. Faux horn would be my preference, and a matching forum brush would make a distinctive set (faux ivory's a bit plain, IMHO).

What's the potential price range?

[joel]

Mark me down as interested in this razor. Faux horn would be my preference, and a matching forum brush would make a distinctive set (faux ivory's a bit plain, IMHO).

What's the potential price range?

Depends on the model.... probably around $60

[setherd]

I'm interested as well, I like the first one or an ebony one...thoers are fugly:w00t:

[Phog Allen]

Okay, I'm not trying to be a wet blanket poster here but... I know this should be self evident, but what would be the difference between buying an EJ Chatsworth or Georgian like you've shown in these images and the B&B model? I am guessing monogramming as one difference. Don't get me wrong, I am QUITE interested. I have a goodly number of Gillette razors but nary an EJ or Merkur in the bunch. I think I'm right when I ASSume that the EJ razors are outfitted with Merkur heads? If so, the slant dilema would seem to have solved itself. Buy up a slant bar and switch the heads between handles. I guess this would work. Unless the heads of the B&B razor are going to be different colours. I realise this is still in the kick it around stage. I'm just trying to get a handle(no pun intended)on where your imagination is taking you. If I've missed anything obvious in the prior postings, feel free to flog me with a barber's towel. BTW, either of those handles are great with the Chatsworth leading for me.

Regards, Todd

[amp]

Joel, I'm in for the razor. But I still vote for the faux ivory (even though it is a bit boring) but that's why I suggested ivory handle with a gold head. That dresses it up a little. I may be wrong, but I think only the non-metal smooth handles (ebony or ivory) can be engraved. Otherwise the top razor would be my second choice. :001_smile

[joel]

Okay, I'm not trying to be a wet blanket poster here but... I know this should be self evident, but what would be the difference between buying an EJ Chatsworth or Georgian like you've shown in these images and the B&B model? I am guessing monogramming as one difference. Don't get me wrong, I am QUITE interested. I have a goodly number of Gillette razors but nary an EJ or Merkur in the bunch. I think I'm right when I ASSume that the EJ razors are outfitted with Merkur heads? If so, the slant dilema would seem to have solved itself. Buy up a slant bar and switch the heads between handles. I guess this would work. Unless the heads of the B&B razor are going to be different colours. I realise this is still in the kick it around stage. I'm just trying to get a handle(no pun intended)on where your imagination is taking you. If I've missed anything obvious in the prior postings, feel free to flog me with a barber's towel. BTW, either of those handles are great with the Chatsworth leading for me.

Regards, Todd

Todd,
A slant bar has a different head, and base of the head - so you could not simply "swtich" the top as it is fused to the Edwin Jagger. Unfortunatly - yes, it simply would be an Edwin Jagger razor, branded as B&B, and at a discounted cost.

[Rik]

Joel,

Put me down for one. My vote would be for an ebony handle but would be proud to own any one of the models shown.

[JohnP]

Count me in.
John P.

[roughrider]

They look nice. Is it possible to get larger pictures so we can see more details?

[NYLaw]

Joel (and whomever else is involved in the upper-eschelons of decision-making on this thing)... Absolutely count me in. I've always wanted something in ebony, and I think it looks especially nice against the chrome head, with white monogramming or lettering (the full words, "BadgerandBlade.com" or something like that)...

And I'm on the topic of the words and/or engraving, I'd go for a masculine, bold font like the newer Truefitt & Hill logo or, in Microsoft language, something similar to (but simpler than) Copperplate Gothic... As for the words themselves, I know "Badger & Blade" is more elegant than the ".com", but it seems to me to be more personalized to include the dot-com or forum reference. Otherwise, "Badger & Blade" could just be another shaving company, like "Truefitt & Hill" or "Art of Shaving."

(Also, while I do love that cute little badger logo on the top of every B&B page, it would make me sad to see it on the razor itself, every day... The idea that some poor badger had to be shorn (killed?) just for my closetfull of brushes...)

[PoshRichM]

I'm a big fan of the lined, chromed Chatsworth design myself.

Joel, I know you're a bulbous/Georgian fan, but IMO a lined, chromed Chatsworth engraved "Badger & Blade" would be about the ultimate razor I can think of. :a39:

And yes, I'd happy pay north of $100 for one. Lifetime investment.

-Rich

[Kyle]

I like the bulbous handled models. Additionally, I would be a big fan of something besides chrome & ivory. A gold razor sounds very interesting as does the ebony handle material.

Count me in for anything besides the lined chatsworth.

[NYLaw]

I see what you're saying about the lined design, Rich... I guess I go back and forth. The lined chrome reminds me of many of the Merkurs that are out there, with the glossy chrome finish. Obviously the lines make it more unique and elegant; gives it some character, but there is some similarity when you're holding a chrome-colored metal razor in one's hand.

Rich, as you say above, there is something "seriously sexy" about the ebony... And also different from the garden variety DE razor.

AH! Good thing I'm not the one making the ultimate decision... In a moment of frenzied, joyous indecision, I'd say make a few versions of it and let forum members buy what they want to buy! (I know most of us would probably buy all of them!!!)

King Kyle: like you, I'd go after something that is different... Not "garden variety"... Not "run of the mill"... Not common. You see what I'm saying.

[rtaylor61]

Joel,

Doesn't all of this seem familiar? Well, I think I have an solution to the "multiple input" situation we have going on here. No razor. Make it a set! We all get one of each! Well, is SOUNDS so simple...

Randy

[Austin]

Randy, that's what I like about you. You have all the answers. :biggrin:

[PottyDoctor]

An Uncommon Razor.....for Uncommon Shavers! :cool:

[madmedic]

Certainly would be interested......will have to watch this space. A little disappointed about the slant though. I just bought one a few weeks ago....and I am hooked. A Slant would have been definate.

Regards
Brian

[cooncatbob]

Count me in too. Can always use another razor.:drool:

[ameetmedi]

Count me in..

[amp]

Joel,
Could you tell us how and when you (...or whomever...) will decide on the B & B razor? Are you going to wait until the required number of individuals indicate interest or commit to the razor? - I think it was approximately 25 needed to start the actual ordering.

[guenron]

I see what you're saying about the lined design, Rich... I guess I go back and forth. The lined chrome reminds me of many of the Merkurs that are out there, with the glossy chrome finish. Obviously the lines make it more unique and elegant; gives it some character, but there is some similarity when you're holding a chrome-colored metal razor in one's hand.

Rich, as you say above, there is something "seriously sexy" about the ebony... And also different from the garden variety DE razor.

AH! Good thing I'm not the one making the ultimate decision... In a moment of frenzied, joyous indecision, I'd say make a few versions of it and let forum members buy what they want to buy! (I know most of us would probably buy all of them!!!)

King Kyle: like you, I'd go after something that is different... Not "garden variety"... Not "run of the mill"... Not common. You see what I'm saying.
Hi Ben,
Would you identify which Merkurs look like the elegant chrome lined Chattsworth? It sure would save me a bundle of change to get a look-a-like.:mellow:

[NYLaw]

Ron... Primarily I was referring to the look of "holding a chrome-colored metal razor in one's hand" and how that'd be similar no matter the shape or design on the handle...

Having used the satin-finish Futur for weeks after using the Merkur HD for weeks, I suppose I'd admit there's obviously a difference, despite the fact that they're the same material.

My feeling, regarding a B&B razor, however, is just that I'd love to have something different, that stands out from the rest of the typical, more common razors available in shaving stores and online shaving sites.

(Although I'm sure you, Herr Razormeister, already knew that there is no Merkur that truly looks like the "elegant chrome lined Chattsworth"!)

[guenron]

Ron... Primarily I was referring to the look of "holding a chrome-colored metal razor in one's hand" and how that'd be similar no matter the shape or design on the handle...

Having used the satin-finish Futur for weeks after using the Merkur HD for weeks, I suppose I'd admit there's obviously a difference, despite the fact that they're the same material.

My feeling, regarding a B&B razor, however, is just that I'd love to have something different, that stands out from the rest of the typical, more common razors available in shaving stores and online shaving sites.

(Although I'm sure you, Herr Razormeister, already knew that there is no Merkur that truly looks like the "elegant chrome lined Chattsworth"!)
And soon I shall know about the feel too!:tongue_sm

[NYLaw]

Ron,

Do you mean that you ordered a Chattsworth OR that the B&B razor has been decided, and it's a Chattworth?

(If it's the former, I'd love to hear about the shave of the Chattsworth- the weight, touch, balance, etc.- compared to the line of Merkurs that you've used!!!)

(If it's the latter, I guess you can still count me in to order one...)

[guenron]

Ron,

Do you mean that you ordered a Chattsworth OR that the B&B razor has been decided, and it's a Chattworth?

(If it's the former, I'd love to hear about the shave of the Chattsworth- the weight, touch, balance, etc.- compared to the line of Merkurs that you've used!!!)

(If it's the latter, I guess you can still count me in to order one...)

I will forego the B&B Razor as I believe there is a definite bias towards the BULBOUS handle. While I have nothing against the bulbous, I am not very likely to display the Hunchback of Notre Dame in the shaving shack.:scared:

[NYLaw]

Ron, you are a man of true and definate style... You will forever have my respect.

[Sam]

Depending on the design, I would be in. I use my slant bar for touch up and having a classy one, well that would be perfect. I am selling my Vision as that thing is too bulky. I had a thing for the Progress, thinking that plastic knob looked cheap. Well, after using some Gillettes, and they shave as well as the Vision, I like the lighter weight.

Sam

(oh, when i joined, it said who referred me. I could not split it between Andrew and Randy)

[Sam]

I read through the entire post: no Slant? waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

And then the Plisson euro? Joel, you make shaving expensive, but fun, for me.

Sam

[DoubleE]

Sam, good to see you over here! Since it's looking less likely that the razor's going to materialize, you should console yourself by buying a new fountain pen!!

[Sam]

Nah, In fact, I got one for sale if anybody wants it. Gonna use the proceeds on a new brush, and maybe a razor.

sam

[joel]

Looks like again - this company will be too great of a PITA to deal with. They require 4 figures up front, minimum order placement $ figures, no samples of the custom razor to be examined before the whole batch would be made, etc etc. I think it is too much a "pig in a poke" to advance on, as I think we'd be beggin' for trouble. Eh.... we'll see what else we can stir up.

[Sam]

Do you think Bernd could take something like the regular slant bar and custom a handle? He is in Germany and could maybe negotiate with Merkur to get just the heads?

Sam

[SSLStudio]

Dont give up on this! I need a good razor to match my
BK8 ~! :o16: :o16:

Too bad , I think Joel is right way too big a gamble to plonk down 4 figures without a Beta version come on. this should be something of an Art esteem project for both parties were talking about Shaving not inventing new underwear.. tjeees ! :em3000:

[vontech]

Nice idea, Sam! :smile: