Tradere update New Solid Bar model preview

**natchez** · 06-29-2012, 09:48 AM

Well, we are back from our vacation in Europe to the Baltic countries; we had a truly amazing trip. I was surprised by the lack of DE products in stores even in Russia and Estonia. I saw the most stuff in some convenience stores in Germany. But, I did pick up a tube of Arko Sensitive with Cyrillic writing in Russia.

I met with my manufacturer yesterday and picked up a prototype of the next razor model we will be releasing. I have received a lot of inquiries for a more standard DE razor, and in response it is a solid bar variation that shaves milder than our OC and provides a bit more of an intuitive shave. Again, the razor is fully machined stainless steel made here in the USA, is denoted model SB for solid bar, and will have serial numbers starting with where the last batch stopped. We should start shipping the SB razors around Labor Day. I have posted a photo of the prototype below. I have been reading all of the feedback on this and other shaving forums and appreciate all of the comments folks have been making. Although I cannot respond to them all, please know we are listening to all that you have been saying.

Thanks to the wonderful support of the wet shaving community the only folks with any of our first production run remaining are Phil at Bullgoose Shaving and John at West Coast Shaving and I am not sure how low their inventories may be. In reviewing pricing with the factory it looks like we ran quite a bit over budget on the first run and there will be a retail price increase on the razors going forward. So, if you want to get in on the current pricing contact John or Phil before they run out of the first batch.

As part of my commitment to try and keep costs as low as possible while still manufacturing the razor here in the USA, I am also going to be dropping the expensive large plastic case in favor of more conventional packaging. One option we are considering is a steel tin with a clear plastic window and a foam insert. A mock-up photo without a Tradere label on the window is below, but the packaging decision is not final. What do you folks think?

We are still working on the slant variation, but the geometry is relatively complex, so it will likely still be a few more months until I have a prototype in hand to share with you. So far, it is mostly CAD drawings I have been looking at. We have not delayed this effort at all, but the introduction of a solid bar was relatively easy and given the large number of inquiries I have received for a razor with a more standard level of aggression and a somewhat easier shave, it seemed like a good idea just to get that done.

At this point I am still investing all of the funds that have come in into Tradere and product development. My plan is before the end of the year to have three razor models available for delivery, the OC, the SB, and the slant.

Again, please remember vendors may only post in this forum once per day. So, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments at [email protected] or via PM.

**itsmedave** · 06-29-2012, 09:53 AM

Sign me up my friend!! Looks great!!

**strop** · 06-29-2012, 01:20 PM

I think the new packaging is actually preferable to the large plastic case. Doubt I'll get the new model since I like the OC a lot.

**petr** · 06-29-2012, 01:22 PM

when will the solid bars be available? I

give us a case we can actually travel with, or offer one. that would be cool. make it flat when razor is taken apart.

**AFG** · 06-29-2012, 02:14 PM

I'm glad to see the solid bar option will be available and I'll likely be a buyer. As for packaging, I would prefer to see it as simple and inexpensive as possible. I would prefer not to have to pay for a case I'd likely never use as I already have my own travel case.

**MondoJ** · 06-29-2012, 05:56 PM

Hopefully after the DE's we could see some SE Injector love

**turtle** · 06-29-2012, 06:02 PM

Please let us know when you are taking pre-orders.

Will you be using the same handle on the new razor or will you have a new handle design for that head?

If it would keep costs down, even a cardboard box (well padded for shipping) would be acceptable to me

**Gordy2** · 06-29-2012, 06:23 PM

Yes, Please let us know about pre-sales. I like the looks of the smaller case

**Predict** · 06-29-2012, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by turtle

Please let us know when you are taking pre-orders.

Will you be using the same handle on the new razor or will you have a new handle design for that head?

If it would keep costs down, even a cardboard box (well padded for shipping) would be acceptable to me

+1 on the packaging. I think the razors quality is great enough that I won't ever have it hidden in a case anyway. I likely will wait for the slant version to be released. An idea. Have you considered producing an SE razor that holds artist club blades? That would be amazing. I personally would be willing to pay big $$ for an all stainless razor to compete with the cobra. Cobra classic is currently my favorite razor but their quality is lacking. I returned one for defects in the plating and the replacement was worse than the first one. Oh well, it still shaves great. Keep up the good work! I am loving the tradere oc!

**Gone Gray** · 06-29-2012, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by Predict

I likely will wait for the slant version to be released.

+1

**shaverjoe** · 06-30-2012, 08:06 PM

I'd love to have the SB and Slant, as long as they fit the same handle as the OC.

**crfcom** · 06-30-2012, 08:42 PM

For myself, even the new packaging is overkill. A simple cardboard box suitable for shipping would be sufficient for me. A lot of us have cases already for our razor harems.
Pre-orders for the new models would seem to make a lot of sense for everyone. We get to reserve our new razor and you get some more funds to work with.

**rxonmymind** · 06-30-2012, 10:26 PM

This is one I'd like and as others have echoed keep it simple, the packaging. That packaging has too much real estate for so little razor imho. Now put that same razor in a snug fit leather clam shell travel case that would serve a dual purpose:) Winner! That's a wonderful SB. Great job.

**Laz** · 07-01-2012, 01:24 AM

If the handle doesn't change, I hope that there will be the opportunity to buy just the head.

**RailroadMan** · 07-01-2012, 04:24 AM

I think there should be a combo set with all three heads and a handle after the slant is completed.

**bigben91682** · 07-01-2012, 05:23 AM

Originally Posted by RailroadMan

I think there should be a combo set with all three heads and a handle after the slant is completed.

+1 - great idea!

**sfactor23** · 07-01-2012, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by rxonmymind

This is one I'd like and as others have echoed keep it simple, the packaging. That packaging has too much real estate for so little razor imho. Now put that same razor in a snug fit leather clam shell travel case that would serve a dual purpose:) Winner! That's a wonderful SB. Great job.

+1

**kingfisher** · 07-01-2012, 11:39 AM

It's a beatiful design, Richard. Nice work.

How is the aggressiveness of this head? About like an EJ DE89? Or more than that?

Thanks in advance.

**Yuritau** · 07-01-2012, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by Laz

If the handle doesn't change, I hope that there will be the opportunity to buy just the head.

+many

Originally Posted by RailroadMan

I think there should be a combo set with all three heads and a handle after the slant is completed.

+many

I'm excited to get my hands on more Tradere craftsmanship!

**Cochese2323** · 07-01-2012, 04:00 PM

Looks great! I just ordered the OC model on Friday. Should be here monday. I was a little hesitant because I have pretty sensitive skin and have never used an open comb razor before. But in the end, I just couldn't resist the looks and quality of the razor. Looks so well built and all the reviews back it up. I am glad this razor is giong be available because it will be a great option if the OC is too aggressive for me.