Hi Gentlemen,
First post on this lovely forum, so thanks indeed for having me..
Guys I caught the talk on this thread (with brutally honest views...thank you) and so I just thought I'd pop in and say a few things as it may perhaps be useful info to some?
Firstly I do completely understand the general sentiment of 'Meh' that many have to this whole idea, of
course I do.. but as I said in my post on SRP, it really isn't some whimsical plan to cheapen the W&B name - in fact it's the complete opposite. I've taken great time and care to make this happen over the course of 2 years, with the intention of only doing the brand complete justice by presenting work that is of exceptional quality.
There are limitations that I'm working with, as indeed W&B simply can't return in
exactly it's original form, surely all here can understand that? Things change, and company's evolve. I'm taking the apparent limitations in stride, with the hope that the shaving community can, in kindness, appreciate the effort with a view of the big picture, and ultimately only pass judgement based on the quality of the products.
So, to speak to some of the comments made in this thread that may be adding to the general 'Meh-ness':
- For some reason folks are stating that I've simply acquired the name. This is not the case. I am in fact partnering with the current owner of both the name/marks and the actual original company - registered in Sheffield. The aim is for us to have the company remain as a Sheffield company of course, while the crafting of the razors are handled by me here in SA - personally. Remember historically W&B listed manufacturing facilities in: Jersey City, Paris, Toronto, Sheffield. So there is precedent for manufacturing outside of Sheffield in the company's history. Would having the new razors made in Sheffield be amazing? Yes! It would be perfect. However this is just not a possibility at the moment, especially if a high-quality handcrafted blade is something that folks like you would be interested in...
- Razor designs: It would be an unjust oversimplification to state that this is just me creating custom razors and putting the W&B name on it. Of course then, by that logic it would be a true statement no matter who did this provided they were crafting 'custom' quality razors. It comes down to what do you as straight razor users want: mass-produced vanilla blades with W&B stamped on? Or a small-batch, complete attention to detail 'custom' made razor with the W&B name on it? Which direction does the brand more justice?
- Only new razor designs: This is not the plan at all. Just like any heritage brand that continues to produce work, there is a considered mix of the brand's iconic designs along with completely new designs (that are in line with the personality of the brand) that keep the relevance of the brand forward-moving. So, we will be releasing newly designed razors, but also newly made blades of the most iconic W&B designs
- Razors will be made as a sub-contract operation by 'knife-makers': No. This is not the case at all. Myself and potentially 2 other artisans will be making each blade. No random third-parties producing razor-shaped knives. I've been shaving with a straight for the last 10 years, and it's my complete passion. These will be every bit a 'proper' razor as any other maker of recognised quality can produce. And it is exactly on that 'quality' front that I will be competing.
- ...gaudy-looking, overpriced monstrosities... : Just No. This saddens me deeply there are all too many 'gaudy' custom razor makers out there - precisely what I am fighting against. No, these will be refined, understated razors only befitting of the W&B name. And as said, they will be alongside iconic 're-issued' designs from the W&B past.
- Not putting my own name on the razors: Well, the intention is to include my initials as maker (JMC) - tastefully - on the blades, as well as the place of manufacture (RSA). Again as stated, this isn't simply custom razors with the W&B name plonked on. It is the original company and brand revived, albeit within a dynamically different business structure.
Finally, it's important to note that many, many old companies that seemingly have been around for ages and are still creating the goods that people love, and that you likely purchase from, have in fact been sold, acquired, changed location, changed methods of production, changed materials, etc. etc. In fact, look into the history of a handful of 'Heritage' brands that you may know of and you will find that there really is no 'purity of ownership' to the degree and standard that many are holding the revival of W&B to.
Personally I would think the best way to view this is as a new chapter in the Wade & Butcher story, and to kindly reserve judgement based on the final quality of the products and the presentation of the venture as a whole. I don't mean to try and change anyone's mind on this, but I would think that sort of approach would be a rationale way to form an opinion on this matter.
Thanks so much guys for your time, can't wait to (re)launch next year
Cheers,
- Mike