06-10-2021, 08:06 PM
A while ago I learned that yet another safety razor is heading towards taking preorders without guarantied manufacture. The internet is full of these things. Most are never fully funded, quite a few is existing manufacturers raising cash and awareness on new razors, some are outright scams, and some are… well, like this one. Let us rip it apart, shall we? See what bits makes sense in the context of shaving, and what bits that don’t.
Let me start with a quote. One that wasn’t about razors per see, but which applies to almost everything in life.
In other words, it’s not an improvement to add shit that don’t do jack when it comes to the function of the device in question. Consider it a philosophical point of view if you like, or a hill to die on if you’re so inclined. With that in mind lets have a first look at the razor:
![[Image: ThisIsKindaStupid-1024x511.png]](https://wegianwetshaving.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ThisIsKindaStupid-1024x511.png)
I have to admit, the razor looks reasonable stylish. The handle is a bit chunkier than I prefer, but many shavers like chunky handles. Until you start reading the text on the image, it don’t look too bad.
Let us start with the parts of this razor I actually likes. And yes, it isn’t all bad in my eyes.
![[Image: TIKS-expl-1-1024x511.png]](https://wegianwetshaving.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TIKS-expl-1-1024x511.png)
Being compatible with standard double edged blades – the kind that arose from the Probak – is great. That means the user will have access to a wide range of blades, and won’t be tied to a single source.* An easy system for changing blades is also good, provided the new system is actually easier than a three piece and at least as durable. So this new razor have two good points – or at least one good and one interesting point.
Where to even begin… there is so much fluff added to this poor razor.
![[Image: TIKS-expl-2-1024x511.png]](https://wegianwetshaving.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TIKS-expl-2-1024x511.png)
From time to time someone comes up with a vibrating razor.** For some reason^ they always fails to make much impression on the market. So the vibration motor is a pointless gimmick.
I get that there are various vibration modes and patterns. But since vibration is – in my anything but humble opinion – pointless, a microcontroller to control it is doubly pointless. And it means one more point of failure.
I’ll give a soft pass on the LED light – if you have to cram pointless electronics into your razor, a LED makes sense as an indicator. I guess we just have to be grateful they didn’t opt for an OLED display instead.
Touch sensors have no moving parts, so I can see the appeal. But a razor is often used with wet or damp fingers, and in my experience touch sensors are a complete dog’s breakfast when used with wet fingers. Add to that the fact that you have one sensor which have to work for both turning the razor on and off^^ and to select vibration mode, and you have a user interface that is not intuitive.
USB ports are never fully waterproof. User error and wear will ruin the seal, and water will get inside the handle. And when it does, it will not be kind to the electronics that shouldn’t be inside there in the first place.
The water that comes in eventually will short out the battery, which is most likely a Lithium-Ion cell. And they tend to swell up when shorted out – or even catch fire. At least it’s not hooked up to the power outlet…
It is my belief, borne out by comments from fellow shavers both online and offline, that the vibrating feature on a razor is pointless, useless, and ignored as soon as the battery is run down – if not before.
I understand that the people behind this razor needs something to make their razor stand out on the internet – crowd funding isn’t easy, and most projects fails to meet their goals. But by adding unneeded fluff, all they have done is to make the razor more expensive without adding any tangible improvements.
In my opinion – which still is not humble – the best way to improve this razor’s chance for funding by users is simple: Keep the head, ditch the rest. At least it’s not a scam or hoax like some razors have been - the so called laser razor from a few years ago springs to mind.
*) Walled gardens are bad for the user…
**) As examples see; Stahly Live Blade, the Vibro-Shave electric razor, Gillette’s vibratory Techmatic, and Mr Harry F Partridge patented appliance
^) I.e.: there is no point to vibrating your razor if your blade is sharp
^^) Just the fact that you have to turn on a safety razor to use it makes my brain itch
A bit of philosophy
Let me start with a quote. One that wasn’t about razors per see, but which applies to almost everything in life.
ANTOINE DE SAINT EXUPÉRY Wrote:Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
In other words, it’s not an improvement to add shit that don’t do jack when it comes to the function of the device in question. Consider it a philosophical point of view if you like, or a hill to die on if you’re so inclined. With that in mind lets have a first look at the razor:
The “improved razor”, as presented by the people behind it
I have to admit, the razor looks reasonable stylish. The handle is a bit chunkier than I prefer, but many shavers like chunky handles. Until you start reading the text on the image, it don’t look too bad.
The good
Let us start with the parts of this razor I actually likes. And yes, it isn’t all bad in my eyes.
The good bits of the razor are all in the green box
Being compatible with standard double edged blades – the kind that arose from the Probak – is great. That means the user will have access to a wide range of blades, and won’t be tied to a single source.* An easy system for changing blades is also good, provided the new system is actually easier than a three piece and at least as durable. So this new razor have two good points – or at least one good and one interesting point.
The bad
Where to even begin… there is so much fluff added to this poor razor.
Unsurprisingly, all the bad and unnecessary things gets a red box
From time to time someone comes up with a vibrating razor.** For some reason^ they always fails to make much impression on the market. So the vibration motor is a pointless gimmick.
I get that there are various vibration modes and patterns. But since vibration is – in my anything but humble opinion – pointless, a microcontroller to control it is doubly pointless. And it means one more point of failure.
I’ll give a soft pass on the LED light – if you have to cram pointless electronics into your razor, a LED makes sense as an indicator. I guess we just have to be grateful they didn’t opt for an OLED display instead.
Touch sensors have no moving parts, so I can see the appeal. But a razor is often used with wet or damp fingers, and in my experience touch sensors are a complete dog’s breakfast when used with wet fingers. Add to that the fact that you have one sensor which have to work for both turning the razor on and off^^ and to select vibration mode, and you have a user interface that is not intuitive.
USB ports are never fully waterproof. User error and wear will ruin the seal, and water will get inside the handle. And when it does, it will not be kind to the electronics that shouldn’t be inside there in the first place.
The water that comes in eventually will short out the battery, which is most likely a Lithium-Ion cell. And they tend to swell up when shorted out – or even catch fire. At least it’s not hooked up to the power outlet…
And the ugly
It is my belief, borne out by comments from fellow shavers both online and offline, that the vibrating feature on a razor is pointless, useless, and ignored as soon as the battery is run down – if not before.
I understand that the people behind this razor needs something to make their razor stand out on the internet – crowd funding isn’t easy, and most projects fails to meet their goals. But by adding unneeded fluff, all they have done is to make the razor more expensive without adding any tangible improvements.
In my opinion – which still is not humble – the best way to improve this razor’s chance for funding by users is simple: Keep the head, ditch the rest. At least it’s not a scam or hoax like some razors have been - the so called laser razor from a few years ago springs to mind.
---
*) Walled gardens are bad for the user…
**) As examples see; Stahly Live Blade, the Vibro-Shave electric razor, Gillette’s vibratory Techmatic, and Mr Harry F Partridge patented appliance
^) I.e.: there is no point to vibrating your razor if your blade is sharp
^^) Just the fact that you have to turn on a safety razor to use it makes my brain itch
06-10-2021, 10:11 PM
Vibrating razors are nonsense, and they add absolutely nothing except the cost of a battery. Vibration modes can certainly be useful, just not in a razor. 
That vibration claim should border on false advertisement. Its a non-feature and doesn't deliver on it's "intended"purpose. I believe everyone here knows how to get a smooth shave. The LED lights could be cool if you shave in the dark. Or while tripping. And the USB port might be cool if you could upload music to it. 
I understand Wegian's point of standing out these days, however this razor is submerged in an enormous jar of Fluff. I mean, gimmicks work. Especially in this current technology era, but none of it has any purpose here. Your shave gains zero benefit from any of it.
That vibration claim should border on false advertisement. Its a non-feature and doesn't deliver on it's "intended"purpose. I believe everyone here knows how to get a smooth shave. The LED lights could be cool if you shave in the dark. Or while tripping. And the USB port might be cool if you could upload music to it. I understand Wegian's point of standing out these days, however this razor is submerged in an enormous jar of Fluff. I mean, gimmicks work. Especially in this current technology era, but none of it has any purpose here. Your shave gains zero benefit from any of it.
![[Image: M4eJeIj.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/M4eJeIj.jpg)
06-11-2021, 08:46 AM
No cloud connectivity is a deal breaker, maybe if it was zigbee or zwave ready, it's not even fitted for wifi or bluetooth - I need to connect it to the rest of the house so I can get email reminders and make rules like when I shave the house knows to play a song and turn lights on. Although, maybe I could put a wifi dongle on it through the USB port... does it have a dongle option?
06-11-2021, 03:00 PM
(06-11-2021, 08:46 AM)Havery Wrote: No cloud connectivity is a deal breaker, maybe if it was zigbee or zwave ready, it's not even fitted for wifi or bluetooth - I need to connect it to the rest of the house so I can get email reminders and make rules like when I shave the house knows to play a song and turn lights on. Although, maybe I could put a wifi dongle on it through the USB port... does it have a dongle option?
Also, add wi-fi hotspot and 4K streaming capability.
06-11-2021, 11:46 PM
(06-11-2021, 11:58 AM)TheLegalRazor Wrote: Plus, it needs heating to compete with the $200 Gillette Heated Razor.
Heating the razor is also an old idea - back in the good old days you plugged it into the mains.
06-12-2021, 04:14 AM
I say, whatever sells razors and gets more people into DE shaving.
We all think like boomers, We don't need a lot of bells and whistles. I think this razor will appeal to millennials that think everything needs to be tricked out with tech.
My guess is that's who this one is going after.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
We all think like boomers, We don't need a lot of bells and whistles. I think this razor will appeal to millennials that think everything needs to be tricked out with tech.
My guess is that's who this one is going after.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
06-12-2021, 05:43 AM
(06-12-2021, 04:14 AM)LOOT Wrote: I say, whatever sells razors and gets more people into DE shaving.This is an insightful post. I hadn’t thought of this scenario. Well done, LOOT.
We all think like boomers, We don't need a lot of bells and whistles. I think this razor will appeal to millennials that think everything needs to be tricked out with tech.
My guess is that's who this one is going after.
Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)