Rockwell Model T Razor and Razor Blades - Shaving, Perfected
Created by Rockwell Razors
A revolutionary razor providing a close and easy shave, adjustable to everyone's skin and hair, with no cartridges or subscriptions!
Latest Updates from Our Project:
March Update - Production On Track, and New Options!
about 7 years ago
– Mon, Apr 03, 2017 at 10:32:39 PM
Dear Backers,
Everything’s on schedule with the new molds! However, as is the nature with mold-making, I don’t have any interesting visuals to share at this time. It’s looking like I’ll have pictures of the new test production in time for the May update, which I’m really looking forward to sharing with you!
New Materials & Additional Options
Thank you all for your feedback on the last update - I understand there was a lot of information in there to process! I wanted to just clear up some of the recurring questions I saw in the comments:
First off, I wanted to re-iterate Rockwell’s 100% commitment to quality and the satisfaction of every single one of our backers and customers. This means that if you’re not satisfied with the razor you receive for any reason, I will do whatever it takes to make it right. That said, I fully expect that the razor shipping to each of you later this year will blow you away, and continue to exceed your expectations as a durable shaving tool for many, many years.
I understand there are some seasoned classic shavers who may have had poor experiences with zinc razors in the past, and expressed concern about the now-zinc-alloy parts in the Model T head. I wanted to address the main concern I’ve seen in the comments: the questions around the durability of the chroming. Chromed zinc alloy is by far the most popular material in modern double-edge razors, both in budget, low quality razors, as well as expensive, “luxury” razors. Rusting, corrosion, or other durability concerns with chromed zinc alloy razors arise almost entirely from the budget, low quality razors that are poorly made and poorly chromed. We have been taking great care with our chroming and stress-testing to ensure chrome durability, and we’re sure you’ll see that attention to detail in the longevity of your Rockwell Model T!
Stainless Steel Model T
All that being said, I absolutely get that there are some classic shaving enthusiasts who are simply not interested in a razor that includes zinc alloy. Therefore, I’m happy to announce we’ve opened up the manufacturing process for an all-stainless-steel Rockwell Model T! The razor will be manufactured using a combination of machined stainless steel, with MIM stainless steel replacing the cast zinc alloy parts at the head of the razor. We’ve been getting a few requests for this since the launch of the Model T campaign, and after additional encouragement over the last month, I decided it was time to pull the trigger. I can’t provide timelines or precise “upgrade” pricing on this razor until about the end of April, but I wanted to open up a separate email list for backers who want to keep updated on the Stainless Steel Model T project development or want to receive the razor in lieu of the original Model T. You can sign up for that community here!
As always, thank you all for your support and voracious input - I really appreciate the passion that Rockwell’s backers have for the production of quality shaving tools!
Gareth Co-Founder, Rockwell Razors
February Update - Production & Timeline Update
about 7 years ago
– Sun, Mar 12, 2017 at 12:16:09 AM
Dear Backers,
I've been looking forward to sharing this update after spending the last week at our production facility!
Highlights
We’ve made phenomenal strides in the Model T production and are extremely close to having a product that we’ll be proud to ship to you. I have personally spent the last week at our production facility and here is a summary of some of the key things I learned from my trip:
The razor looks and feels amazing, and it functions extremely well. I’m more confident than ever in our ability to deliver an incredible shaving instrument.
The precision required in the assembly (down to increments of 0.001 of an inch or 0.024 of a mm) has prompted us to invest in a whole series of jigs and fixtures for press-fitting assembly steps. We also have hired an experienced press-fitting assembly partner for these processes in order to maintain the required quality and tolerances.
In full production, we found that the tolerances of the cast brass doors would not hold our tight tolerance requirements. Therefore, we have made some changes, notably upgrading the internal components to stainless steel, and adjusting some of the “head” components to precision cast zinc alloy.
Overall, these changes and upgrades will deliver the best possible razor. However, the re-working means revising our estimated delivery from late March to late July. We understand that the delay may be frustrating for some of you, but we want to ship you a product that you will absolutely love, and we are committed to taking the time to make that happen. We have learned a lot since Rockwell Razors’ first Kickstarter campaign, including the fact that it is more important to get it right the first time, rather than rush out a product that is less that what we are capable of producing (you can read more about this experience in the article I wrote for VentureBeat last year).
Thank you again for all of your incredible support. I particularly want to thank the backers who have left messages and comments encouraging us to take our time to make this the best possible product. I assure you that we are absolutely committed to that objective.
For those interested in further details of the assembly jigs, materials adjustments, and my findings from the visit to the manufacturer, please see the details below:
Assembly - Press Fitting, Fixtures and Jigs
Investing in the equipment (including jigs and fixtures) to press-fit the Rockwell Model T is important because it is significantly more accurate and consistent than assembly by hand, while allowing for much faster assembly when we are assembling your backer rewards. The Model T consists of 17 individual pieces that are sub-assembled into 4 pieces, before final assembly. There are six unique processes that will go into this sub-assembly / final assembly. In addition to the production consistency and efficiency, these jigs will be key in allowing any interested backers to take apart the razor for cleaning, as mentioned in a previous update.
Beyond the fixes mentioned above, we have also now completed a set of jigs to press fit many of the 17 pieces of the Model T together in the assembly process. This is an extremely important step in the production process due to the highly precise nature of the Model T and the extreme consistency required across the many thousands of units of the Model T (now over 7500 units pre-ordered!) that are being produced. We’re happy to report that the jigs are consistently producing extremely precise, correct blade gaps (those are the dimensions that product the size settings from 1 to 6), and we’re confident they will work just as well in full production.
Some of our assembly jigs / fixtures
Tolerances for Doors / Head Components - Modifications Required
The Model T was originally designed and announced as a razor made of both chromed brass and zinc alloy. Some backers expressed interest in the Model T being made of all brass. We expedited a review of this option with our manufacturers, and we came to the conclusion that it was highly likely it could be done in full production. In test production, the all chromed brass Model T was not a problem. However, in our full production, it became clear that hitting the extremely tight tolerances required (down to +/- 0.001 inches) from cast brass was simply not possible. It resulted in the head pieces of the razor not fitting as closely together as we require, and the dials not working as expected (one of these issues is viewable in the video at this link).
We chose to use this as an opportunity to optimize the metals used in the project, and to use the best metal possible for the unique characteristics and role of each piece. The new materials for the production that will ship to the backers will consist of an internal stainless steel rod, 12 parts of machined chromed brass, and 4 cast chromed zinc alloy parts – as visible below:
While the need to adjust the materials is unexpected, we believe the opportunity to use the best metal suited to each individual part will make the shaving performance and will make the longevity of the Model T even better than before. This will also accentuate the slimmed-down head design of the Model T in full production relative to the original manufactured prototype.
We have already finished production of all of the brass and stainless steel parts. Some mold modifications do need to be made to prepare the mold to make zinc alloy instead of brass, after which we can proceed with manufacturing of the new parts. We plan to start with a test production, followed by a full production once the test dimensions and performance are confirmed.
What’s Left
In short, all that is left at this time is to produce the zinc alloy parts, and then we will be ready to assemble your Kickstarter rewards! After full production, we will use our new line assembly jigs to quickly and accurately assemble the razors for shipping. We currently anticipate being able to ship a top-notch Model T to all backers at the end of July.
Thank you all for your patience while we make the best razor possible. I think you will really be thrilled with the results when you receive it! As always, please send any questions you have to [email protected] or by Kickstarter direct message and I’ll do my best to help however I can!
Gareth Co-Founder, Rockwell Razors
January Update - Function Video!
about 7 years ago
– Sun, Jan 29, 2017 at 11:13:48 PM
Dear Backers,
Just a quick update this month - I have mainly one item I thought you’d be interested in seeing!
Production
The latest test production resulted in a razor with functionality I’m quite pleased with (viewable in the video below). We’re currently designing and manufacturing jigs to expedite and ensure dimension consistency across the assembly process, so the movement should be this smooth across all the razors that get shipped out! Please disregard the light numerals, we skipped the laser engraving on this sample:
I'm no Spielberg, but you’ll see that both the adjustment and the door-opening are moving quite smoothly!
I’m expecting to be able to supply you all with firmer ship dates in the February update. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments in the meantime, either in the comments below, by direct, or by email.
Gareth Co-Founder, Rockwell Razors
December Update - Moving Along!
over 7 years ago
– Fri, Jan 06, 2017 at 10:14:45 PM
Dear Backers,
I hope you all had a fantastic holiday season! I’m thrilled to be back at it working to get your razors (and now a whole bunch of accessories) into your hands as soon as possible - let’s dive into the update!
BackerKit Surveys
BackerKit surveys went out last month, and while over 90% of you have replied, there are still a few backers that haven’t filled in their shipping addresses. If you’re reading this and you forgot to fill the survey in, please fill that survey in ASAP so I can begin arranging shipping! If you believe you haven’t gotten your backer survey, please search your inbox and spam folder for “BackerKit” - if you still find nothing, please email / KS message me, or drop a comment below.
Production
We’re in the later stages of test production now. This means that we’re mimicking the conditions of full production without making thousands of units at a time, to ensure that all the moving parts fit together perfectly, and are manufactured within our strict tolerances. Up to now, the biggest challenge has been getting the chroming consistent across all the surfaces of each piece, but we’re confident we’re honing in on production capacity that will meet our expectations both functionally and aesthetically. Here are some pictures from our most recent test production round.
You may notice the chroming and knurled grip is looking much better than in the original prototypes shown in the Kickstarter video. You can also see the blade being held level in the bottom right picture! Overall, I’m thrilled with the progress.
If all the dimensions are confirmed on these final test productions, then we can move into full production and I’ll be able to provide a more firm shipment dates! Until then, please let me know if you have any questions in the comments!
Gareth Co-Founder, Rockwell Razors
November Update - New Features & Add-On Announcements!
over 7 years ago
– Thu, Nov 24, 2016 at 09:49:00 PM
Dear Backers,
I’ve been looking forward to this update for quite some time - surveys are going out on December 5th, including a ton of opportunities to pre-order add-ons that will make you amongst the first to try an incredible range of new Rockwell products! Let’s dive in:
Feature Update
During the campaign, a few of you asked about disassembly options for the Model T. At the time, I knew the razor would be disassemblable by a professional jeweler, but likely not by the average individual without specialized tools. I put a request in front of our incredibly talented engineers to please design a solution, and I’m thrilled to announce they delivered! Here’s a video to show you the incredibly-simple disassembly for the Rockwell Model T:
The only materials you’ll need to perform the disassembly are:
1 x Phillips #1 Screwdriver
1 x 4-40 screw with Phillips drive (approx 1/2" long)
This screw will be quite easy to find, and very cheap at your local hardware store.
Add-Ons
The Model T is a deceptively complicated product to bring to market. There are a number of different parts being manufactured in different methods that all need to fit together consistently, while delivering the shaving performance Rockwell is known for. Luckily for me, my engineering team and manufacturing partners are an incredibly talented group that are making fantastic progress, which has allowed me to spend part of my last 8 months developing a line of additional products. My goal is to make Rockwell a one-stop shop for all your grooming needs, and I want my backers to be the first to try all the new stuff.
Here’s a preview of what you can expect to be available on Backerkit on December 5th - let me know if the comments which ones you’re most excited for!
Rockwell Software
All the following products are scented with the inaugural Rockwell fragrace - “Rockwell Barbershop” - with notes of Leather, Neroli, Anise, Lilac and Cedar. It’s a scent reminiscent of the classic barbershop, designed for the modern gentleman.
Rockwell Shave Soap: I’ve spent the last year dialling in the formulation of this soap, including fantastic ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, and aloe. Please note Rockwell Shave Soap requires a Shave Brush to create a lather - if you’re interested in a brushless cream, we suggest you try Rockwell Shave Cream instead! Proudly made in the USA with a glycerin base.
Rockwell Shave Cream: The perfect shave cream: soft enough to lather by hand, but firm enough to lather using a brush - it’s up to you! Proudly made in the USA
Rockwell Post-Shave Balm: Carefully formulated with witch hazel and moisturizers to be both soothing and hydrating for your skin. Proudly made in Canada.
Rockwell Pre-Shave Oil: Simply formulated with a minimalistic blend of premium, natural oils. Rockwell Pre-Shave oil should be massaged onto the skin to lock in moisture and protect skin during shaving. Proudly made in Canada.
Rockwell Deodorant: Alcohol-free deodorant to keep you feeling fresh and smelling incredible all day long and deep into the night (should you so choose). Rockwell Deodorant is a great way to keep your fragrance consistent between your shaving products and your deodorant! Proudly made in the USA.
Rockwell Beard Oil: Formulated with organic, natural oils that you can feel good about while they keep your skin and beard looking healthy and feeling fantastic (no more beard itch!). Proudly made in Canada.
Rockwell Beard Conditioner: Formulated to shape, soften, and clean even the most unruly of beards. It’s important to care for a growing beard, and Rockwell Beard Conditioner is the perfect solution to messy or itchy facial hair - all while smelling fantastic! Proudly made in Canada.
Rockwell Beard and Body Bar Soap: Thoughtfully formulated to clean both skin and facial hair, the Beard and Body Bar uses premium jojoba oil, shea butter, and activated charcoal to leave your skin fresh and moisturized, while coffee acts as a natural exfoliant. The Rockwell Barbershop scent will ensure you smell fantastic all day long! Proudly made in the USA.
Rockwell Hardware
Rockwell Inkwell Stand - Chromed Brass: The Rockwell Inkwell Stand is an elegant solution to proudly display your Rockwell Model T, 6C, 2C, or 6S. These Inkwell Stands are made from chromed brass, and match the finish of the corresponding razor in White Chrome, Gunmetal, or Brushed Chrome!
Rockwell Inkwell Stand - Stainless Steel: Same as above, but made of brushed stainless steel!
Rockwell Pure Badger Shaving Brush
Rockwell Synthetic Shaving Brush
Rockwell Silvertip Badger Shaving Brush
Rockwell Folding Moustache and Beard Comb
Rockwell Beard Brush
Rockwell Folding Hair Comb
Rockwell Genuine Leather Sheath
Rockwell Genuine Leather Dopp Kit
Rockwell Blade Safe (for blade recycling)
Other Projects
A few friends have recently asked me to help them with launching their companies and crowdfunding campaigns, particularly on the manufacturing, logistics, and customer service side. I wanted to share some of the progress these fantastic people have been making, as I thought they would resonate with you as well!
Prism Brush Bar is a specially-formulated soap designed to clean makeup brushes which leads to much healthier skin. I like this project due to the similarity of the product to shave soap, and I thought I could really help out in the manufacturing process. If you’re looking for a great gift for your significant other or if you’re one of Rockwell’s few (but highly esteemed!) lady-backers, I definitely suggest checking out Prism’s Kickstarter campaign!
Broken Homme is making insanely-high-quality footwear in Los Angeles, USA. When I met Jim & Josh (the creators), I was blown away by their dedication to craftsmanship, supporting domestic manufacturing, and incredible customer care. I was thrilled when they asked me to help with their Kickstarter campaign. Even if you can’t pledge, I suggest watching their KS video - it gave me bigtime feels.
