A pure, white sapphire blade razor. Sharper than any other blade on the planet (80 atoms at the tip) and more than 100x as durable.
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A pure, white sapphire blade razor. Sharper than any other blade on the planet (80 atoms at the tip) and more than 100x as durable.
Use this space to cheer the creator along, ask questions, and talk to your fellow backers. Please remember to be respectful and considerate. Thanks!
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Show older commentsZafirro, Inc 2-time creator on January 4, 2016
Hi Folks,
Thanks for the questions and for the vocal and vigorous support below for our project. I truly appreciate it.
Some of the questions below, I have already answered several times in the comments section so if don't see the answer to your question here, please look further down the comments section previous comments from me.
In terms of manufacturing geography, Zafirro is truly global product. There are lots of steps to the blade manufacturing process, and lots of components in the handle and cartridge/head. Much of the manufacturing has been done in the US, some in Europe and some in Asia. With the Z2 there will be some significant changes to the manufacturing process. We have already selected vendors for many of those new manufacturing steps, and have a short list for the majority of the rest.
We hoped to get into seven figures with the Kickstarter campaign both because higher volumes will allow us to significantly reduce manufacturing costs (and the price) of everything, but most importantly replacement cartridges, and because there are significant upfront tooling investment costs, etc, when you move from small scale production to larger production volumes. There also always unexpected bumps in the road with this sort of ramp up, so a bit of a cash buffer to handle those is key. It’s exceptionally important to us to deliver, and deliver a fantastic product, not because were concerned about legal ramifications (despite the vehemence and voluminousness of some of the comments below, you cannot face criminal charges for failing to deliver on a Kickstarter campaign unless the money was used to buy a vacation house in Saint Tropez – the US legal and business structures have been setup to make business failure exceptionally permissible, which is part of is a big part of the reason innovation flourishes) but because we wouldn’t be excited about moving ahead otherwise.
Stretch goals decisions. There are a ton of additional Zafirro products we hope to make, and a stand and box/travel case are high up on the list, but we don’t want to move ahead with them until we feel we can make something great, and that requires time and resources. If we’d meaningfully exceeded $1M in funding, we may have been able to hire the people we’d need to do something great now, but it’s far more important to me to be sure we can deliver a great Z2 handle, cartridge and blades to backers than to add in fun extras the will be a significant distraction.
Promptness of responses and quantity of updates. My goal was to respond to questions in the comments section that had not already been answered within a day. Over the holidays that got extended on a couple of occasions. Not responding to every new comment instantly is not a reflection of our enthusiasm level for the project. There is just a lot going on over here. In terms of updates, the really substantive updates (ones about next steps, timelines, etc) needed to wait until we had a ballpark sense of backers and razor/blade volumes, and we were hoping there would be a huge ramp up in pledges in the last few days of the campaign (as there are with most successful campaigns). There will be a very substantive update later today or early tomorrow.
Finally, I’d like to again sincerely thank all of you who supported our campaign through pledges, questions, suggestions and feedback over the past 50 days. We really appreciate it!
Thanks again!
Hayden
Jonathan on January 4, 2016
It has just been pointed out to me today that there is another community member here also using my screen ID "Jonathan". I don't know if this is kosher or not, but I want to point out that we are not the same person and do not share the same opinions. I also have no input on his or her positions in regards to this project.
Just a clarification.
Victoria Walker on January 4, 2016
Usurpent, sure. I am a backer and want them to be successful!
Usurpent on January 4, 2016
Well I understand that part, but that's not really much different that the handle. Even if they have a new design for the housing of the blades that would be fairly easy to manufacture, it's just really expensive on a small scale, which I assume is the reason why they hoped to receive more money from this campaign than they have. Not because they are greedy, but because they wanted the lowest possible price point for the replacement blades.
Adil on January 4, 2016
Where will this razor be made? Has an order for the razors been placed with the production facility? I apologize if these questions have already been answered.
Victoria Walker on January 4, 2016
Usurpent, 99 of the $100k style were made. The previous style has a blade that would be serviced (sharpened), rather than a cartridge one would buy. http://www.zafirro.com/zafirro-iridium.php
Usurpent on January 4, 2016
So if the blades already exist, why is everyone so concerned that they won't be able to make a handle for them in the span on a year? I understand that mass producing any object has it's problems, but if they have been selling these for years with different handles then I would assume that making a similar handle of a different material would be pretty straight forward.
Michael Hopkins
Superbacker
on January 4, 2016
Well well well seems as if I now get the pitch forks and knifes. So many fragile people. Well let me give you something to celebrate about as It might be the only thing in this campaign you'll be celebrating!.......as well am out. Keep those pitch forks nice and sharp as you might very well need them! As far as @ Leonard & @ James I hope to not read one complaint coming from you two when this project funds and you hear not a peep from this Creator. But for anyone that's hanging in there taking this Creator for his word you'll find Another early bird bonus available, if you'd like to reduce your investment.
I sincerely hope Zafirro does as they say they will. I sincerely hope all the backers receive what is promised. However way To many signs for me that this Creator is a bit over his head and I truly see a light at the end of the tunnel but I fear it a train coming to hit everyone. My comments were Out of concern for the Backers. The Creator failed to respond and like I've mentioned I'm 99.9% accurate on picking up on the signs. JUST REMEMBER that When I pressed and said what needed to be said and asked for certain things like an actual timeline or a GUARANTEE the Radio went silent. The Creator is silent for a reason and you can take that to the Bank. When a Creator goes radio silent and refuses to reply themselves that's a huge problem. This Creator is 24+ hours away from fulfillment and there is absolutely nothing coming out of his camp except the goon squad! I'd be ecstatic if the Creator responded or showed even a bit of passion that @ Leonard Jaster & @ James Wild has displayed. Something? Also for the Goon Squad... FYI; Anyone can give a date however the Projects that actually make it to fulfillment actually do produce timelines. Anyway it's a complete a moot point for me as I'm taking my skin out of the Game. Good Luck to the Zafirro Team and all the Backers. If I'm right here 99.9% some of you might need to contact Oregon/Attorney general attorney general Ellen Rosenblum. She spells much better than I and I've already corresponded with her regarding this project. Oregon and Washington do take non fulfillment very seriously and the Creators do get prosecuted. Hopefully I've got this one all wrong! Good Luck!
Michael Hopkins
Superbacker
on January 4, 2016
Well well well seems as if I now get the pitch forks and knifes. So many fragile people. Well let me give you something to celebrate about as It might be the only thing in this campaign you'll be celebrating!.......as well am out. Keep those pitch forks nice and sharp as you might very well need them! As far as @ Leonard & @ James I hope to not read one complaint coming from you two when this project funds and you hear not a peep from this Creator. But for anyone that's hanging in there taking this Creator for his word you'll find Another early bird bonus available, if you'd like to reduce your investment.
I sincerely hope Zafirro does as they say they will. I sincerely hope all the backers receive what is promised. However way To many signs for me that this Creator is a bit over his head and I truly see a light at the end of the tunnel but I fear it a train coming to hit everyone. My comments were Out of concern for the Backers. The Creator failed to respond and like I've mentioned I'm 99.9% accurate on picking up on the signs. JUST REMEMBER that When I pressed and said what needed to be said and asked for certain things like an actual timeline or a GUARANTEE the Radio went silent. The Creator is silent for a reason and you can take that to the Bank. When a Creator goes radio silent and refuses to reply themselves that's a huge problem. This Creator is 24+ hours away from fulfillment and there is absolutely nothing coming out of his camp except the goon squad! I'd be ecstatic if the Creator responded or showed even a bit of passion that @ Leonard Jaster & @ James Wild has displayed. Something? Also for the Goon Squad... FYI; Anyone can give a date however the Projects that actually make it to fulfillment actually do produce timelines. Anyway it's a complete a moot point for me as I'm taking my skin out of the Game. Good Luck to the Zafirro Team and all the Backers. If I'm right here 99.9% some of you might need to contact Oregon/Attorney general attorney general Ellen Rosenblum. She spells much better than I and I've already corresponded with her regarding this project. Oregon and Washington do take non fulfillment very seriously and the Creators do get prosecuted. Hopefully I've got this one all wrong! Good Luck!
1
Superbacker
on January 4, 2016
@Backers - It seems Kickstarter has blocked me from cancelling any of my active pledges.
Anyone else experiencing this?
Kickstarter is going down the tube fast man, high rise in unsuccessful projects and quite a few scam campaigns which they choose to do absolutely nothing about.
And I can't believe Kickstarter would do something fraudulent like play around with the pledge portal. If they don't have a valid excuse, I'm calling the CC company and instructing them to claim every single thing I haven't received. The advice I received was I'm entitled to claim every one if there is any fraudulent activity. Up to date the total value of goods I haven't received is nearing $4000US.
Guys circulate this issue in all the comment sections. This is bull@hiT!
1
Superbacker
on January 4, 2016
I've got no choice but to pull out. Really liked the concept. I'm more interested in this than Skarp,but I 'm quite concerned with the fact that the blades may be brittle. Its just alot of money to spend in unchartered territories. Good luck with the project guys I hope to buy a Zaffiro in the future when it is a proven product!
Early bird up for grabs!
James Wild on January 4, 2016
@Leonard-) Fortunately for Michael Hopkins his doctor has left the room with the computer unattended, which has enabled him to continue to live his lie, luckily his meds should kick in soon.
The product looks great and I have hopefully purchased the pair as one for a gift for my father, looking forward to December hopefully sooner.
Stef
Superbacker
on January 3, 2016
Agree with Leonard
Leonard Jaster on January 3, 2016
@Michael Hopkins
I'm shocked someone who claims to have worked for the WA AG office has such poor spelling and grammar. What, did you work as a janitor there?
Clearly, since you're so bad with language, I can understand that that you've been unable to read the campaign commitments, and answers to questions, that the questions that you repeat over and over have already been answered.
They are very confident of fulfillment, and have extensive experience in mass stainless steel production... and, the product is no dream, as it has already been produced and sold with other metals in the handle on a micro level. They know what their doing, and have already done it. Get it?
And by the way (try reading again), product fulfillment is by December 2016, if not before, as they know they can do it by then but are giving themselves extra time just in case.
You, Michael, are a nasty little troll, who is trying to scare away backers of this product in the very last hours of the campaign to ruin enthusiasm and stretch goal opportunities. More than that, for my money, I'd say you work for Gillette or some other shaving vendor, attempting to piss on already proven new and disruptive innovative technology.
As for the Creator, I'm glad you're spending more time on product development than cheer leading hype on Kickstarter. All my questions have been answered. Thank you, and can't wait till December!!!
Michael Hopkins
Superbacker
on January 3, 2016
@ Hayden/Zafirro Team is there a reason your not signing in to address the questions of Timelines or the odds, in your opinion of making it to Fullfillment? Nothing happens by accident Hayden and Casulness Breads Casulties;-) I would think a Creator wouldn't be so casual about some pretty serious questions. CAN YOU AND WILL YOU GUARANTEE FULFILLMENT? With myself and others questioning your Business Experience as for such a Big Campaign Response you've placed little to no energy into this campaign. What my experience has been is you see the Creator of a said project in their finest hour while a Campaign is live. Once a Campaign is funded the correspondence typically dips quite a bit. So in your case we'd never hear from you! My suspicions as a States Prosecutor always says: When one doesn't talk it's because they're not wanting to incriminate themselves. You have a Lot to be excited about ........ Right? Please be respectful to your investors that are asking you to publish timelines or at least come out and GUARENTEE FULFILLMENT!
Hussain on January 3, 2016
I'm pulling out from the campaign as I'm not feeling confident with the risk to benefit ratio. I guess I'll purchase it when it comes to retail. Till then, best of luck and success to the creator for this campaign. An early bird will now be available for whoever is interested.
Michael Hopkins
Superbacker
on January 3, 2016
@ S Portuguez Mugler......is 100% correct. When a Creator isn't running a campaign correctly once it funds it doesn't get easier, hence the concerns and warning signs I've spoken about. Zafirro has completely missed the boat on how to keep backers in the Game. When this happens it's typically due to not having a plan? If one has a plan than they execute on such plan. I truly hope they provide Timelines for the backers prior to funding. If they don't all I can say is good luck to all that go for the ride!
Michael Hopkins
Superbacker
on January 3, 2016
@ Grant What I said is: I'm a Huge Fan and Very Excited about this Product and Campaign!! I just don't want to go on a Magic Carpet Ride and Only get Air in the End!! I still stand by that statement. It's the lack of relevant updates, the Zafirro Overall excitement and the undertones of lack of Money that places concerns onto my excitement. Being excited about a creators development of a very awesome idea isn't confusing to me? Now being excited and being blind to paticular warning signs are two different things. Didn't mean to confuse anyone sorry for not understanding the fragility of the audience. Working for our States Attorney Generals Department my primary focas has been seeing what others don't. So again I appoligize to the fragile ones.
Thank you team Zafirro for your response. Case will be developed but after campaign, that's great is there a cost associated with you concept of a case! Stainless steal for the Handle, perfect!. Zafirro I also appriciate your explanation of the process and your confidence in making it to Fullfillment. So what do you feel the odds are?100%, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40 or 50/50?
In close I appriciate your sentiments on other failed KS programs. On the legal side of the coin there is different levels of Fraud. "Fraud is a broad term that refers to a variety of offenses involving dishonesty or "fraudulent acts". In essence, fraud is the intentional deception of a person or entity by another made for monetary or personal gain. This can happen by misrepresenting a persons ability to perform or without having a concrete business plan. When a company gives an investor incorrect information about their abilities to perform or false reporting or just a lack of execution on promises this falls into the Fraud Arena. When there is this kind of money being invested I'm the one that used to make sure the investors aren't taken for a ride and if they are than I'm the one that used to prosacute. Haven't met an investor yet that wasn't happy I was on their team. Again I'm not suggesting Zafirro is in this Arena! What I am saying is based on my experience there are some signs that this campaign isn't or hasn't been fully transparent on timelines and again it's the lack of information or the vagueness of such information that is concerning. When you take the fact that there is close to 1/2 million being pored in by investors and you couple that with my earlier comments than in my world it spells trouble. To make it easier for the fragile ones: The difference between a Dream and A Goal is deadlines. Without such deadlines and an accountability of such deadlines bad things happen to investors money and the ones that took the money. Also to be fair and to put things into perspective the Zafirro Team was checking in but not commenting and that's what drew even more speculation? Also if there has been a meaningful update during the whole course of this campaign please point me into that direction. The only updates I've seen are the promotion of others campaigns (much excitement on those) a stretch goal update that wasn't very worthy (in my mind) and about 4 thank you updates asking the backers to spread the word. Granted there has been some action regarding the Campaign in comments section. However you don't run an effective campaign in your comments section as very few of us check in. Updates go staight to our emails and is the preferred place that most Creators use for updating their investors and creating a buzz on their product. Zafirro hasn't done very well in this department which is why I felt it necessary to address the Zafirro Team. Prior to the end of this project I would expect some hard timelines to be published in an actual update. As a Investor I would expect team Zafirro to provide this as a part of the business plan. Without it there a pretty good chance that Fullfillment will be very chaotic and hard core pressed. Also it will show investors like myself that the Zafirro Team has a plan and will build confidence in those that need it to stay part of this campaign. Remember money like this bears responsibility and fullfiment do said product. And the difference between a Dream and A Goal is the execution of the timeline....hence the Deadlines. Zafirro please provide your business plan/timeline for Fullfillment and please answer what you feel the odds are of the campaign making it to Fullfillment placing a quality product in the hands of your investors. Thanks
S Portuguez Mugler
Superbacker
on January 3, 2016
I agree that it would have been better to prioritize a stand and/or travel box as a stretch goal. It would have drawn more Kickstarter backers because backers like goodies, especially if it's personalized. Frankly, I think a lot of the problems in this campaign stem from not anticipating common backer expectations. Backers like extras, personalization, frequent updates, immediate creator responses, casual videos demonstrating the product, etc. I have noticed that these expectations are heightened with luxury items. While I do believe the creator of this campaign is committed to his product, I also think he could have handled this Kickstarter a little better from the get-go.
Zafirro, Inc 2-time creator on January 2, 2016
Hi Folks,
Happy New Year! Addressing the questions below:
As I mentioned below in responses to previous questions/comments around our confidence in being able to deliver the Z2, we are very lucky in that we know what it takes to build it because we've been building and selling Zafirro razors for years. There is a significantly ramp up in production and reduction in cost with the Z2, and significant manufacturing changes always creates challenges, but they are much less significant than trying to go from a concept/prototype to a production product. Although there are always some unexpected surprises with this stuff at any stage, we have a very solid handle on what we need to do in order to move from our current production process to a much larger one. These things always seem to take longer and cost more than expected, which is why delivery is Dec and hitting at least seven figures with a combination of Kickstarter pledges and equity investment has been incredibly important to us.
For any of you who missed it, we posted stretch goals just after we hit our goal. Unfortunately we haven't reached the stretch milestone yet, but we are getting close. Detailed on the stretch goal are in the updates and on the campaign page.
We will definitely make a stand and a box/travel case for the Z2, but we probably won’t be able to do that until we’ve delivered the Z2 to backers. Obviously what’s most important is getting that right and our focus and resources need to go there until that’s done.
As I mentioned previously in the comments below, the vast majority of Z2 will be made out of surgical stainless steel. However, it’s not impossible that we’ll do experimental production runs with other strong, durable metals such as tungsten and titanium to see if they improve the Z2 in some way.
We don’t have any additional videos or testimonials beyond what’s been posted below or on the campaign page. We hope to have a lot more press, videos and customer reviews after the Z2 launch.
Our team does have significant experience with high volume manufacturing of stainless steel products.
On a final note, I think some of the comments below significantly misrepresent Kickstarter campaigns that have struggled or not been able to deliver. In all the cases I’ve read about (Zano being a potential exception but there aren’t enough facts yet), it’s totally inaccurate to suggest that the campaigns were fraudulent in some way or had malicious/criminal intent. The teams clearly made mistakes, in some cases very significant ones, but they were trying to do what was best for their company and their backers. To imply they did something criminal and could be prosecuted for is not fair to them, or to Kickstarter.
Keep the questions coming. Hope your new year is off to a great start,
Hayden
WickedSchmaht
Superbacker
on January 2, 2016
I'm going to be honest when I say that 500000.00 for a stretch goal only to get an extra cartridge after paying an additional 39.00 when the cartridges are estimated to cost around that much in future purchases just does not make sense to me.... With a 250k TARGET... a STRETCH goal for a stand or a case was something that I was hoping to see... And now I see the comment below from @creator that since there won't be a "500,000.00" stretch goal reached in order to have ANOTHER stretch goal for a case/stand just means nothing but greed to me... with an additional 203,000.00 in funding as of now with NOTHING to add to the package, I'm going to respectfully back out and let someone else take one of the early bird spots...
Grant Quail on January 2, 2016
MIchael goes from "I'm very excited about the campaign" to "I'm going to pull out and p.s. you can get prosecuted for not delivering" in the span of a single day. That seems like an emotional overreaction to ..(?something?).
I'm not sure what all the upset is about. What kind of "excitement" are you hoping for that isn't present?
these guys answer relevant questions rather promptly. They are being consistent with their promises. I suppose they could keep repeating themselves but that seems like a waste of time and would be really annoying.
If you want to pull out go ahead, no one will blame you, and it won't disrupt things for the rest of us. You can keep your money safe and buy yours, without risk, in 2017 for a bit more money (or pat yourself on the back if the project is a bust). But I don't see the point in making these threats.
Jonathan on January 1, 2016
@Kyle: I don't work for Gillette and found Michael's comments relevant. Compared to other campaigns, this one lacks of meaningful updates and answers. Are you honestly confident in the project without having detail about the timeline or the "final" product? "Will see after the campaign, depending on the nimber of backers" isn't a sufficient answer IMHO.
Moreover, with attractive stretch goal(s) and an active community we can get more backers. Thus I would expect better reaction time from the creator.
To make long story short, Michael (and I) are asking for answers/updates/SG/anything from the creator.
Kyle Jarrett on January 1, 2016
Michael. Do you work for Gillette or something? Your rant is idiotic and the creator has posted several updates and comments.
Stef
Superbacker
on January 1, 2016
Don't overreact
Michael Hopkins
Superbacker
on January 1, 2016
This is probably a very note worthy statement; Creator is signing in but not addressing the concerns or offering anything in the way of updates or any General Enthusiasm from the Camp. With all my KS experience in understanding the early beginnings of a major failed project this campaign has it written all over it. I'm going to allow the developer to respond to the concerns but my loyality is favoring all the backers who are about to get stung & stuck with a Creator that seems to not really give a damn about much except taking the money. In my past I worked for the WA. STATE AG OFFICE, Specialty in prosecution of fraud cases. When there is very little conversation or none to really speak of its generally due to only two things. 1) There's literally nothing to say (this is scary in itself regarding a project that exceeded target by almost 200%) 2) The person that's committed a Crime or in this case on the verg doesn't want to incriminate themselves? Either one is a Bad situation. Now please don't understand me wrongly. I'm not saying that this creator is scamming the Backers here. What I am saying is typically legitimate campaigns will communicate if not over communicate and will be very excited about there success. This campaign and the entire Zafirro Team has deeply failed with response or communication at any level. If you want my honest opinion with my investigative background I wouldn't be surprised if they're thinking of canceling this project versus being prosacuted in 2017 for stealing close to a 1/2 million dollars. Washington State will prosacute all and any Crowd Funding Campaign that fails to deliver. I truly hope the Zaffiro Team spends some serious time reflecting on what's going to be the course of action. Personally there is some serious reasons here to be concerned. This would be a very good time to hear from the creator? It's time to address your investors. This kinda of money comes with responsibility don't you think?
MF Calub on January 1, 2016
I'm really concerned about the "communicate whenever" attitude of this project. I predict that there will be silence once the campaign is over. If I back out, it isn't because I believe that the project can't be achieved, it's because I feel that the project manager does not feel responsible enough to his supporters to keep them updated and to involve them in the creation of a wonderful product. I may just buy it when it comes out. :(
Jonathan on January 1, 2016
@Creator: When you will write answers/update, could you also share a tentative timeline? I think that backers would feel more confident in the project (this is somewhat linked to my comment w.r.t your experience in mass production). Happy New Year!
Michael Hopkins
Superbacker
on December 31, 2015
Also I noticed you just logged in this morning yet took zero time to reply to the already asked questions or make any effort to post a thing? Is there a reason for this?
Michael Hopkins
Superbacker
on December 31, 2015
@ Jonathan Great question and I my self would like to know more so I 2nd that motion/Jonathan just asked.
Due to the Holidays and things I haven't really been following but after reading the updates (none of any value) and the undertone of money issues I'm pretty deeply concerned. I will need a solid reply (not a political correct answer to my questions) as well as @ Jonathan's question or I'm going to actually pull out. I've been part of KS for some time and I've grown into noticing early signs of projects that are going to make Fullfillment and not actually provide a quality project. In Hesse cases it's not something I'm proud of but so far I've been like 100% correct except for Hey Joe Coffee. However even in this one case the product is horrible according to feedback from backers. When I see the warning signs and your campaign is showing them I typically just pullout. You've run a very successful campaign with little to no excitement coming from the Zafirro team and no stretch goals. Your almost 200% funded yet you talk of not having the funds. As a side note you do know that KS creators are now being prosecuted legally for running campaigns without delivery. 1/2 million dollars is a lot of money to take from folks and will sure bring a tremendous amount of heat if Fullfillment isn't reached. My other concerns are the length of time that passes before your stating fullfiment - I would like to be reassured!!
Jonathan on December 31, 2015
Hi! It seems that you have been testing the razor for a while. It would be nice to have more testimonials/videos/reviews and comparison to Mach 3 or equivalent. I really wonder how better it is (even though it is very subjective)!
I agree with Michael Hopkins. To attract backers (and keep the current ones), we would need stretch goals, add-ons, and more confidence in the overall campaign.
Moreover, if you could elaborate on your past experience in dealing with "mass production", this seems different than producing a couple of very expensive razor.
Thanks and I look forward to see more update and stretch goals!
Usurpent on December 31, 2015
If you still have a stretch goal for a case/stand you should consider posting it anyways. The last couple days of most kickstarters do experience a pretty good boost from all the people sitting on the fence. And assuming we get to buy the add on cartridge that could help out quite a bit too. It would also help if you could get this thing back on the kicktraq hotlist for sure.
Michael Hopkins
Superbacker
on December 31, 2015
Also at this point can we get a solid answer on what materials will be used for handle? Let's pretend 500k or a bit over is achieved;-) Also again it is a bit weird how we have gotten zero excitement coming from the Zafirro Camp? No real updates on anything really. Also 200% funded that's exciting right? What's next?
Michael Hopkins
Superbacker
on December 31, 2015
Hi Zafirro Team,
Have a couple of concerns after kind of catching up and reading some of the Q & A's. So Would like to just put it out there for some clarification.
1) I'm getting a bit of undertone coming from Zafirro messages regarding money (i.e. Not having $ for stretch goals) Project is close to being 200% funded so I get it but I don't? And I'm wondering if you feel you will actually be able make fulfillment? I've seen my fair amount of empty promises and the percentage is typically higher when creators give hints of not having enough to offer stretch target goals. Also haven't seen much coming out of the Zafirro Camp regarding updates? None Excitement or Lack of coming out of the Zafirro Camp also has be a bit on edge. So forgive me for asking but is the Zafirro Camp confident in knowing fulfillment will be obtained?
2) Can a case be developed for travel for Blades as well as for the handle? I get it you don't have the money;-) oh except 1/2 million ;-) lol but could you do a add on.
3) If you're placing odds on actually being able to get to Fullfillment with a quality product and placing it in your backers hands, what would those odds be? 50/50 60/40 70/30 80/20 90/10 or 100% confident.
With only a few days left and a very successful campaign (GR8 Job) felt I needed to ask as I was getting that weird vibe;-) Please don't take me wrong either I'm a Huge Fan and Very Excited about this Product and Campaign!! I just don't want to go on a Magic Carpet Ride and Only get Air in the End!!
You Guys Rock and I know you'll shot it straight! Rock On and Happy New Year!! Zafirro Rocks!!
Zafirro, Inc 2-time creator on December 30, 2015
Hi Folks,
Sorry about the belated response to the new comments. Just starting to catch up after Christmas.
Answers to the new questions below:
One of our goals for Zafirro from the beginning was to make a razor that worked equally well for men and women. It has been thoroughly tested by both.
Safety. Obviously, its important to be careful with sharp objects. There is always the potential to cut yourself, but as any chef will tell you, your are much more likely to cut yourself trying to slice tomatoes, etc, with a dull knife than with an exceptionally sharp one. By far the worst experiences we've seen and heard about with razors are with dull blades, not very sharp ones.
As discussed below, banging the blades (or any sharp object) on a hard, blunt surface is not good for them. While banging the blades on to the sink is unlikely to break them, it's certainly not good for them. Given our blades low coefficient of friction, I find there is no need to bang them to get the hair out. Running them under the faucet or in water in the sink every few strokes sorts it out.
A Zafirro stand or box. We were hoping to make a stand and/or box a stretch goal. It looks unlikely at this point we'll reach our stretch goals but regardless we certainly hope to do one at some point.
Thanks for the questions. Happy Holidays!
Hayden
JVVH on December 30, 2015
@Creator: will there be a stand for the razor?
Edon van Hees
Superbacker
on December 29, 2015
@Kavi - A razor can never be too sharp, the skin will give way, unless the razor can't glide because of lack of moistening or shaving foam/oil.
Otherwise, when the skin is dry, the razor will "bite" in and you will cut yourself, but no more than with any other sharp object.
No risk, no fun...
Read all about HHT on:
http://straightrazorplace.com/srpwiki/index.php/Sharpness_tests_explained
@Creator - Of course my question is plain stupid, but does the Zafirro come in a nice durable case?
I would like to take it with me on trips, to show it to all my friends all over the planet (...)
1
Superbacker
on December 26, 2015
@creator - I tend to tap my razor on the side of my sink to get rid of the hair stuck between blades, like most guys prob do. Will this shatter the blades?
Kavi on December 24, 2015
Maybe an obvious question, but is this razor safe? It seems TOO sharp!
Houston on December 24, 2015
Has the razor been tested on areas other than the male face? Women's/men's legs, armpits, etc.?
Zafirro, Inc 2-time creator on December 21, 2015
Hi Folks,
Hope you all had a great weekend. Addressing the questions below (some of which there is additional information on in previous comments or on the campaign page):
We have never had blades break in shipping or while someone is shaving. It is possible to break the blades if you drop the razor on a hard surface, but the blades don't shatter like glass, the cracks like the screen of a phone or watch, and the pieces stay in the cartridge (they are held in place at multiple points in the cartridge).
All packages will be insured (most carriers include basic insurance in the cost of shipping).
We don't have any plans to make steel blades and our cartridge design is optimized for our blades and isn't compatible with any other manufacturer.
There will not be any additional shipping cost for adding an additional cartridge to your order (the ability to add an additional cartridge to your order will be unlocked if we hit our first stretch goal of $500K).
Keep the questions coming.
Happy Holidays!
Hayden
Stef
Superbacker
on December 21, 2015
Just came to my mind - how about insurance for the package? Damaged or lost? Consider high price and risk of damaging the blades. For sure this is versus possible taxes and custom charges where a lower declaration is preferred. Thoughts?
Keith Sheridan on December 19, 2015
Hi,
My apologies if this question has already been raised and addressed.
Given how brittle sapphire is (particularly in the form of very thin blades), and given the likelihood that the razor will occasionally be dropped by some folks (me included - guaranteed), it is possible that the blades will shatter when dropped onto hard surfaces such as tiled bathroom floors. Not only will that require blade replacement, but it raises the prospect that small shards of shattered blade will cause cuts and quite nasty injuries when stepped on with bare feet.
So, have you thought of including some sort of cover for the head of the razor that would protect the blades and act to absorb shock when the razor is dropped? Something really elegant and in keeping with the cool handle design & materials. That would not only reduce the chance that the blades will shatter, but if they do, the shards would be contained within the cover. This wouldn't prevent 100% of breakages, but something is better than nothing. And if it saves nasty shard injuries . . .
Cheers
Singh Karan
Superbacker
on December 19, 2015
Hello @Zafirro,
Maybe you have addressed this question before but:
Would there be any comparability with any other steel cartridges? Or perhaps would also supply your own in the future?
This is just in case we are unable to buy/afford a cartridge in the future.
Thanks,
-Karan
Andrew - Armikrog Army on December 19, 2015
@Zafirro
Can you share more of actual stats from real users like:
How long did it last compared to previous one they used
It there any cases of breaking/corrupting blades and if yes, how that happened?
Usurpent on December 18, 2015
Assuming we reach the stretch goal, will adding extra cartridges add to the shipping costs? And will they be shipped in the same package?
Zafirro, Inc 2-time creator on December 17, 2015
Hi Folks,
We think the suggestion about including the stretch goal update on the main campaign page is a very good one. Thank you. We'll have that up shortly.
It's not possible to provide the extra cartridge for $30, but it will be available to all Kickstarter backers for $39, and for the those international Early Birds who get a $30 gift certificate, it will only be an additional $9 out of pocket.
Thanks for the comments!
Hayden
John Tsingis
Superbacker
on December 16, 2015
@Houston, I think you're taking the seven figures comment in Updates out of context! That amount is important in terms of stretch goals and that's it. If we reach $1mill, handles probably won't only be stainless steel, but also have some titanium & tungsten, as stated in the FAQ.
Usurpent on December 16, 2015
You should probably consider posting the info about the stretch goal on the main page since many people never take the time to read the updates. Knowing there will probably be a chance to get an extra cartridge for $39 could bring in more potential backers.
contrado on December 16, 2015
I'm off. I'll leave my EB Special for a lucky guy to pick. Good luck anyway.