It would appear that the reign of the BBS-1 #razor is over ongoing over (see below!). It was said earlier via email, "This is just to let you know that the BBS-1 is no longer being produced" and that this was a mutual decision between John and James Dufour of Wolfman Razors, who was making the razors. This also means a new product is coming from the latter, with perhaps better availability! See below for the full email and additional images and details...
First, a factoid: approximately 420 of these razors were produced in total.
Hello,
This is just to let you know that the BBS-1 is no longer being produced. I realize that some of you have been waiting quite some time for one of these razors, but after a long discussion with James, the machinist who has singlehandedly produced all of these razors, we have decided to bring production to an end.
James will still be producing razors, but mass production of the BBS-1 has become unfeasible going forward, as James wants to take the time to develop new products and new designs, and needs the time to do the research and development, which he cannot do while making the same product over and over.
His work is available at https://wolfmanrazors.com/ and he will be producing small quantities of different razors on his own time and schedule, at which point he will be putting them up for sale. (He will not be doing a waitlist at this time, as the management thereof is very time consuming, and takes time he needs to spend developing new product.)
I apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment, and I am grateful for the enthusiasm regarding this razor.
Thank you,
John Brown
lashavingsoap.com
The former ad copy for this infamous razor:
Sold out. The waitlist is currently closed. Further details will be provided as we know them.
SHIPPING NOTE: (Shipping within the Continental U.S. is included at no extra charge. International shipping will be $25 to Canada, $36 elsewhere.)
Also note: This is the only way to receive the razor. There is no discount for ordering the head only or the razor only. I am proud to offer The Los Angeles Shaving Soap Company's first proprietary stainless steel safety razor, the BBS-1.
This razor has been fabricated by a single machinist in Canada out of stainless steel. (Note: for those of you vintage car/bike buffs that like checking for steel vs. bondo with a magnet, these stainless steels are austenitic, which means they are not particularly magnetic.) We have tightened the tolerances and increased the handle grip in the razor design, so these razors are even better.
This razor has been designed for the individual who wants a solid (110+ grams) and durable piece of craftsmanship that will provide an extremely efficient shave.
The unique design of the head allows the blade to cut efficiently, yet safely, which is the raison d'etre of the safety razor.
The increased blade gap provides a more efficient shave, with a greater sense of audio feedback, but the unique design of this razor, and the fairly neutral blade exposure, ensures that the increased efficiency does not come with unduly increased harshness.
I have been using this razor personally for a little while now, and frankly, I am thrilled to be able to offer this to the public. If you're looking for a razor that can provide an efficient BBS shave, that's machined out of stainless steel for decades of shaving enjoyment, this is an excellent choice.
(NOTE: If you're looking for a more mild stainless razor, the Feather would probably be a better bet. Also note that while these razors are machined and then polished, there may be traces of machining or tool marks in the finished product.)
As with all of my products, I guarantee satisfaction. If you're not 100% thrilled with this razor, just ship it back, and I'll refund your money. The soap and blades are yours to keep. (Please ship any returns insured / signature required, as it's a drag to have them go missing.)
UPDATE (12/08/17):
Wait... It's not over! Citing a change of heart over night, the end has been cancelled after only 17 hours. We're promised no wait list and details of how to procure a BBS-1 will be forthcoming at a later date.
Hello,
After having a night to think things over, and having seen the outpouring of enthusiasm for the BBS-1 around the wetshaving internet, James has agreed to continue producing the BBS-1.
It was never our intention to disappoint our customers and prospective customers, James just wanted some time to do some R&D on future product, to put the machining skills and wetshaving razor knowledge he has gained over the past few years to use on new and even better designs.
I wanted him to do that, but I also explained to him that the ongoing demand for the BBS-1 still existed, and encouraged him to keep it in production. I was initially unsuccessful, but you have convinced him, so he will continue production on a part-time basis going forward, in a manner that will allow BBS-1 production to continue, while also allowing for new product to come to market at some point down the line.
I don't have more details than that at the moment, I just didn't want anyone to spend all of their Holiday funds trying to buy one on the aftermarket, as we will have them available in limited quantities in the future.
Have a wonderful holiday, and I look forward to bringing you fresh product in 2018!
UPDATE (01/24/18):
Wait... It is over! Having more waffles than IHOP, it's off again - the following email was sent out:
Hello,
After having some further thoughts on the future of razor production, rather than continuing to produce razors for The Los Angeles Shaving Soap Company, James has decided to produce a new razor based on the BBS-1, with a new name and some new design improvements, for his own company, Wolfman Razors. This new razor will replace the BBS-1, which will no longer be produced.
I apologize for any disappointment to those of you who have been waiting some time for the BBS-1, but knowing James' commitment to quality design and finish, I am sure that this new razor will not disappoint.
If you have any further questions, or would like to be notified when this razor becomes available, please email orders@wolfmanrazors.com and James will handle your questions directly.
Thank you for your support and interest in our products.