Why I’m Shutting Down My First Business
Ten years ago I wrote a blog post about how I thought some classes of product were universally crap. I looked at extremely expensive watches, high-end hi-fi equipment, and all cartridge razors.
My point about razors was that they were ugly, over-engineered and designed to become landfill.
There are some complex business model reasons why cartridge razors are the way they are, but I simply thought a cartridge razor could be designed better.
Over-engineered?
Constructive Discontent
One of my favourite concepts in design is constructive discontent.
The modern world throws up many frustrating experiences when it comes to everyday products. Most of the time we just grumble and move on with our lives.
Sometimes though, people do something constructive about such quotidian discontent. That’s exactly what I did with my dissatisfaction with cartridge razors.
I thought I could make a better razor.
So I did.
I came up with a concept, made prototypes, launched the product on Kickstarter and the Ockham Razor was born. A decade later I’ve shipped razors to thousands of people all over the world.
The Ockham Razor
The End of the Road
After all that, it's now with sadness that I've made the decision to close down Ockham Razor Co.
For a few reasons this is something I’ve been thinking about for a while and I recently came to a point where I needed to decide whether or not to make a new batch of razors. I decided not to, and instead to call it a day.
One of the key tenets of my design for the Ockham Razor was that it would be built to last. I’m extremely pleased with how that worked out; I’m still using an Ockham Razor that’s ten years old. I even offered a razor repair service for customers.
However, that longevity only refers to the razor handle. The Ockham Razor is compatible with standard Gillette Mach3 cartridges and I’ve become increasingly uncomfortable with the environmental impact of such disposable razor cartridges.
My favourite part of any project is always the beginning. When a new idea is emerging I find it very exciting. After that, the day-to-day running of a business takes a lot of energy and for me is less fun. Marketing, accounting, customer support are all necessary activities and I didn’t think I could do that justice for two separate businesses. I will do a much better job focusing on just one of them.
As they say, there are only two certainties in life - death and taxes. Here in the UK, running two business where one is significantly bigger than the other had negative tax implications for me. It’s a boring reason, but ultimately it was the nail in the coffin for Ockham Razor Co.
It's not impossible that Ockham may rise again, but for now it's time for me to focus on my other projects, primarily Cartesian Cards.
Thank you to all you backers and customers over the years. It's been a fun ride.
After announcing this news to existing customers I’ve been really touched by the kind comments that have come in. This one for example:
[The] razor is truly a thing if beauty - the quality and the design. And the way it fits in the hand is perfection. Thanks for making mornings a little more precious.
If I can give a few people some joy when using my products, I consider it a job well done.
I know my razor didn’t change the world, but it’s nice to know it made a tiny scratch in the continuum of the universe.
Last Chance to Buy One
Razors will still be available via the website until the end of tomorrow (30th September). There's limited stock though, so when they're gone they're gone. If you'd like one of the last razors, head over to the shop now.
www.ockhamrazorcompany.com/shop
