More and more often, I see companies touting "deliberate machining marks." Some people thinks it adds appeal and others think it displays a lack of care in the finished product. I personally see it as a cost cutting measure, dressed up to look intentional, and I don't like it. This might be a reaction to the stamped, molded and mass produced consumer goods we are faced with every day, but what are your thoughts? Myself, I prefer machined items to look flawless, especially if I'm buying them new. I seldom make exceptions, except in rare cases where I feel it does add character and individuality to the finished piece.* Here are two examples of deliberate machining marks in a finished product. The Chiseled Face Groomatorium's Alumonics Shave Brush and The Blackland Blackbird Razor *Disclaimer: I am participating in the Blackbird Kickstarter, and am looking forward to getting the razor, this being one of those aforementioned exceptions.
Of the two examples noted, I am not offended. I am offended when I see rough/amateurish machining on what I perceive as needing precision. An example would be a firearm. Rough machining in those non-contact areas like the underside of a slide, meh. Do that on the guide rails or any normally visible surface and I'm not buying it.
I wasn't implying that machining marks indicated a lack of precision. Far from it. I am only talking about the finish, not the "fit."
Of your two examples, I'll try to share some insight. On the brush they have stated they wanted a matte finish. If they machine to a very fine surface and then particulate/bead blast the item to achieve a matte surface then the amount of steps and time/precision goes up in the manufacturing process. This makes the product less competitive on the market. They may be using marketing speak to 'sell' it as 'manly' but that's part of the game too. With the Black oxide finish, its a matter of the finish itself. It is a very thin, unforgiving finish. You will see EVERY minor detail or mark in a black oxide finish. So much so that guns that are parkerized (not exactly the same process, but bear with me) are almost always bead blasted prior to finish. The Razor is supposed to have the 'stealth' or 'blackbird' look. which is dull black. Black oxide is a relatively easy way to get that finish on SS. In order to hand polish the finish to remove the marks, that say, plating would easily conceal, you would easily double the price of the product. Another option would be to black chrome the razor then blast the chrome matte. Again more steps, and a more expensive finishing process.
This tends for me to fit into the same aspect as Faux Antique look in a variety of items. It really depends upon the look and surrounding items as to whether I think it works for me or not. @barbersurgeon has a good point about Black oxide versus Black chrome in terms of look (short and long term) versus cost.
Finish is such a personal prefrence thing. The aluminum brush you show, would your idea of a perfect finish on that be a mirror shine? Personally, I don't always go for high gloss or high maintenence finish. If I was designing an aluminum brush, I would want a finish on it that would be unlikely to show water spots or scratches. They seem to have hit that. For the Blackbird razor, I like the idea of the coating and how it will age differently on every razor. I make a lot of things with my hands, and I always try and think of the end user, and what is going to hold up the best for them. Most of the time, its a matte rather than gloss finish, because its easier to maintain.
There is a difference to me between well done deliberate machining marks and shoddy unfinished product. Done well it can be beautiful. It opens up a slightly rougher look for those people who don't want perfect. Personally I would use the items you used as examples because I would feel like I couldn't mess them up as quickly. The new wouldn't be destroyed by a scratch in the first week.
I like the idea of the matte finish on the brush. It would make the brush less slick when trying to use it. Greg W.
I think it's more along the lines of giving it an "industrial" look. Kind of a "function over form" thing. Though the black Blackbird will aquire a distressed look over time, it does not come pre-distressed. Any "distressing" will come from honest use.
