The past six months have been the busiest in OUMO's history. Since the start of 2025, we have dedicated significant effort to sourcing new badger hair, followed by Epoch series testing in April and the launches of the Exceed-5 and Exceed-6 handles. The Dynasty Series demanded considerable attention, and a core part of our energy went into the Assassin Razor — a project now in its critical global stocking and testing phase.
This list doesn't even include undisclosed projects: the ceramic handle samples we've been refining since June, the ongoing ST-3 development, and iterative improvements to the ST-1 and ST-2. It is precisely these parallel projects that pushed the commemorative zodiac handle to its current release date. Please don't mistake this delay for neglect — on the contrary, it stems from our deep respect for this series. We were determined to bring to this handle the highest level of craftsmanship we currently possess.
Our journey of integrating modern technology into traditional craftsmanship began with the Year of the Dragon handle, where we introduced CNC machining for partial and complete fabrication. That project raised the bar: once you've seen what's possible, settling for less becomes difficult. We have increasingly incorporated intricate machining into our designs, which naturally extends production timelines. From the moment the Snake Handle was conceived, I invested immense time in 3D modeling — the 2024 Dragon handle took nearly two weeks, and the Snake handle consumed almost an entire month. This was partly due to my insistence on completing the modeling myself (to be candid, my Blender proficiency is still a work in progress).
We never compromised, adhering strictly to our original design vision. The Snake handle's complexity far surpasses that of the Dragon handle, posing extreme challenges not only in modeling but also in subsequent machining programming. We also had to carefully balance accents, material selection, and overall composition to keep the focal point on the main carving — preventing other elements from becoming distractions.
Truth be told, every time we create a piece that pushes our craftsmanship boundaries, difficulties multiply. This zodiac handle is constructed from six distinct sections, with each junction using a screw-in structure to enhance overall integrity and durability.
Designing the internal architecture for such a complex assembly was a significant challenge. We considered simpler solutions, like resin bonding, but that approach feels far too elementary for the OUMO workshop of today — we are no longer the novice artisans we were years ago. Through extensive experimentation and adjustment, we ultimately achieved our intended design.
One slight regret: to accommodate a wider range of knot sizes — particularly for enthusiasts of larger knots — we forewent the glaze technique, opting instead for a simpler color treatment for the accent parts.
Material selection for the carved sections also involved considerable experimentation. We tested stabilized wood, artificial turquoise, aerospace aluminum, 316L stainless steel, titanium alloy, and various resins. Ultimately, we selected H62 brass as the primary material. The reasoning is multifaceted: complex colors tend to obscure the fine details of the carving; non-metallic materials lack the substantial heft needed to complement the carved elements; and white metals fail to convey a sense of opulence. H62 brass, after bead blasting, acquires a surface texture remarkably similar to gold. In Chinese culture, gold has always symbolized supreme value and nobility — an ideal match for a product so deeply rooted in Chinese tradition.
To enhance collectible value, the accent parts on each individual handle feature unique color combinations, ensuring every piece is one-of-a-kind.
It's also worth noting that, consistent with our practice, I designed two distinct prototypes for this launch, intending to decide the final version through a vote. The outcome was unexpected: votes from our internal team and the public poll resulted in a tie. Consequently, I made a decision — both versions will be released.
The Year of the Snake Commemorative Handle will therefore be available in two distinct versions. Each version is strictly limited to 12 pieces, for a global total of only 24 handles.
I am confident that this handle will become a standout piece in any collector's assortment — not merely for its intricate form, but for its unique aesthetic appeal. It represents the highest standard of shaving handle craftsmanship available today.
Thank you for your time and interest.
Carry