Misunderstood products

Probably should have put this in the underrated soap thread. Oh well.

Feather Artist Club razors.

On PAA, when I started diving into this 'hobby', I watched a lot of NickShave videos so I was interested in PAA. Then I found that the same company makes multiple brand of products (PAA, CK etc) each of which had multiple versions (or soap bases), and I wasn't looking to build a collection (which I eventually did) of soaps so I moved onto other less confusing brands (B&M, Mike's etc). At that time I wasn't aware of any controversy.

Then a while back I saw another thread go crazy on PAA and I learned about some controversies and (through internet search and conversation with folks in shaving fora whom I trust) found most of those to be true. But I won a PAA aftershave in a raffle and I believe in second chances, so wanted to try soaps again. So ordered another soap and Aftershave (even though some folks suggested over PM that I will probably be disappointed).

I must say I liked the performance of the Aftershaves, I loved them to be honest. But the scent strength was outrageous, I felt like listening to a metal band from the pit when I was looking for some nice jazz over radio. I traded those as I couldn't tone them down even with 50% water. But some folks may like those and they had good longevity. I would try them again if they released a lite version.

Now to soaps, for me they were below average when it comes to performance (mind that the average is pretty high now). I would probably never try those again unless I get one in a big lot soaps from BSTs.


I think the reason we have 'oh love this' or 'oh that is crap' in this hobby is because of our tendency to follow a stupid rule: "my mama said Don't say anything unless it's good". We don't criticize artisan products enough to nurture a healthy environment. We have forums where "B&M = meh third grade perfumer, to each his own" and other ones where "B&M soap to wash ass = shut up and take my money". (B&M is just an example because that's the biggest soap artisan at this moment, I think). And it isn't because of how forums are run, it is just our herd mentality and how we miraculously end up liking the same 'grass' within the herd. Recently, in a sotd post I mentioned that I didn't find the performance of the soap people were raving about on that week to be that good but I will try more. I got 4/5pm asking me questions like : for how long do I wet shave, do I have extremely hard water, do I have experience loading enough soap, can I try another razor (i kid u not) , even from the artisan himself about whether I want to send him a picture to judge water quantity. I stopped posting comments on that soap and never wrote the (which would be rather positive) review I promised to such folks.

But, since we don't critique artisans, we leave our pitchfork for anything that isn't coming from the basement of someone else: look at any OneBlade thread: people breaking their keyboards writing how he can never purchase OneBlade out of what not reason, how his best shaving decision was returning an unopened razor.

At the end of the day our hobby, judgements and our acts are as flawed as us human beings. Which is why I love my herd over here, over reddit and other places.

Feather Artist Club razors.

On PAA, when I started diving into this 'hobby', I watched a lot of NickShave videos so I was interested in PAA. Then I found that the same company makes multiple brand of products (PAA, CK etc) each of which had multiple versions (or soap bases), and I wasn't looking to build a collection (which I eventually did) of soaps so I moved onto other less confusing brands (B&M, Mike's etc). At that time I wasn't aware of any controversy.

Then a while back I saw another thread go crazy on PAA and I learned about some controversies and (through internet search and conversation with folks in shaving fora whom I trust) found most of those to be true. But I won a PAA aftershave in a raffle and I believe in second chances, so wanted to try soaps again. So ordered another soap and Aftershave (even though some folks suggested over PM that I will probably be disappointed).

I must say I liked the performance of the Aftershaves, I loved them to be honest. But the scent strength was outrageous, I felt like listening to a metal band from the pit when I was looking for some nice jazz over radio. I traded those as I couldn't tone them down even with 50% water. But some folks may like those and they had good longevity. I would try them again if they released a lite version.

Now to soaps, for me they were below average when it comes to performance (mind that the average is pretty high now). I would probably never try those again unless I get one in a big lot soaps from BSTs.


I think the reason we have 'oh love this' or 'oh that is crap' in this hobby is because of our tendency to follow a stupid rule: "my mama said Don't say anything unless it's good". We  don't criticize artisan products enough to nurture a healthy environment. We have forums where "B&M = meh third grade perfumer, to each his own" and other ones where "B&M soap to wash ass = shut up and take my money". (B&M is just an example because that's the biggest soap artisan at this moment, I think). And it isn't because of how forums are run, it is just our herd mentality and how we miraculously end up liking the same 'grass' within the herd. Recently, in a sotd post I mentioned that I didn't find the performance of the soap people were raving about on that week to be that good but I will try more. I got 4/5pm asking me questions like : for how long do I wet shave, do I have extremely hard water, do I have experience loading enough soap, can I try another razor (i kid u not) , even from the artisan himself about whether I want to send him a picture to judge water quantity. I stopped posting comments on that soap and never wrote the (which would be rather positive) review I promised to such folks.

But, since we don't critique artisans, we leave our pitchfork for anything that isn't coming from the basement of someone else: look at any OneBlade thread: people breaking their keyboards writing how he can never purchase OneBlade out of what not reason, how his best shaving decision was returning an unopened razor.

At the end of the day our hobby, judgements and our acts are as flawed as us human beings. Which is why I love my herd over here, over reddit and other places.

Reddit is the worst herd mentality IMO though. Like I said that is JMO.

[

I won a soap and splash on the WSRT.  Sucks that it is off the air now.  I liked the relaxed nature of it when they had artisans as well as just random people in the hot seat.
[/quote]

It will be back sir! Just taking a "season" break for the summer! Our first Season lasted almost 3 years, lol. I have some cool guests lined up for the Fall! Thanks for watching and participating!

[

I won a soap and splash on the WSRT.  Sucks that it is off the air now.  I liked the relaxed nature of it when they had artisans as well as just random people in the hot seat.

It will be back sir! Just taking a "season" break for the summer! Our first Season lasted almost 3 years, lol. I have some cool guests lined up for the Fall! Thanks for watching and participating!
[/quote]

I'd lather be shaving is fing hilarious.

lol, thanks bud! Just got done working on tomorrow's thumbnail for our NOS Vtg Blade Ep! Thanks for watching...it keeps us motivated for sure!
D

Feather Artist Club razors.

On PAA, when I started diving into this 'hobby', I watched a lot of NickShave videos so I was interested in PAA. Then I found that the same company makes multiple brand of products (PAA, CK etc) each of which had multiple versions (or soap bases), and I wasn't looking to build a collection (which I eventually did) of soaps so I moved onto other less confusing brands (B&M, Mike's etc). At that time I wasn't aware of any controversy.

Then a while back I saw another thread go crazy on PAA and I learned about some controversies and (through internet search and conversation with folks in shaving fora whom I trust) found most of those to be true. But I won a PAA aftershave in a raffle and I believe in second chances, so wanted to try soaps again. So ordered another soap and Aftershave (even though some folks suggested over PM that I will probably be disappointed).

I must say I liked the performance of the Aftershaves, I loved them to be honest. But the scent strength was outrageous, I felt like listening to a metal band from the pit when I was looking for some nice jazz over radio. I traded those as I couldn't tone them down even with 50% water. But some folks may like those and they had good longevity. I would try them again if they released a lite version.

Now to soaps, for me they were below average when it comes to performance (mind that the average is pretty high now). I would probably never try those again unless I get one in a big lot soaps from BSTs.


I think the reason we have 'oh love this' or 'oh that is crap' in this hobby is because of our tendency to follow a stupid rule: "my mama said Don't say anything unless it's good". We  don't criticize artisan products enough to nurture a healthy environment. We have forums where "B&M = meh third grade perfumer, to each his own" and other ones where "B&M soap to wash ass = shut up and take my money". (B&M is just an example because that's the biggest soap artisan at this moment, I think). And it isn't because of how forums are run, it is just our herd mentality and how we miraculously end up liking the same 'grass' within the herd. Recently, in a sotd post I mentioned that I didn't find the performance of the soap people were raving about on that week to be that good but I will try more. I got 4/5pm asking me questions like : for how long do I wet shave, do I have extremely hard water, do I have experience loading enough soap, can I try another razor (i kid u not) , even from the artisan himself about whether I want to send him a picture to judge water quantity. I stopped posting comments on that soap and never wrote the (which would be rather positive) review I promised to such folks.

But, since we don't critique artisans, we leave our pitchfork for anything that isn't coming from the basement of someone else: look at any OneBlade thread: people breaking their keyboards writing how he can never purchase OneBlade out of what not reason, how his best shaving decision was returning an unopened razor.

At the end of the day our hobby, judgements and our acts are as flawed as us human beings. Which is why I love my herd over here, over reddit and other places.

I love the PAA aftershaves for the very reason you don't: they carry some oomph. We're all different. I appreciate an aftershave I can enjoy throughout the day, as I do with my 18 or so PAA aftershaves. Of course, I love a good mosh pit as well...

I have a few PPF/PAA soaps, which are fine, but not as impressive as the aftershaves.

EFDan, he really does have a sense of humor.  I love his video with the cat that has tin foil on his head.  Here it is. Also, Crown King is one of PAA's brands.

https://youtu.be/7UrPWIo1WWg

EFDan, he really does have a sense of humor.  I love his video with the cat that has tin foil on his head.  Here it is.  Also, Crown King is one of PAA's brands.

https://youtu.be/7UrPWIo1WWg

Yep, I'm well aware of that.

Unisex public restrooms; your thoughts?

1 person bathrooms.  Everyone's happy.

+1 Agreed. Just wanna lock so as to not be surprised while finishing up the paperwork!