Originally Posted by
evnpar
I'm not much into classic vs. artisan soap arguments, or vintage vs. artisan razor makers for that matter. Many of the classic, traditional soaps have changed their formulations and are terrible, and there are excellent and terrible artisan products. At least for me, part of the enjoyment of this hobby is trying different products, and without an expectation that they will be a tier 3 soap or a "holy grail" razor. I was late in discovering shaving forums and the world of available products. For nearly 50 years I shaved with the same products daily, including Old Spice or Williams soap, whatever synthetic brushes were in the pharmacy, and a Gillette Slim and a Fat Boy that I purchased new in '62 and '63 when I first started shaving. One day about six years ago I noticed "Leisuregy's Guide to Shaving" when looking for a book on Amazon, and discovered products and forums that I had no idea existed. I've certainly made up for "lost time," and would be somewhat embarrassed to admit how many products I have tried since then. The majority of the soaps that I consider Tier 3 are also found on Obie's list, and several I tried for the first time because of Obie's recommendations. However, I enjoy using many more products than are on my Tier 3 list, including a variety of traditional and artisan products. In the same token, I've enjoyed using both vintage and artisan razors. I'm not interested in limiting my product choices, as i did for so many years. Truth be told, I could pull out one of my vintage pucks of Old Spice, my old Gillette Slim, and one of my inexpensive boar or synthetic brushes and achieve a very nice daily shave. If I had stuck with these products I would have saved a few thousand dollars, but I wouldn't be having nearly as much fun as I've had over the past six years. And even more importantly, I wouldn't have met so many fine gentlemen as I have on this forum. The important part is that we enjoy our shaves and our fellow members.