how many of you have met CAR?

[huxley_knew]

So I've been reading some of the methodshaving articles published by Charles Roberts over the past few weeks, and I can't help but laugh at it. Does anyone else (other than Joel, of course...I think we all know what he thinks about the subject) think this stuff is too full of fluff for its own good? I mean, J*sus Tapdancing Chr*st...

The writing is hard to get through, to say the least, but I wasn't going to say anything until I ran across CAR's 'diagrams' of Simpson Polo 12 anatomy..the link is below:

http://www.methodshaving.com/content/view/45/38/

I mean, come on...barrel? sheath? collar? mixing chamber? At one point someone must have asked why making all of this stuff up was necessary.


I need to make clear the point that I have never tried method shaving the way it's 'supposed' to be done, so I have no idea how well it works. For all I can tell, and for all I've heard, it's a great system for getting the closest shave that is reasonably comfortable. That said, I have to wonder why it must get so technical...I mean, the simpler you make it, the more people are going to want to try it. Am I right?

I dunno, I guess I'm with Joel on this issue....it just kind of irks me.

//End rant.


So I guess my whole reason for bringing this up is: how many of you have actually had a chance to talk to CAR? Is he so hung up on the vocabulary in person? Or is it just the way he writes? I'm confused, I suppose.

Joe

[mrob]

You are clearly not an academic!

If you don't make up your own words how will anyone know how smart you are? Jeez.

What's the fun in making things simple? Then everyone will do it!
---

You make a very good point about CAR, and lots of folks in other lines of work, I'm afraid.:redface:

[huxley_knew]

It's actually funny that you say that...I am, as it turns out :001_smile, and biologists are [in]famous for making up words at every possible opportunity. But at the very least we don't use them redundantly....

[TraderJoe]

I don't know if he talks like that in person, nor do I care.....as I'm probably going to buy some of his stuff anyway; seems like good (natural) product :thumbup1:

p.s. I have tried reading his "manual" a couple times, but just couldn't finish it. I'd rather be on B&B than read that thing. If you want a primer on methodshaving and how to do it, the B&B video makes it very simple.

[joel]

If you want a primer on methodshaving and how to do it, the B&B video makes it very simple.

Please note as referenced from the bottom of his webpage seenhere (http://www.enchanteonline.com/pages/shaveculture/hydrolast/hydrolast.htm)

Charles A. Roberts/Enchante warns customers to be wary of unauthorized representations made by any individual or business entity selling CD's, DVD's or other media purporting to instruct in the Roberts Method of Wet Shaving (RMWS). We reserve the right to train and/or license instructors to present the RMWS to individual shavers and to date have not done so, nor have we authorized the production or distribution of instructional materials by any third party. Please be aware that we have no relationship with the creators or distributors of these materials and assume no responsibility for any negative results from relying on unauthorized, altered or incorrect information.

TraderJoe.... so help me god if you are not weary of that demonstration, I will grip the Pommel of my Simpsons Polo 12, and proceed to gesticulate a lathering motion in a taunting manner, in such a way which bring you mild irritation after several minutes. If my ferrociously ominous taunts are not heeded, I will be forced to commence creating saponification from a dookie smelling cube and take the highly lubricic protein emoltent lipid compound and proceed to flick the ballast - charging the well of the sxonage chamber aft of the diffusion line and fore of the pumping chamber and unload the cream outflow from the breech, thus causing a time/space continuance between the infusion/defusion water inflow/outflow chamber - causing a very small amount of lather to be projected in your direction - which very well could exceed speeds of up to (but no greater than) 5 feet per second.

Be slightly annoyed..... be very slightly annoyed.

:biggrin:

[TraderJoe]

:crazy: :eek6: :crazy: :eek6: :crazy: :eek6:

i am both "weary" and wary :biggrin:

[Kyle]

So I guess my whole reason for bringing this up is: how many of you have actually had a chance to talk to CAR? Is he so hung up on the vocabulary in person? Or is it just the way he writes? I'm confused, I suppose.

Joe
I've been to CAR's shop on a few occasions, and yes, he talks exactly like he writes only without breathing as much in between sentences.:biggrin:

[Austin]

I actually patronize his shop. He and his wife are nice folks.

[mantic]

Well, this is an interesting coincidence since I just uploaded my latest shaving video "webisode" to YouTube, Intro to Method Shaving, Part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSv_0MpKJU4), AKA "Method Shaving De-mystified" (if you're reading this right around the posting time you may not be able to see it right away, as YouTube takes its sweet time processing the file for streaming).

I've been to his store several times over the past few years (in fact I made the video with his cooperation, a first) and I've always found him, his wife, and everyone who works there pleasant and helpful. There's no doubt he's passionate (!) about his work and he has some firmly-held beliefs. He'll also be the first to tell you that Method shaving is not for everyone.

He's definitely an academic type, but I'm used to that :blushing: so I've learned to "read between the lines" to condence that style down. I gave Charles a "preview" of my video and he said he was amazed at the way I could make the subject so concise--he very much approved of the way I did it.

So...take a look (after YouTube is finished chewing on it) and let me know what you think.

--Mark

[moses]

Wow. I just looked at his forum, and saw the description of his new brush. Now this is likely an excellent brush, but the description kills me. Fits well with the diagrams mentioned above.

Here (http://www.hydrolast.com/shaving/index.php?PHPSESSID=c299f1f1de5971c204068ade1d6e20 ec&topic=40.0).

-Mo

[moses]

"Many new shavers have been put off by the seemingly gratuitous obtuseness of both the language and technics of modern wet shaving. I can hardly find fault with these opinions, given the somewhat opaquely expert manner in which much of the wet shaving conversation is conducted." Charles A. Roberts. Sept. 1, 2006.

-Mo

[Austin]

Mark, you almost sound like Roberts in you video. :biggrin:

Very well done!

[peacefrog]

Wow. I just looked at his forum, and saw the description of his new brush. Now this is likely an excellent brush, but the description kills me. Fits well with the diagrams mentioned above.

"Best badger media used for optimal durability and strength." I guess you get to charge extra when your brush is made with media instead of hair. :rolleyes:

[castlecraver]

Its shaving, plain and simple. Until I came across the wetshaving forums, I had no idea that standard DEs were still available, and that people still used them. I decided to try it out. It gives me great results, and I enjoy the variety that the different creams/soaps/brushes/razors allow me. This whole method shaving business seems like complete overkill to me -- as an academic myself, I find it really funny actually. Why make shaving into a science? Its just shaving, people. Once someone tells me that I need to do it a certain way, the wetshaving experience ceases to be fun anymore, and I might as well go back to the M3.

[rtaylor61]

I don't have time to meet Mr. Roberts...I only get two weeks for vacation!

Randy

[Paris]

How many people do you know that can write 70 pages on shaving?
Charles is very opinionated to say the least. I have called him with some questions and I admit I enjoy him and his passion. I have used his products, they work just fine but it is more involved. Guess I enjoy the usual rotations.
Love the smells of all the Trumper stuff and recently thanks to B&B have added NancyBoy into the rotation - works great. Had the pleasure of discovering Trumpers while in London over 20 years ago. Bought Skye cologne and to this day when I use it the memories of my time in London become very vivid. Anyway I am new here so hello and thanks for the great information.

[Austin]

Welcome Paris. It sounds you are already experienced in the science of wetshaving. :biggrin:

[Xert]

An excellent introduction in that video, Mark. I know the goal is simply to explain method shaving at this point, but might you (or someone else) consider a follow-up "counterpoint" video? I don't have a position one way or the other on CAR, but, given the rather strong nature of the opinions held, it would seem appropriate. Without presenting the "other side", your excellent explanation of the CAR approach quite possibly might overshadow the caveat that "it's not for everyone", and lead interested gentlemen to be blindly swayed to try CAR without knowing that many other people with those similar 3 concerns find success with other methods. It would be unfortunate for a new shaver to be swayed by your excellent presentation into jumping into method shaving before becoming aware of both sides of the debate.

[Kyle]

Hey Mark,
As usual, excellent job on the video. I was so anxious to see it, I actually waited for it to load over a dial-up connection!:eek:

[TimmyBoston]

I have not met him but maybe someday I'll make the journey

[htownmmm]

Please note as referenced from the bottom of his webpage seenhere (http://www.enchanteonline.com/pages/shaveculture/hydrolast/hydrolast.htm)



TraderJoe.... so help me god if you are not weary of that demonstration, I will grip the Pommel of my Simpsons Polo 12, and proceed to gesticulate a lathering motion in a taunting manner, in such a way which bring you mild irritation after several minutes. If my ferrociously ominous taunts are not heeded, I will be forced to commence creating saponification from a dookie smelling cube and take the highly lubricic protein emoltent lipid compound and proceed to flick the ballast - charging the well of the sxonage chamber aft of the diffusion line and fore of the pumping chamber and unload the cream outflow from the breech, thus causing a time/space continuance between the infusion/defusion water inflow/outflow chamber - causing a very small amount of lather to be projected in your direction - which very well could exceed speeds of up to (but no greater than) 5 feet per second.
:biggrin:


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :em2300:


Marty

[mantic]

An excellent introduction in that video, Mark. I know the goal is simply to explain method shaving at this point, but might you (or someone else) consider a follow-up "counterpoint" video? I don't have a position one way or the other on CAR, but, given the rather strong nature of the opinions held, it would seem appropriate. Without presenting the "other side", your excellent explanation of the CAR approach quite possibly might overshadow the caveat that "it's not for everyone", and lead interested gentlemen to be blindly swayed to try CAR without knowing that many other people with those similar 3 concerns find success with other methods. It would be unfortunate for a new shaver to be swayed by your excellent presentation into jumping into method shaving before becoming aware of both sides of the debate.
That is a very interesting idea! I'm not quite sure how it could be presented in video, but let me ponder the possibilities... :001_unsur

--Mark

[mantic]

Hey Mark,
As usual, excellent job on the video. I was so anxious to see it, I actually waited for it to load over a dial-up connection!:eek:
I'm almost afraid to ask, but how long did it take? Its easy to get complacent with a broadband connection. :001_tt1:

--Mark

[ouch]

I don't have time to meet Mr. Roberts...I only get two weeks for vacation!

Randy

I get six, but that would barely cover the introduction.:tongue_sm

[Scorpio]

I actually patronize his shop. He and his wife are nice folks.

I also patronize his store. I have talked to him and his lovely wife, both are very nice people and passionate about what they do. Not one time has he ever tried to push his products to me. I do use his Hydrolast ASB because it is a fantastic product. No I am not a method shaver but I know a few in my area.

Mark your Method Shaving video is great. In my opinion there is no need for a "counterpoint" or the "other side". I believe there are several videos about the other side all put together by Mark. This a video about this method of shaving and I was not blindly persuaded to start this method, just another way of shaving. I don't think the reason for the videos is to convert shavers to the RMWS, but merely an unbias presentation of another way of shaving. Keep up the great work that you do for the members of this forum.

Raf

[Xert]

...In my opinion there is no need for a "counterpoint" or the "other side". I believe there are several videos about the other side all put together by Mark. This a video about this method of shaving and I was not blindly persuaded to start this method, just another way of shaving. I don't think the reason for the videos is to convert shavers to the RMWS, but merely an unbias presentation of another way of shaving. Keep up the great work that you do for the members of this forum.

Raf

Ah, but my point was not that a member of this well-informed forum would be swayed by Mark's video, but rather a "Youtuber" who has not heard the "negative" side on CAR and would have no reason to think there was one based on Mark's video. This is not at all meant as a criticism of Mark. The effect I fear is simply a result of the excellent job that Mark did of explaining what Charles says in common sense language, and Charles obviously is presenting a product that he believes in. Many others, however, do not share his belief in his products (with the exception of the a/s balm, which I enjoy myself). Clearly Mark's intent is only to explain method shaving in the clearest terms possible and I wouldn't dream of hinting at a "converting" motive on Mark's part. My point is simply that a view can be biased just as much by what is not said as what is, and there most definitely are other things to be said about CAR.

Regardless, I'm most definitely looking forward to the remaining videos in this series. Thanks Mark!

[Kyle]

I'm almost afraid to ask, but how long did it take? Its easy to get complacent with a broadband connection. :001_tt1:

--Mark

30 minutes!:eek:

[Scorpio]

Ah, but my point was not that a member of this well-informed forum would be swayed by Mark's video, but rather a "Youtuber" who has not heard the "negative" side on CAR. My point is simply that a view can be biased just as much by what is not said as what is, and there most definitely are other things to be said about CAR.

Regardless, I'm most definitely looking forward to the remaining videos in this series. Thanks Mark!

So in your opinion what do you believe is the negative side of CAR?

Raf

[Rik]

Please note as referenced from the bottom of his webpage seenhere (http://www.enchanteonline.com/pages/shaveculture/hydrolast/hydrolast.htm)



TraderJoe.... so help me god if you are not weary of that demonstration, I will grip the Pommel of my Simpsons Polo 12, and proceed to gesticulate a lathering motion in a taunting manner, in such a way which bring you mild irritation after several minutes. If my ferrociously ominous taunts are not heeded, I will be forced to commence creating saponification from a dookie smelling cube and take the highly lubricic protein emoltent lipid compound and proceed to flick the ballast - charging the well of the sxonage chamber aft of the diffusion line and fore of the pumping chamber and unload the cream outflow from the breech, thus causing a time/space continuance between the infusion/defusion water inflow/outflow chamber - causing a very small amount of lather to be projected in your direction - which very well could exceed speeds of up to (but no greater than) 5 feet per second.

Be slightly annoyed..... be very slightly annoyed.

:biggrin:

Hahahahahahahahah! Hee hee hee hee! Whew!

Joel, you almost made me give my keyboard a good soaking of water, calcium, vitamin D, Protein, Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Riboflavin, Niacin, Phophorus and 3.25% fat. :biggrin:

I'll make sure to immediately burn any of those unauthorized vidos - only if you or Nick get tired and need a helping hand. :wink:

[khari]

Hey Mark,
What kind of brushes were shown in the Method Shaving video after the Shavemaster? The one on the right looks like a Rooney Style 1, but I'm not sure what the brush on the left is...

[Xert]

So in your opinion what do you believe is the negative side of CAR?

Raf

You're asking for my opinion on the opinions of others? That hardly seems relevant, but I believe dissatisfaction has been expressed with respect to questions of quality, pseudo-science, marketing, price, and a lack of simple forthrightness.

[mantic]

Hey Mark,
What kind of brushes were shown in the Method Shaving video after the Shavemaster? The one on the right looks like a Rooney Style 1, but I'm not sure what the brush on the left is...

Correct, the one on the right is a Rooney. The one on the left is a Savile Row.

--Mark

[_JP_]

TraderJoe.... so help me god if you are not weary of that demonstration, I will grip the Pommel of my Simpsons Polo 12, and proceed to gesticulate a lathering motion in a taunting manner, in such a way which bring you mild irritation after several minutes. If my ferrociously ominous taunts are not heeded, I will be forced to commence creating saponification from a dookie smelling cube and take the highly lubricic protein emoltent lipid compound and proceed to flick the ballast - charging the well of the sxonage chamber aft of the diffusion line and fore of the pumping chamber and unload the cream outflow from the breech, thus causing a time/space continuance between the infusion/defusion water inflow/outflow chamber - causing a very small amount of lather to be projected in your direction - which very well could exceed speeds of up to (but no greater than) 5 feet per second.
:biggrin:

HOLY COW! That sounds pornographic. :blink:

[nshirk]

I've been to CAR's shop on a few occasions, and yes, he talks exactly like he writes only without breathing as much in between sentences.:biggrin:


+1

I don't shop there too often, kind of the "wrong" side of town for me. Easier to mail order. I know thats bad. :rolleyes:

[msandoval858]

Guess I missed this thread.

Anyhow, I've met CAR a time or two :rolleyes:

[paydepst]

I get six, but that would barely cover the introduction.:tongue_sm

This is OT I know but what line of work are you in? I may be contemplating a career change! :smile: