I'm in the niche of common man shavers. Nothing in the definitions of these words implies they are opposites.
+1
Except that once I set the razor down, I am a most uncommon man.
I'm in the niche of common man shavers. Nothing in the definitions of these words implies they are opposites.
I really like this question and the way it's posited. i sit here trying to compose some sort of thoughtful, worthwhile response yet my synapses seem to fail me. i think what appeals to me most is the timeless aristocrat/pleb issue--not quite the 'haves' and 'have-nots'.
History is rife with examples, not the least of which is our own (American). The Founding Fathers all were aristocratic despite how well spun our school history and social studies textbooks were. They believed the common man, the poor laborer wasn't properly educated enough or experienced enough--certainly not wealthy enough--to properly understand, much less exercise, their voting power. The monarchical context of the word 'subject' illustrates the disdain the upper crust had for the broader masses.
I'm not entirely sure there is any such implication of snobbery where our hobby is concerned--not that I believe the OP intended nor implicitly stated such. But it is certainly within human nature to at least feel a bit more special if you get to use a high end/more expensive product, a little grander or slightly superior to shop at Whole Foods than Kroger/Walmart (though I am very reticent to shop at WF--I have a certain fondness for my money).
I agree with this. Upon further reflection I find that I'm drawn toward artisan soaps, and a razor double in cost of what I thought was reasonable 10 years ago. But I use a boar brush and a cracked bowl from the kitchen for lathering. I have the need to rationalize, only way I can justify a "good"razor.Id say that Im somewhere in the middle. I enjoy some of the artisan stuff: Timeless razor, mostly artisan soaps but I do enjoy the common man stuff too: Omega and Semogue boar brushes, drug store aftershave (Aqua Velva or Skin Bracer) and I will buy VDH or Arko if there arent any current artisan soaps that Im interested in.
Can I ask you what Siliski soaps you use? I have Santa’s Pipe and Midnight in Tunisia. I like his soap and both those scents. I own balms in those scents too however I find the balms much too oily or greasy after they are applied. If you apply Siliski Balms how do you find them?I would say: “Common man with a taste for the finer things.” Got into DE shaving because having a beard for years made my skin lose it’s toughness. Now that I work for the DoD, shaving 7 days per is a job requirement, as is having good shaving equipment to go on the road with.
Col Conk or whatever will get the job done, but for weekend shaves or any days off, I’m reaching for my Siliski. Merkur 34C for home, Parker A1R for the road. Shark blades (cheap and last a long time).
Also could never resist a good fragrance. Just discovered that Davidoff Cool Water, Polo Red, and Burberry London all come in balms, so there goes another future $60.
I have Santa’s Pipe as well! Had it since September and used maybe 1/2 an ounce. Impressive stuff. I don’t use Siliski balms; mainly PDP 63 and a couple of outstanding scents from Bath and Body Works.Can I ask you what Siliski soaps you use? I have Santa’s Pipe and Midnight in Tunisia. I like his soap and both those scents. I own balms in those scents too however I find the balms much too oily or greasy after they are applied. If you apply Siliski Balms how do you find them?
I need to try the special reserve by pinaudInteresting question!
I have a foot in both camps. I enjoy Pinaud clubman, Proraso green, Cella, Chinese blades and my Lord L6.
I also enjoy my 2-band badgers, Wolfman WR1 and MdC!!
+1An Omega boar brush, a vintage Gillette Tech, inexpensive blades, Arko soap or Proraso peppered here and there for a basic old school experience for a timeless task.
Those who participate in wet shaving are already defined by being smartly uncommon. Whether one chooses to enjoy the classic experience as basic minimalist or immerse themselves into luxury, wet shaving like anything else in life can find people at all points of the spectrum. Enjoy it, whatever your flavor.