That's really what I would recommend. I find it interesting to watch some of the videos and hear about products that I've never tried, new vendors, etc., but I try not to fool myself into thinking that I'll enjoy something just because someone on YouTube does. If I have a question about razors, blades, soaps, creams, or anything else, I just come here and solicit opinions. I get a much better sampling from which to base my decisions that way. Plus, we're way more cool than Nick.
I agree. I have always found the forums to be a great source for reviews, opinions, suggestions and advice on most shaving products. I
Maybe because he doesn't shave against the grain, he tends to like most products. Obviously that's the most irritating pass and the pass where you're also most likely to cut yourself.
I used to watch a lot of half-naked-men-shaving-on-youtube (HNMSOY) when I got into wetshaving. I was mesmerized by the nuances and all the small differences that were being called out be it soap scent of type of badger hair. I think nowadays when I watch any HNMSOY videos it's because I'm looking for visuals and reviews of a particular razor - not so much who is in front of the sink. Having said that - I think Nick comes across as a likable guy, as does Mantic, but there are some peope that I prefer not to watch because their videos and reviews feels rather 'bought' by the vendors of the products they are talking about.
I guess I have learned a lot by watching the shave videos... Shave the man is always very entertaining I think my beard is light with sensitive skin like Nick's I find every soap I use I can build a good lather with The real trick with building a lather is getting air into the soap You really have to Whip It whip it good.... I can't seem to really tell the difference between cushioning and slickness between the soaps.... the only thing now I'm basing my soaps upon are scent. Example I can whip the daylights out of Arko and Wilkinson Sword but they smell like ivory or Irish Spring soap they're very good as far as performance but I like intense fragrancy soaps.
May I add another element to this discussion. I watch shaving videos to learn and be entertained. Whenever a product is reviewed, I never use it as the definitive judgment for purchasing decisions. The reason is that every person's body chemistry, shaving technique, razors, etc. are different. A personal example, Williams shaving soap gets a bad rep. It did not stop me from buying it because if it didn't do it's job, then I am only out a dollar and change. Is it a great soap? No. Do I have to work at it to get a lather? Yes. However, it does the job for me and I am ok with it. But, if I listened and accepted the bad Williams reviews, then I would not have tried the product. My point is that you should sometimes try things that may surprise you despite the bad press. How else are you going to find what works best for you if you don't experience clunkers? Guys know what they want in a wife by going through some clunkers when dating. Why not do the same with our shaving journey?
I love watching the shaving videos. No politics, no drama, no over the top BS. I do take their recommendations with a grain of salt. One guy will love product X, but another guy will dislike it. I find most products, when used properly give a great shave. I just used one product today I was hoping to like, but I didn't. I was thinking of tossing it, but I just put it in a bag for me to try again later. I figure I could always come back to it and give it another try. There's too many good products out there to get hung up on just one that isn't performing as you like.
nick s videos were ok ,watched a few when i started out..i think most people bought a merkur 34hd . the stuff he didn t like he used to pif i think..doesn t post much any more . geo is ok, but a salesman, spot that a mile off. i watch ruds for new product review stuff, pretty honest reviews..paul h fan here, just likes his shaves ..kensurfs is cool too..love all the den tours..
I enjoyed watching Nick Shaves when I was starting out in wet shaving. Got a lot of tips about lathering and software from him. Geofatboy has some good instructional videos. @mantic has a zillion videos that are outstanding.
It's like I said most recently in one of my shave videos. Technique trumps tools. Give me a razor in good working order and a blade that isn't messed up and I will get a good shave. It is all about making small minute adjustments mid shave.
