"Artisan" Fragrances/EdTs - What's the Consensus?

Yes it is Freddy!

I also did not say that because I have trained or educated myself that all shaving artisans are talented or knowledgeable scentmakers. That would also be totally false and if I implied that, then I apologize. I just wanted to point out that it is unfair to say all are good or all are bad. Like everything in life, there is good and bad in everything and we have to judge in a case-by-case scenario.

Wait, wait, wait. So you're saying that we shouldn't prejudge people or rely on stereotypes or broad brushstrokes to make up our mind? This changes everything...

Rod knows I am Sterling exclusive and I don't care if he cooks his stuff up in his dirty combat boots. All of his products are excellent in performance and hard to beat on price. I have tried other products, most samples from my brother's stash, but I've found no other product worth my $$$.

However, based on this thread, hawns shop will be the first to get my business. I'll feel dirty, for sure, but I have the superpower of being able to justify almost anything.

Forgive me, in advance, Rod.

Wow, some high-strung vibes in this thread. Relax people, it's only shaving.

I used the term "artisan" because the original poster used that term. I'm not here to argue what that is or if the word has been worn out.

Neither am I.  You seemed to think that the OP assumes that artisanal shaving makers are untalented and uneducated.  I think that is a very accurate conclusion, and was simply stating that many other people feel the same way and gave a reason why.  It was, and still is, a golden opportunity to educate the OP.  That will enhance his enjoyment of wetshaving and fragrance, as well as inform others with similar views.

The original topic was that "artisans" in the shaving world could not transition into the fragrance world. Maybe some might not, you are correct, but I was pushing back on painting with such a broad brush, i.e. if you make shaving products then you could not be good at composing fragrances, which is inherently false.

I agree, and merely stated that I think misuse of the word "artisan" can cast doubt on anything labeled artisan.  True, such stereotyping and jumping to conclusions is quite inaccurate.  I was not trying to defend the OP statements, and do not agree with his assumptions.

I also did not say that because I have trained or educated myself that all shaving artisans are talented or knowledgeable scentmakers. That would also be totally false and if I implied that, then I apologize. I just wanted to point out that it is unfair to say all are good or all are bad. Like everything in life, there is good and bad in everything and we have to judge in a case-by-case scenario.

Your point was clear and well stated, at least I thought so.   I was simply pointing out that not all those who claim to be artisans are actually skilled at what they are doing.  Some, not all.  To claim that anything called artisan is bad because some artisan products are sub-par would be illogical.

OK, your points are all well taken, however, this whole "whats an artisan" discussion has been hashed out ad nauseum on other threads and it would be appreciated if we don't re-hash it all again.

We don't define the meaning of "artisan", dictionaries do.  Their definitions are based on research into common usage by English speaking populations as a whole.  Debates on wetshaving forums over commonplace word meanings are thereby rendered moot.  For us to fancy ourselves as a greater authority than dictionaries is presumptuous, to say the very least IMHO.

BTW - I never mentioned anything about the definition of the word "artisan", only that it is often used to market products, and that that might have ticked off the OP.  Folks here are still enamored of the "how many angels can fit on the head of a pin" debates?  If people want to know the definition of a word, the dictionary is their friend, no debates, hand wringing or bouncing off the walls required.

The American Heritage Dictionary
https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=artisan

The Oxford Dictionary of English
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/artisan

Merriam-Webster Dictionary
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artisan

Macmillan English Dictionary
https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dict.../artisan_1

Collins Dictionary
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictio...sh/artisan

Wait, wait, wait. So you're saying that we shouldn't prejudge people or rely on stereotypes or broad brushstrokes to make up our mind? This changes everything...

You mean we can't throw rocks at cartridge razors anymore?  Aw gee darn, we don't get to have any fun.

Seriously, if your post had been #2, the OPs concerns would have been addressed and corrected right from the get go.

Wow, some high-strung vibes in this thread. Relax people, it's only shaving.

I used the term "artisan" because the original poster used that term. I'm not here to argue what that is or if the word has been worn out.

Neither am I.  You seemed to think that the OP assumes that artisanal shaving makers are untalented and uneducated.  I think that is a very accurate conclusion, and was simply stating that many other people feel the same way and gave a reason why.  It was, and still is, a golden opportunity to educate the OP.  That will enhance his enjoyment of wetshaving and fragrance, as well as inform others with similar views.

The original topic was that "artisans" in the shaving world could not transition into the fragrance world. Maybe some might not, you are correct, but I was pushing back on painting with such a broad brush, i.e. if you make shaving products then you could not be good at composing fragrances, which is inherently false.

I agree, and merely stated that I think misuse of the word "artisan" can cast doubt on anything labeled artisan.  True, such stereotyping and jumping to conclusions is quite inaccurate.  I was not trying to defend the OP statements, and do not agree with his assumptions.

I also did not say that because I have trained or educated myself that all shaving artisans are talented or knowledgeable scentmakers. That would also be totally false and if I implied that, then I apologize. I just wanted to point out that it is unfair to say all are good or all are bad. Like everything in life, there is good and bad in everything and we have to judge in a case-by-case scenario.

Your point was clear and well stated, at least I thought so.   I was simply pointing out that not all those who claim to be artisans are actually skilled at what they are doing.  Some, not all.  To claim that anything called artisan is bad because some artisan products are sub-par would be illogical.

OK, your points are all well taken, however, this whole "whats an artisan" discussion has been hashed out ad nauseum on other threads and it would be appreciated if we don't re-hash it all again.

We don't define the meaning of "artisan", dictionaries do.  Their definitions are based on research into common usage by English speaking populations as a whole.  Debates on wetshaving forums over commonplace word meanings are thereby rendered moot.  For us to fancy ourselves as a greater authority than dictionaries is presumptuous, to say the very least IMHO.

BTW - I never mentioned anything about the definition of the word "artisan", only that it is often used to market products, and that that might have ticked off the OP.  Folks here are still enamored of the "how many angels can fit on the head of a pin" debates?  If people want to know the definition of a word, the dictionary is their friend, no debates, hand wringing or bouncing off the walls required.

The American Heritage Dictionary
https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=artisan

The Oxford Dictionary of English
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/artisan

Merriam-Webster Dictionary
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artisan

Macmillan English Dictionary
https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dict.../artisan_1

Collins Dictionary
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictio...sh/artisan

Wait, wait, wait. So you're saying that we shouldn't prejudge people or rely on stereotypes or broad brushstrokes to make up our mind? This changes everything...

You mean we can't throw rocks at cartridge razors anymore?  Aw gee darn, we don't get to have any fun.

Seriously, if your post had been #2, the OPs concerns would have been addressed and corrected right from the get go.

The original poster said that ALL wet shaving makers (I will avoid using the word that triggers you) are unqualified (please refer to the original post for clarification). That was the point I was combatting, not this straw man argument.

I thank you, LOOT, but Rod is awesome, too. Still, thank you for that

The original poster said that ALL wet shaving makers (I will avoid using the word that triggers you) are unqualified (please refer to the original post for clarification). That was the point I was combatting, not this straw man argument.

Word that triggers me? That's a little melodramatic. The word "artisan" might trigger some, I certainly don't care how it is used. Claiming that it's misapplication could lead to erroneous consequences is hardly creating a straw man argument. Things like this are what likely prompted the OP:

https://vimeo.com/131422396

It is the absurd notion of precious consumption and empty authenticity. Better to just try things and evaluate them rather than relying on marketing gimmicks. In the end, the cream will rise to the top anyways.

Yes I have read the whole thread. I think it deserves one big eye roll at what it's become. Thanks to the very few who actually took a shot at answering my question. I'm not going to waste time responding to it. Maybe I ought to ask this elsewhere because it seems everything in this forum devolves into some sort of weird unnecessary analysis or artisan circlejerk.

Yes I have read the whole thread. I think it deserves one big eye roll at what it's become. Thanks to the very few who actually took a shot at answering my question. I'm not going to waste time responding to it. Maybe I ought to ask this elsewhere because it seems everything in this forum devolves into some sort of weird unnecessary analysis or artisan circlejerk.

what was the actual purpose of your thread then? you asked people what their opinion was and we gave it...

the consensus seems to be that if something smells good, then people are willing to buy and use it, regardless if it's made by a big brand or a small shop/artisan...

His purpose was to be a troll. Pretty obvious if you ask me, especially judging by his last post.

His purpose was to be a troll. Pretty obvious if you ask me, especially judging by his last post.

I thought his last post was somewhat reserved, all things considered. ”Weird unnecessary analysis" accurately characterizes quite a few threads around here. A choice few are off the rails crazy. And "artisan circlejerk"? Perhaps a little strong, but a some vendors do get bent out of shape at the drop of a hat.

What happened to this place anyways? It used to be more laid back. Regardless, there are a lot of awsome folks here, consumers and artisan vendors alike. I hope things evolve in a manner favorable for all.