From Method Shaving To A More Traditional Approach

In my 'intro' thread, I mentioned that after wet shaving for over 30 years, I found Method Shaving and Charles Roberts. I know that it's a subject that inspires very lively debate on both sides. What I can say is that Charles spent a lot of time and many hours talking with me on the phone, and was truly passionate about shaving. Some would say perhaps too passionate. He and I had a 'lively debate' about simplifying his language and terminology. I believe he had a degree in English Literature, and he used it to defend the nuances of why he called certain things (that I thought simple) by complex names.

In that intro thread, SharpSpine (my thanks again to him for the phenomenal OneBlade thread!) said that:

I looked into Method Shaving a few times but never dipped my toe in as it just looked too time consuming for a morning shave before work. It is sad that Charles has passed, and while he was eccentric no one can deny his passion.

I hear you.

Watching those videos, one could easily come to the conclusion that this fellow was a few fries short of a happy meal, and that MS was very complicated and time consuming.

In my experience, once I got making the shaving mixture and shaving patterns down, it was actually very quick. I couldn't get used to the 'shave cloth', so I used a brush, a synthetic when I was mixing all components in the brush, a silvertip or super when I was using it to make a later from soap and then applying the oil and paste (think thick shaving cream) directly on the face.

One time, Charles challenged me to get a 'gloss shave' (think BBS and then some) in less than 10 minutes, including making the shaving mixture, 4 passes and touch up. He actually stayed on the phone while I did this and talked me through it and I got it done in less than 8 minutes.

Now, it's not something I would recommend, and I know he did it as some kind of teaching exercise, but it was fun, and I had a great shave. Now, I relish taking my time when I shave!

I regret not having gone down to Austin to see him while he was still there.

Now that he's no longer with us, I've moved to more traditional shaving products. I still use some of his concepts, and will sometimes do a method-type shave with Italian or English soaps, a good oil, and a dollop of a good cream. I feel like a new wet shaver, in that I had almost forgotten all of the wonderful variety of scented soaps, of the craftsmanship of different brushes and razors. And this forum has been a wealth of great information (and inspiration) about all of that!

Nice post, Michael P ! I have read many posts from people who've had personal correspondence with Charles Roberts and one common theme I hear is that each person had come away with a feeling of respect for him in his passion and intelligence.

I looked into Method Shaving when I first started traditional wet shaving and found the concept appealing, but one of the things I like most about traditional wet shaving in general is the variety that it can provide me every single day. I really can't see myself using only one soap, cream, razor, brush, or only one anything for every shave. The different experiences are what makes it all so much fun for me. I really enjoy it.

It's great to hear you are enjoying all of the variety available. We seem to be in the right time to experience new and many times, even better stuff! Enjoy your shaves!

It was sad to seem him pass so early. We had many lively debates and hoped he could visit Manhattan when I lived there but it never materialized. He and Lynn Abrams started different forums back in the late 90's and here here we are today. Fun character.

Nice post, Michael P !  I have read many posts from people who've had personal correspondence with Charles Roberts and one common theme I hear is that each person had come away with a feeling of respect for him in his passion and intelligence.

I looked into Method Shaving when I first started traditional wet shaving and found the concept appealing, but one of the things I like most about traditional wet shaving in general is the variety that it can provide me every single day.  I really can't see myself using only one soap, cream, razor, brush, or only one anything for every shave.  The different experiences are what makes it all so much fun for me.  I really enjoy it.  

It's great to hear you are enjoying all of the variety available.  We seem to be in the right time to experience new and many times, even better stuff!  Enjoy your shaves!

I agree with this.  From what I have read in the thread so far, Michael P and Blade4vor, the Method Shave doesn't really sound like something I would enjoy.  From your description, Michael, it just sounds too structured.  I enjoy the freedom of all the products we have right now.  I should probably see if he has any videos on YouTube just to see what it is all about.

I agree, Freddy! I didn't realize what I was missing by adhering to my Method Shaving routine. Don't get me wrong, I was very happy with the shaves, super close, never irritating even after many passes and touchups with buffing.

After I got the OneBlade razors, my first few shaves were with a MS type shaving mixture (soap, oil, cream). Then I decided to put the razor to the test, and got out a Trumper soap and a brush and shaved with just that to see how the razor would perform. Maybe a tad bit less comfortable but still a good shave.

Something else happened, though. I remembered how much I liked the traditional products and traditional methods, the making of the lather from a soap, the relaxed three pass shave, the aftershave products.

Since then, I've gotten some Saponificio Varesino soaps and am over the moon about them.

I'm enjoying the variety so much, and I had almost forgotten what a pleasure the scents were.

So, I'm going to mix it up: do a Method type shave a few times a week, and a traditional shave a few times a week.

Fair warning before you watch the Method Shaving videos on YouTube: the ones that Charles Roberts did can be very off-putting to some with the repetition and the complex terminology. Charles told me that he thought the ones that Mantic59 did years ago that are still on YouTube were the best videos on his method, and are much easier to understand and watch

I agree with this.  From what I have read in the thread so far, Michael P and Blade4vor, the Method Shave doesn't really sound like something I would enjoy.  From your description, Michael, it just sounds too structured.  I enjoy the freedom of all the products we have right now.  I should probably see if he has any videos on YouTube just to see what it is all about.

+1  I just watched the 3 Mantic59 videos on "method shaving" and quickly concluded that it will not be my thing. I'm a free enterprise kinda guy and anything that ties me to one supplier is anathema to me. Though it would sure free up a lot of space in the den, I'd rather fill it with the goodies offered by the wet shaving entrepreneurs whose numbers are still increasing and the range of products offered is staggering.

However set I may be, I remain dedicated to the proposition that all men are created unequal and if method shaving floats your boat, paddle on, my friends. Besides, Stan's Kronos SE1 is "Out For Delivery" and the thrill of a new acquisition is upon me!

Couldn't agree more, beamon, and one of the eye-opening aspects of no longer being able to get the proprietary products is that I'm like a kid in a candy store with his allowance in his pocket! (Actually, before MS developed their products, they were doing it with traditional milled soaps and English creams, which work just fine.)

Other than being on an acquisition tear, I'm realizing how rusty my lathering skills have become. Since I've gotten used to lathering with soap, oil, and cream, I've gotten lazy. I'm brushing up (no pun intended) on producing lather from soaps, and I've got a ways to go. I live in a very dry climate now, and it can be tricky. With the MS stuff, once you got the process down, it was a no-brainer. Good news bad news-same stuff every day, but very consistent. Now I'm willing to forego the consistency for the joys of different soaps, different brush materials and styles, etc., etc.

BTW, I just googled the Kronos SE1 and wow, what a beautiful razor! And 303 stainless! Fantastic. Hope you'll post your impressions after it arrives.

I've got a Mongoose out for delivery, and if I enjoy the shave with it, it looks like ATT will be getting some of my allowance!

P.S. Today, I had a shave with Saponificio Varesino's Cosmo, the OneBlade and their Thater brush.

For me it's all about having a relaxing shave, and for that reason alone I didn't think that method shaving would be my cup of tea. I never tried it.

Welcome to the world of relaxing shaves and shave variety!

BTW, I just googled the Kronos SE1 and wow, what a beautiful razor! And 303 stainless! Fantastic. Hope you'll post your impressions after it arrives.

I've got a Mongoose out for delivery, and if I enjoy the shave with it, it looks like ATT will be getting some of my allowance!

P.S. Today, I had a shave with Saponificio Varesino's Cosmo, the OneBlade and their Thater brush.

Thanks, Michael P, I surely will. I have a couple more things that I'm committed to trying on the AS-D2 before putting the Kronos SE1 to the task, but after that, impressions will be forthcoming. I would hope that it will shave about as well as the One Blade, but without the hinge working for me. Since I've been forced to learn to maintain the necessary very shallow angle with the AS-D2, I figure I can learn to maintain the requisite angle with the SE1, whatever that is. Seems as though it shouldn't be too tough as the 'business surface' of the SE1 is flat and it would appear that just laying it flat against your face should be pretty close. We'll see!

For me it's all about having a relaxing shave, and for that reason alone I didn't think that method shaving would be my cup of tea. I never tried it.

Welcome to the world of relaxing shaves and shave variety!

Brian, I'm betting you speak for most of us here.