Misunderstood products

My misunderstood product is probably the BlackBird SB. When I first got it, I couldn't get the hang of it. It drags, the corners are sharp etc.

One time I picked it up for a shave just for kicks, then it clicked. It's been my daily driver ever since. That's why I usually revisit some of my stuff, once in a while I stumble upon hidden gems.

Great comment! And a similar experience with the Blackland Blackbird (solid bar) for me. From the first shave, I loved its efficiency, but the thing just felt rough and dangerous. The feel after the shave kept me coming back week after week, and about two or three weeks in it was like a switch was flipped, and I haven’t had any issues with it since – just the best shaves ever.

You know it, buddy. It's the best  

Method shaving & its products. I'm not even sure if these products are still being made since Charles' passing. Still, he was a pretty misunderstood guy. Gotta love the passion he had though.

Loved my two Austin visits with him and the chats on the phone.  
Charles Roberts was golden.

Loved my two Austin visits with him and the chats on the phone.  
Charles Roberts was golden.

I also enjoyed my chats with Charles at his Austin store. Fascinating fellow. I also appreciated the ability to buy Feather DE blades at his store, the only place in the wild where I've seen Feather blades. My dad lives in Austin, and I always knew I could carry-on a DE razor when visiting my dad, and not have to cringe when buying the DE blades available at Walgreens or CVS...

Couldn't agree more-Charles was very misunderstood.

SharpSpine , as far as I know the products are no longer available. I've been able to make some home-made substitutes that approximate them and come close in function, if not appearance.

I think the core of the misunderstanding was that Charles was trying to make the process we love a method. No more YMMV-one kind of razor, one kind of blade, one standardized soap that could be customized a bit, one way of making the shaving strokes.

I could go on, but this thread is about misunderstanding and what led to that misunderstanding was that Charles was attempting to standardize the process. That and his precise, but unusual, use of language. But the 5 years of daily method shaving with that one razor, blade, soap and forms taught me more about shaving than anything else.

I very much miss Charles and like CCity and vtmax miss my chats and visits with him. Once in a while, I'll break out some of the remaining Hydrolast products, some of which I got from him shortly before he passed, and it's always bittersweet for me.

Hi all I am new to this forum and this is my first post. I am excited to to be a member here. I am an avid wet shaver.

My first conversation with Charles was in 2008. He spent one hour with me on the phone and explained everything clearly. He was a gentleman. He sent me a sample kit. Wonderful shave experience, and yes I do find it fun to method shave. I feel like a scientist cooking up a mix.

His products were great for my sensitive skin. His conditioner was the best on the market IMO. He will be missed.

Method shaving is one weird arse thing to me even when I read it several years ago. Does anyone here actually still use this method? It just seemed so over the top to me. That and to do it you had to, "Buy all my products," to do it. Charles was a great guy, but it just seemed like a sales pitch to me.

gLet, welcome.

Charles Roberts was wonderful to know. Extremely intelligent and a kind man. I agree, his Hydrolast conditioner was the best on the market. It was made by Naprodis out of San Diego. I think the company still sells the conditioner if you want to contact them.

gLet, welcome.

Charles Roberts was wonderful to know. Extremely intelligent and a kind man. I agree, his Hydrolast conditioner was the best on the market. It was made by Naprodis out of San Diego. I think the company still sells the conditioner if you want to contact them.

Hi vtmax, yes I buy it from Naprodis along with cutting balm. Really good stuff.

That’s great to hear. I wasn’t quite sure if they were still making the conditioner.  Will have to pick some up!  

One of the passions, I remember, in meeting with him was his dedication to water. Getting as much water built into the substrate/cream/cutting balm and up onto the cutting service. That barrier really helped me achieve those glass finishes Charles always talked about.