The Hone Type 15

I featured this in my SOTD today. Here's an excerpt from my post:

[Image: 8fc8ac51434f1a3632b3c5a5953a9753.jpg]

#SOTD: 11/21/2015 - "#Honed"

Pre: Hot shower & clippers (#goodbyebeard)
Soap: Gardenia & Sandalwood #homemadesoap courtesy of @alindberg3030
Brush: Plisson Synthetic
Razor: Hone Type 15
Post: Soap Commander "Integrity" ASB & Ead Bleu EdT

Well, the cat is out of the bag. The wonderful razor I've been teasing and testing for the past few days is none other than the Hone Type 15. Machined from solid brass, it is one amazing shaver. I don't know that I dare call it a "razor" as very few other razors I've ever tried can compare. The official review is forthcoming, but I'll need some time to really compare it to its (very few) competitors. It won't be leaving my #shaveden any time soon.
This soap is something to keep an eye out for. Excellent lather and slickness. And that scent is surreal.
All-in-all, a near perfect shave.


- The Clean Shaver

That looks cool! What kind of blade did you use? Sadly, I haven't been keeping track of this, but it looks like a SE razor to me, though... myabe, I dunno, probably the way I'm looking at it

Where did you get such a thing?

That looks cool!  What kind of blade did you use?  Sadly, I haven't been keeping track of this, but it looks like a SE razor to me, though... myabe, I dunno, probably the way I'm looking at it

Where did you get such a thing?

It's definitely a DE, which is really nice because you can use your pick of blades. I just posted a video review of it here: https://youtu.be/cZcOKhRYZ8U

I'm sorry, TheCleanShaver, but the minute I know a review has been compensated (in your case a free razor to test), that review becomes invalid.  Amazon has become big on these types of reviews, as well, and it really ticks me off.  No matter how much a compensated reviewer can say his/her review is unbiased, it simply is not. If you had purchased the razor with your own funds, without the purveyor knowing you were going to review it, then I would say your review was 100% unbiased.  To say anything else is just not being true to the review.  What I will give you credit for is being honest enough to admit you were compensated for this razor, nothing more.

I'm sorry, TheCleanShaver, but the minute I know a review has been compensated (in your case a free razor to test), that review becomes invalid.  Amazon has become big on these types of reviews, as well, and it really ticks me off.  No matter how much a compensated reviewer can say his/her review is unbiased, it simply is not. If you had purchased the razor with your own funds, without the purveyor knowing you were going to review it, then I would say your review was 100% unbiased.  To say anything else is just not being true to the review.  What I will give you credit for is being honest enough to admit you were compensated for this razor, nothing more.

Fair enough, Freddy. I understand your viewpoint. I just wanted to be open with people. Whenever I try a product to review (whether I pay for it or someone sends it to me for feedback), I consider my contribution to be either as constructive criticism (if the product is poor) or endorsement (if the product is good). The only person who really knows anything about my integrity as a reviewer is me. I stand by my reviews, and consider myself an honest person and do my best to remain unbiased and provide candid feedback on whatever products I try.

Thanks for taking the time to watch my video and offer your feedback. I appreciate it.

I tend to agree with Freddy here and will agree also that at least you were honest to say you got something for free, in the review itself. Human nature and how we are wired if you're a decent person, is to be appreciative and thankful when we receive a gift for free, it immediately skews objectivity however. Many companies and artisans have learned that the way to get on the map in a niche market that is growing, is to inundate you tube personalities with free product in return for reviews. There is a "talk show" on you tube, which, you have been a part and a couple of the personalities on this particular show are often pontificating on how much "stuff they got in the mail and how much stuff they GOT SENT, not purchased. I have no problem with those folks and you getting free items for your time and review but basically a tool that used to be helpful, consumer reviews, has been bastardized by reviews for hire, pay, and free merchandise. Again, At least you were coothe enough to admit the razor was free.

This has become more common and I could give you a hundred examples of reviews where you tube channel personalities are given something (one blade and another popular gentleman come to mind) and then tell the viewer I paid nothing,it's great, you buy this now with your hard earned dollars.... It's borderline insulting to the viewer in my opinion.

All the above comments are correct! All reviews will be biased, at the very least, by the reviewers' past experience and background. If the reviewer paid for the item, he  will be biased by the fact that most people are hard put to find fault with something that they chose. Obviously, compensation increases the degree of bias that might be exhibited. The fact that TheCleanShaver, in this case, set up a discount code with the seller prior to the review increases the bias potential. Having worked with the seller enough to set up a discount code usually indicates a mutual fondness and increases the probability of 'review bias'.

In the final analysis, it is up to the viewer to take from the review whatever is important to him knowing that all reviews are skewed in some direction or another and contain a bit of 'show biz' to boot! We become educated and savvy viewers by watching, a lot, and learning about the personalities' proclivities. As always, it's Caveat Emptor!

All the above comments are correct! All reviews will be biased, at the very least, by the reviewers' past experience and background. If the reviewer paid for the item, he  will be biased by the fact that most people are hard put to find fault with something that they chose. Obviously, compensation increases the degree of bias that might be exhibited. The fact that TheCleanShaver, in this case, set up a discount code with the seller prior to the review increases the bias potential. Having worked with the seller enough to set up a discount code usually indicates a mutual fondness and increases the probability of 'review bias'.

In the final analysis, it is up to the viewer to take from the review whatever is important to him knowing that all reviews are skewed in some direction or another and contain a bit of 'show biz' to boot! We become educated and savvy viewers by watching, a lot, and learning about the personalities' proclivities. As always, it's Caveat Emptor!

Beamon, you are referring to confirmation bias - we tend to be biased towards things that support or confirm our own view point. In purchases we are biased in favour of that which confirms the wisdom of our purchase. The more we spent the stronger the bias. Thats why testimonials from actual buyers are to be taken with a grain of salt - as you said in Latin caveat emptor.

The flip side is how does an a maker of razors, soaps etc get their product out in front of their intended market? Its tough notwithstanding all this internet and social media stuff, its crowded. I've seen Leisure Guy review stuff and he will explicitly state that the razor was sent to him for a trial period after which time he will return it and review it. Still doesn't pay for it and compensation is a few free shaves in exchange for his honest opinion. Athletes endorse shoes and they don't pay for them, golf clubs and on and on. James Harden was rebuked earlier this year for wearing Jordans on the street when his an Adidas athlete.

I think we're all better off with more information conveyed transparently and honestly. Its up to us to judge that.
\M/
Mark

TheCleanShaver, please understand that I am in no way doubting your integrity. What I am saying is a compensated review is invalid as a review. It has become so bad on Amazon that if I feel I want to review something I have purchased there, I start the review by letting folks know I paid the posted price and have no affiliation with the product except as a buyer.

By the way, I am truly impressed with everyone's point of view here. They are thoughtful and enlightening. Thank you.

The razor looks very cool....