[Forzato]

QUICK REVIEW:
Lynn Abrams World of Straight Razor Shaving DVD is an absolute must-have for almost any straight razor shaver. Comprehensive and full of information (albeit with some poor editing) - this DVD is highly recommended. Probably the best single source of straight razor info. It priced ($20 US) to make it a great value for all but the most knowledgeable.



A MORE IN DEPTH REVIEW:
Lynn Abrams is considered by many to be the current king of straight razors. He brings 30 years of experience with straight razors to the table. Among other things he is the founder of this forum. His DVD entitled 'Lynn Abrams World of Straight Razor Shaving' is one of the best sources of information available to the straight razor shaver. It covers just about every topic possible in regards to straight razor shaving. This is the modern day bible of straight razors - no other single source exists (to the author's knowledge) that provides as much valid information. Lynn covers most topics methodically and thoroughly. Over the course of more than three hours Lynn does a fine job in presenting the information and is obviously passionate about straight razor shaving. His passion is contagious... you'll want to shave after watching the video.

Only a few minor negatives to mention:
a) home-video like editing of the video production (e.g. "medical particles" and a few redundancies in the audio track)
b) the video should have a more in depth look into the nuances and pitfalls of honing (this might have helped viewers more with one of the most difficult parts of straight razor ownership)
c) the video needs more emphasis on the importance of using optical magnification (especially when learning)

After a decent razor and strop - this is the best money you can spend to improve your enjoyment of straight razor shaving, collecting, honing, stropping, restoring, e-bay buying, etc, etc, etc... After this video the next best purchase would be proper optical magnification.

Overall, without question, this is a great DVD for the straight razor shaver, and again highly recommended as it's priced to be a super value.



The reviewer welcomes any feedback.

[LX_Emergency]

I´m beginning to think I´m the only one that hasn´t seen this. But seems like a good review.

Although...it would be nice if you could also mention the GOOD points that stood out to you.

[jnich67]

I've said many times on this and other forums that Lynn's DVD is the best $ I’ve spent since picking up a straight. Lynn covers all basics one needs to understand in a coherent and thorough way without being overwhelming. I also like the fact that the DVD is broken into sections that you can view separately.

The production, while not super-slick, is fine for the purposes at hand.

Being able to see what you read about here makes all the difference. The World of Straight Razors is a must have.

Jordan

[Joe Chandler]

This post is not meant to be controversial, and I certainly don't want to start a fight (Lord knows we've had enough of those around here in the past), but I'm curious as to what, exactly, are your qualifications, Forzato?

You seem to be making lots of opinions on lots of different things. As of this question, the top four "reviews" are started by you, and you have 15 posts. Just curious about whether you've been a straight razor shaver for a long time, what you have to base your opinions and reviews on, and/or, whether you have anything to compare your opinions to, or whether you're just a person who feels like everyone should hear what you have to say. Seriously, this place is great for learning stuff, but a brand new guy is somewhat suspect when, after 15 posts, he begins disseminating opinion on all and sundry. Particularly in the case of this video, which appears to me to be the only one of its kind, I don't understand any criticism. It's the only one. What have you to compare it to? Perhaps you might make a superior video, out of your own extensive knowledge on the subject?

Your reviews seem a bit nitpicky and negative. You are quick to point out the negatives in a thing, while minimizing its positives. And, as Tony pointed out, it would be better if you had attempted to contact the vendor before pointing out a negative publicly. If you did so, you failed to mention it. I'll go further and say that this group is, as a whole, composed of gentlemen, and failure to give that person the opportunity to fix a problem before publicly lambasting them shows a distinct lack of class.

The fact that you take time to review products is admirable, even if your opinions seem a bit strong and underinformed to me. While I understand your reviews are your opinion only, if there was an obvious informed basis for that opinion they would be better, IMHO.

[Forzato]

Joe,

Thanks for all your feedback... I do relish your replies!

Indeed the reviews I provide are not sugar coated. I call 'em as I see 'em. If a company delivers a product that is sub-par I will post that the product they sent is just that... sub-par. If they send me an 'absolute must-have' ...well then I'll post that it's an absolute must-have. If you don't think the reviews are positive enough perhaps you've not read them thru.

Why should the truth be hidden? ...if a seller fixes the problem it will be posted. If they don't want negative reviews then they should not have allowed sub-par merchandise to make it to the hands of retail consumers.

If a close friend didn't give me the truth I'd be ticked off... why should I hide what has happened?

I look for the good and bad when reviewing a product. Obviously opinions are like a**holes ...everybody's got one! Most of my reviews will have both good and bad things to say. ( Buono, il brutto, il cattivo, Il )

I think you'll agree that just because I've only a few posts does not necessarily mean that the quality or accuracy of my review is suspect. Of course if any review seems inaccurate you are invited to post your opinion.

Most of all - the reason for my reviews here at SRP is that so few reviews exist!
I'm sure we'd all love to see some product reviews from you Joe.

Thanks again and keep it coming.

[jnich67]

Originally Posted by Forzato

Joe,

Thanks for all your feedback... I do relish your replies!

Indeed the reviews I provide are not sugar coated. I call 'em as I see 'em. If a company delivers a product that is sub-par I will post that the product they sent is just that... sub-par. If they send me an 'absolute must-have' ...well then I'll post that it's an absolute must-have. If you don't think the reviews are positive enough perhaps you've not read them thru.

Why should the truth be hidden? ...if a seller fixes the problem it will be posted. If they don't want negative reviews then they should not have allowed sub-par merchandise to make it to the hands of retail consumers.

If a close friend didn't give me the truth I'd be ticked off... why should I hide what has happened?

I look for the good and bad when reviewing a product. Obviously opinions are like a**holes ...everybody's got one! Most of my reviews will have both good and bad things to say. ( Buono, il brutto, il cattivo, Il )

I think you'll agree that just because I've only a few posts does not necessarily mean that the quality or accuracy of my review is suspect. Of course if any review seems inaccurate you are invited to post your opinion.

Most of all - the reason for my reviews here at SRP is that so few reviews exist!
I'm sure we'd all love to see some product reviews from you Joe.

Thanks again and keep it coming.

Actually, I don't know that most us would agree with that statement unless we'd "gathered" from your other postings that you had the experience to judge. No offense, and I'm not trying to dampen your enthusiasm, but when a new straight shaver puts forth really strong opinions, it raises flags. This is based on our experience here over the years. If you are experienced with a wide range of products, please share. Thanks

Jordan

[Bart]

Joe,

with all due respect, but I think your a bit to hard on Forzato.
I don't know the guy, I haven't seen Lynn's video, I don't have a long shaving experience, and I lost most of my post count in the recent forum crash. But I hope that still entitles me to an opinion.
You don't have to know how to build a car to have an opinion about the features you find important about it.

I didn't read Forzato's review as unfavorable to Lynn's video. "The modern day bible of straight razors (...) no other that provides as much valid information. (...) methodically and thoroughly. (...) a fine job in presenting the information (...). His passion is contagious.", that doesn't sound bad, in my ears.

For thoroughness (and maybe to keep a sense of objectivity), he included "Only a few minor negatives", which were mainly about the cosmetics of the video-production.

I have been in doubt if I should get Lynn's video or not. The review gives me an idea of what can be found on it and what has received a little less attention. Whether Forzato is a shaving expert or not, doesn't make that kind of information less valuable to me.

I also think that this is a public forum. I like to think that anyone is free to post an opinion, as long as we all stay polite and respectful. I don't see where Forzato crossed that line. I don't think he should have contacted Lynn first. If I order one, I will receive the same one as Forato reviewed. Also Lynn can easily respond to Forato's opinions by posting in this thread.

Just my opinion. I don't think Forzato has showed "a distinct lack of class".

By the way, Joe, I 've been tracking the forum threads on the fabulous razors you create. It's outstanding work. I hope I can one day afford one, and I surely hope you would be still willing to do business with me, even if we disagree on this one.

My respect,
Bart.

[Forzato]

Jordan,

Thanks for the reply.

It is intended that these reviews are primarily designed for the virginal-neophyte-newbie straight razor shaver.

When will we see the first product review from Jordan?

Again, keep it coming!

[Joe Chandler]

Bart, you're right this is a public forum, and anyone is free to post their opinion, assuming it stays respectful (and really, even if it doesn't). My comments were more questioning experience and style.

I have to disagree just a bit concerning your statement that a lack of experience doesn't make the information less valuable. For example, say a guy gets on here and claims he got a bad honing job from someone he paid money to, to assure a shave-ready straight. He complains, saying the person he paid to hone his razor did a poor job. That's as may be, but it could also be (and most often is, in my experience) the person is relatively new and has a)poor technique, b) poor stropping, and/or c) poor prep. Now, the fact he got a bad shave is not in dispute; the reasons for that poor shave are. I don't have a personal problem with Forzato. I don't know him. I was only asking that someone who posts reviews, and who "calls it like he sees it" has the experience to know what he's looking at. The point being that a more experienced person would better know what to look for, and what would be important for one to know to insure an optimum shaving experience. He may have all that experience and more...hell, he could be the senior product tester for Consumer Reports. I'm just not familiar with him, which is why I asked. It was not meant as a personal attack. And someone so new to the forum posting so many reviews so fast is just begging to be asked about his frame of reference. And, I suppose, I feel a little bit protective of those I've gotten to know on here over a period of time, most of whom I like very much.

As far as doing business in the future, you've certainly done nothing to prevent that. I'm definitely not angry or holding a grudge. You've done nothing wrong (and neither has Forzato for that matter...I just had a few questions is all) and I'd be more than happy to work with you to make your masterpiece (within my limited ability). People can disagree and still be friends. I didn't want this to be an attack piece, and I'm sorry if it came across that way...I was trying to learn more about someone who holds so many opinions concerning a hobby that means so much to me.

And Forzato...you probably won't see many reviews from me. I'm pretty certain what I have to say isn't that important. I just have fun with it.

[Forzato]

Originally Posted by Joe Chandler

And Forzato...you probably won't see many reviews from me. I'm pretty certain what I have to say isn't that important.

Joe,

I disagree - your perspective is important. With all your experience don't you think the newbies could be helped by your observations on a given product? We simply do not have enough product reviews here at SRP. Brushes, hones, razors, creams, strops, pastes... surely there is a product you could take a moment to help our brothers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of.

Thanks.

[Joe Chandler]

Originally Posted by Forzato

Joe,

I disagree - your perspective is important. With all your experience don't you think the newbies could be helped by your observations on a given product? We simply do not have enough product reviews here at SRP. Brushes, hones, razors, creams, strops, pastes... surely there is a product you could take a moment to help our brothers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of.

Thanks.

It's important to an extent, but so many things are subjective. I'll try and help anyone who asks when it comes to a technical question about razors, steel (or in that case, I'll probably refer them to Mike Blue ) or making and restoration. I probably won't, however, volunteer my opinion except in response to a post. I don't have a problem with reviews...lots of them. I like them. I was just curious about someone with so few posts, about whom so little is known, offering purportedly objective advice to newer guys. It's harder to unlearn bad information, or overcome bad habits. Not saying you're providing bad information, it's just helpful when someone new delineates their qualifications to offer good advice, rather than just bulling in and taking over. That, however, is opinion. I'm open to questions within the limits of my minimal "expertise", but for the most part, my responses about other things are "I liked it" or "I didn't like it".

[Forzato]

Joe,

Appreciate your taking the time to reply.

I realize the following will be tough to swallow for many...

Perhaps looking at the review for the quality, accuracy, and usefulness of the review itself is more important than the number of posts on a given website the author happens to have.

...just a thought.




Thanks again.

[JMS]

Originally Posted by Forzato

Joe,

Appreciate your taking the time to reply.

I realize the following will be tough to swallow for many...

Perhaps looking at the review for the quality, accuracy, and usefulness of the review itself is more important than the number of posts on a given website the author happens to have.

...just a thought.




Thanks again.

I would agree except you haven't really given us a chance to get to know you!
Let us get to know you and get to know us! Give us an opportunity to respect your opinion before you offer it to us in review form! I hope you understand what I am trying to say here as it is not my intention to be rude, just clear!

[kerryman71]

I think the post count is a big factor
in people's opinions here. People are
assuming you are a total newbie
because of your low post count. I myself
have only been shaving with a straight
for a couple of weeks now. For all anyone
knows you may have been shaving
with a straight for 20 years but just found
this site. Maybe you could let everyone
know your level of experience which may
give some creedence to your reviews. Either
way, I read what you have to say as I'm
trying to learn as much as possible about
straight shaving and the products associated
with it.

John

[kerryman71]

By the way, I recommend the DVD
to anyone getting into the world of
straight razor shaving. Money well
spent. Thanks Lynn.

John

[Forzato]

JMS,

Thanks for your thoughts.

When you reply:
"I would agree except you haven't really given us a chance to get to know you!"
...in response to...
"Perhaps looking at the review for the quality, accuracy, and usefulness of the review itself is more important than the number of posts on a given website the author happens to have."
...I think most (reasonable) readers would interpret your words to mean that clearly you do not agree. And that's OK in my book. Keep it coming!

Obviously having few posts does not, by default, mean that the person hasn't been reading the SRP threads all along (perhaps even since the very inception of SRP). I'm sure you're aware of this, and I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.

I suspect that you will also agree that the review section of SRP is sorely lacking in reviews. Only twenty five (25) total reviews (as of this writing) on a forum that's been around 850 days. And while yes, 7 of those 25 reviews were written by one person - the newbies are very thirsty for information. I am simply trying to give back to a community (SRP) that has help me a great deal (even in silence). If you read them carefully you'll see that the reviews all point out bad and good attributes to each product reviewed. If you feel that you've been methodical, systematic and thorough in your own personal investigation of a product and had a different experience - please post it.

Again, I'd suggest what's important is the review. I hear discussion about the author but little relevant info on the real matter: how to enjoy straight razors and how does the review help this cause. That's the reason for the reviews: to help the newbies learn how to enjoy straight razors. As you know, sadly the current state of the union with regards to straight razors is that so few people enjoy our wonderful hobby that it can be difficult for a rank novice-neophyte-newbie to get through the learning curve of straight razor ownership. I'd like us to lose less straight razor shavers to ignorance. (I'd guess that as a group we must hemorrhage newbies for this very reason - pun intended)

In light of the above, and in lieu of better reviews (which wouldn't be difficult for our seasoned members) I will humbly submit to you that the reviews I've authored are better than none.

Thanks again for the feedback.

[JMS]

Originally Posted by Forzato

JMS,

Thanks for your thoughts.

When you reply:
"I would agree except you haven't really given us a chance to get to know you!"
...in response to...
"Perhaps looking at the review for the quality, accuracy, and usefulness of the review itself is more important than the number of posts on a given website the author happens to have."
...I think most (reasonable) readers would interpret your words to mean that clearly you do not agree. And that's OK in my book. Keep it coming!

Obviously having few posts does not, by default, mean that the person hasn't been reading the SRP threads all along (perhaps even since the very inception of SRP). I'm sure you're aware of this, and I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.

I'd suspect you'll also agree that the review section of SRP is sorely lacking in reviews. 25 total posts (as of this writing) on a forum that's been around 850 days. And while yes, 7 of those 25 review were written by one person - the newbies are thirsty for information. I am simply trying to give back to a community (SRP) that has help me a great deal (even in silence). If you read them carefully you'll see that the reviews in question all point out bad and good attributes to each product reviewed. If you've been methodical, systematic and thorough in your own personal investigation of a product and had a different experience - please post it.

Again, I'd suggest what's important is the review. I hear discussion about the author but little relevant info on the real matter: how to enjoy straight razors and does the review help this cause. That's the reason for the reviews: to help the newbies learn how to enjoy straight razors. As you know, sadly the current state of the union with regards to straight razors is that so few people enjoy our wonderful hobby that it can be difficult for a rank novice-neophyte-newbie to get through the learning curve of straight razor ownership. I'd like us to lose less straight razor shavers to ignorance.

In light of the above, and in lieu of better reviews (which wouldn't be difficult for our seasoned members) I will state that it is my belief that the reviews I've authored are better than none.

Thanks again for the feedback.

I accept and tend to believe reviews from someone I know and trust, or someone with a track record before I would accept that same review from someone I didn't know or trust or who didn't have a track record whether they have 10 or 10,000 posts!
I was hoping I didn't have to be so blunt but you seem to be doing your level best to avoid seeing what is being said!

Mark Avery

[Forzato]

John (kerryman71),

Thanks... appreciate your input.

Your second post on this thread at 2:35pm is (I'd suggest) an excellent and proper response (be it for or against) in the review forum... you recommend the product (or say the opposite as the case may be), say it's money well spent (or not), and you even say who would benefit from the product (or not). Again excellent response... but please next time try to be more specific: what did you disagree with the reviewer on, what did the reviewer fail to mention, what was your favorite part of the DVD? ...get the idea? (I'm sure you do my brother)

Jordan (jnich67) does a fine job as well closer to the top of the thread.

My post count, toe count, pen!s count, or whatever really ought not to cause one to dismiss a review. Yes I do see your point... if I had 3,200 posts you'd tend to believe me more. I do get what you're saying. I'll admit that I might do the same thing.

What I am trying to point out is this: let's assume the author was relatively new to the world of straight razors... after reading the review does it seem like the reviewer was reasonably thorough, careful, methodical and complete given the limitations of a private individual (i.e. no corporate $)?... Is the review objective, accurate, concise? Does the product reviewed seem to be fairly represented? Are both good and bad points made about the product? Is the review appropriate for the intended audience (the newbie)? Does the review help the potential audience make a decision? I'm sure you'd agree these are better questions than the number next to the author's name on the top of the screen.

Thanks again fellas.

[tetontent]

As a newbie to the forum, (I joined last october) I have a couple of unbiased comments on Lynns DVD and to another newbie.

One..........Great information resource (as it was meant to be)

Before you get a razor or ...
If you are even thinking of getting into straight razor shaving... get this DVD.
worth the 20$.
Reading this forum is another given.
Lynn has set the standard for this lost art and the dvd covers most of what you are in store for to keep this tradition alive.


two.....
I liked to see his (RAD Disorder too) huge collection.

Would like to see another dvd come out dealing with taking a new bought razor like from Dovo, and a quality used razor like from ebay etc and seeing them sharpened, and restored in real time. like tightining up the scales etc.
Robert