I scored a win in the February newbie random drawing. You see, I was whittling down my soaps and had planned on using just creams as they work well for me. I used up the last of a few random soaps I had in my stash for a few years and have 4 new tubes of Proraso (all colors) that I was getting ready to dig into. Still have some RR Puros, Figaro and Proraso soaps left, but not much. Part of my surprise win were two, $10.00 gift certificates. One for the Shave Den store and the other for Ginger's garden. Perusing their stores, I ordered a tub of Ginger's "British Empire" tallow soap. Don't you know it came today! I mean, what's with the rapid service all of a sudden? Smells wonderful and the jar is pretty cool. It has a built in flip-top on the screw on lid. Clever. I kept thinking I could resist and work on using up some of the older ones left, but no....I'll be using it tomorrow. No will power at all. I am a weak, wretched person who doesn't deserve to win anything. In addition, I ordered two tubs of TSD lanolin soap (Bay Rum & Patchouli Rose). As these are made to order I won't see them for a while, but when I do........... My master plan is shattered. Part of the plan was to also use up several aftershaves that I had and settle on a few. That's probably out the window now as I'll need some splashes to pair with my new soaps. Oh, for the days of a can of Rise, a Trac II and a bottle of Old Spice. (just kidding!) Plus, sevenbark included an aluminum handle Gillette Tech razor, blade samples and a tube of T&H sandalwood cream. I hadn't really given much thought about acquiring vintage razors or high end creams......UNTIL NOW! Going to check out eBay now.
What a coincidence, I ended up getting all four tubes of Proraso myself to use as my mainstay creams but I still plan on using some artisan products. I've used aftershaves from Ginger's Garden and TSD, and they are both fantastic. Unfortunately I'm sensitive to a lot of fragrances but that only motivates me to keep looking for something that works. After all, I can always fall back on the creams. I would definitely recommend following through on your plan to pick up the matching aftershaves. Both Ginger's Garden and TSD have a healthy amount of aloe vera and witch hazel, so they are especially a treat for the skin. No use in trying to stick to your master plan - just give in and indulge.
Very few Minimalists. Some shavers only have by choice one soap, brush, razor, brand of blade, etc. Those that have limited themselves to a single or a few items may have already sampled enough to have found The One. I'm not there yet.
I hope you weren't kidding about the can of Rise . Although you're right if you meant the OLD Rise's.
i know what you mean .i wanted just a few for variety(you know the phrase) but guess what; rad ,sad,bad,all the adds seem to come into play when i start a new hobby.at least i am not alone,i am on this forum with many other chronic sufferers....
I know the feeling. You are doing so well, and then wham! There goes NB15. Forget about NB16 or NB17. Enjoy your new soaps.
Sounds like you are developing a serious condition... Stay away from pass arounds, they only make it worse!
I fell early to the various AD's. Razor was first, "Well, this VDH is okay, but damn that DE89BL is nice!" Followed by Creams, A/S, etc, etc. You get the picture. "Hi, my name is Jim, and I am a __AD sufferer." "Hi Jim"