I've been really needing a hobby for a long long while, it's the one thing I don't have. I wet shave of course, and recently started the tradionalist technique..just wanted to hear if you guys would consider it to actually be a hobby? On the same caliber as say... Archery, model airplane building etc.
I most certainly do! There are always new things to try! Like many other passive hobbies (stamp/coin collecting) you can always sell or trade your collection for new razors, soaps, etc. You can search for rare show pieces...there is just so much to do! That's why I consider it a hobby!
I never thought about the collecting aspect of it. Is there a cheaper way of going about such a hobby? I have an extremely limited budget. You guys seem to have dozens of razors all that would cost about £50-100 each? And tonnes of expensive brushes and soaps etc.
Plus shaving is something you can look at either as a chore or as a pleasure. As part of a hobby you can derive a lot of enjoyment from each shave. There are plenty of inexpensive options in razors, brushes and soaps that provide good results.
Yes. you will collect, research, create, debate and shop for hours on end. For most of us on the forum, it used to be a hobby, grew into an obsession, then dwindled down into a way of life. For others, it is a stepping stone towards other hobbies. There are members here who make pen and shave brush handles, others who make soaps, creams, and aftershaves, still others who make shaving scuttles and other pottery shaving goods, and my favorites- those few who develop the connections and the funding to open an internet shaving store.
Certainly, there are antique stores, thrift stores, flea market and yard sales. There is always asking and trading and PIF'ing going on. I've seen members who get $100+ razors for less than $5 at antique stores. I'll let you in on a secret. "You can get as good or better shaves from cheap stuff as expensive stuff." If I use my cobbled together free boar brush, with one of my $5.00 ebay razors and Figaro hungarian shave cream (I think it can be found for $3.85), I will get a better shave than if I use my Trumper's vintage silvertip brush with my (I PIF'ed it last night) $32.00 bowl of Trumper's Limes soap. There are many first class shaving products out there that you can get for under $5.00. I think a box of 100 Astra platinum blades will cost you a little over $10.00. A decent boar brush can be had for under $20.00. not a bad price for something, that with care, will last for 20+ years of use. If you let it be known that you want more shave stuff (soaps, creams, razors, brushes, blades) and you have a limited budget, people will contact you with free stuff, free for the price of shipping, and "cheap for what it originally cost" stuff.
Wet shaving itself a hobby? No. It's just removing stubble from the face, albeit a relaxing and enjoyable way to do it. Collecting all the paraphernalia that goes along with it, though... now THERE'S a hobby! And like any other hobby, it can be as costly or inexpensive as you want to make it. PLANofMAN nails it... Just for the sake of argument, yes, I will call Wet Shaving a hobby with the understanding we are not talking about the shave itself
It's definitely a hobby for me. It's something that I do pretty much everyday (even though I don't really need to and never used to) and I really enjoy it. I look forward to deciding which combination of razor and blade to use, which soap or cream to make a lather with, and which A/S to put on. You also can't forget the decision on how to arrange the shave gear for a picture to post in the "SOS" thread. My wife thinks I'm crazy, but I have a lot of fun with it.
It's interesting to directly address this issue. The hobby aspect of shaving does seem to get routinely bandied about. Perhaps your question could be even worthy of a proper survey. Personally I do think of shaving as a hobby of sorts, being quite keen on refining and promoting the art but less deeply immersed in the collecting aspect than others it seems. I'll continue to acquire so long as necessary in order to perfect the process but I'm not particularly interested in acquiring for it's own sake. I do though appreciate a good razor and brush and the collections of others...
Now there ya go! I like it - Shaving is the Art, Collecting is the Hobby. We use what we collect to refine the art.
For me, wet shaving is not a hobby but a necessity. No other method of shaving gives me a smooth, close shave without irritation or razor bumps. And no other method leaves my face actually feeling good! The other aspects are a hobby. A person can delve into the history of shaving and collect ads, paraphernalia, and the razors themselves. And collect soaps, aftershaves, blades, fragrances (another world of its own), as far as your wallet can take you. This is also a great deal of fun.
A hobby now without doubt, but when I started 30+ years ago it was a necessity, everything else hurt so bad I hated shaving, hated it.. I would shave once a week maybe twice.. After my first straight razor shave I was hooked, but until 6 years ago it was still just shaving, then I started working on razors and it changed from just shaving to a passion...
Its a hobby alright and as such can be pleasureable, its excellent you are mindful at the outset of what you want it to be as many of us just fall into it after looking for a cheap shave. Obsession, addiction and anxiety over the hobby can creep up on us . As a hobby is has gotten more expensive over the years , especially razors and brushes ,collecting vintage Gillettes has gotten prohibitively expensive as an example .There are ways I think you can do the hobby inexpensively and enjoyably though. I would say take your time with it and enjoy the gear you get. If its a hobby set a monthly budget for it from disposable income , this will insure careful thought about what you acquire. Don't be enabled. Some of us are blithe about the compulsive obsession the hobby can entail and you will find encouragement to be out of control because some us are, don't fall for that.
Yes a great hobby, with history, nostalgia, so many products to try. A hobby that makes shaving enjoyable and not a chore, a hobby that improves your grooming.
O, yeah! Definately a hobby! And addictive to boot! Before I'd started DE & SE wet shaving I hadn't had any fun shaving. It was a chore. In the weekends and on vacations I shaved as little as possible. Now I shave every day if I can. It had really become something I look forward to. As far as collecting goes: you can make it as cheap or as expensive as your wallet allows (or SWMBO for that matter )
I don't consider the actual shaving a hobby, but traditional methods have made it less of a chore. However, it does feed my other hobbies, like making soaps & other skin products, as well as collecting various categories of things (fountain pens, cartoon art & razors from years with some significance.)
Absolutely! Wet-shaving has been keeping me interested and engaged in the subject matter for quite a while, with all its interesting aspects, goodies to play and try and excellent discussion platforms to exchange insights, ideas and experiences. Definitely a hobby! And enjoyment.
