Acquisition Disorder; A Cautionary Tale.

Discussion in 'Articles' started by stingraysrock, Aug 27, 2011.

  1. grump

    grump Well-Known Member

    Hanzo,

    This is very interesting and I will be looking into some of the things mentioned here. I have cut and pasted this to a sticky on my laptop. Thanks for posting.

    Phil
     
  2. hoglahoo

    hoglahoo Yesterday's News

    Everyone has issues, and that is completely normal

    My pile of shaving loot is not as tall as yours, but it's still a lot more than I actually need
     
  3. ChemErik

    ChemErik Mr. Personality

    I attempt to only buy things that will make me happier. My den:
    8 DE Razors
    1 SE Razor
    6 Brushes (3 Badger, 3 Boar)
    5 Shave Soaps (not counting my Frankensoap made with leftover bits)
    3 Shave Creams (w/ 1 more on the way)
    ~400 Blades
    8 Aftershaves
    2 Colognes

    I have plenty of variety and with a couple possible exceptions, each item has a unique aspect to it that brings me pleasure. My purchases have really slowed down this year, mostly because I don't foresee gaining more pleasure from having more stuff. I do have a few items I don't use as often, and I think I'll have to break some out soon and see how much I enjoy doing so. If I don't enjoy something I've neglected, I'll happily PIF it.
     
  4. ShaveAddict

    ShaveAddict Member

    I feel a bit the same way you do Jeff,
    i purchased in the past quite a lot of razors, maybe 20 or more, i don't remember, but sold them all along the road.
    Now i have an Edwin Jagger that i like and it's my main razor, i still have 2 other razors, but i plan to sell them.
    My problem is with shaving cream, i have about 25 creams, all good ones, and im quite scared that they will past the expiration date.
     
  5. Regan

    Regan Well-Known Member

    It isnt me gamgling. I have never set foot in a casino. But the guns I don't have an issue with it... as long as safe or what not. :)
     
  6. gregindallas

    gregindallas Rolls Razor Revivalist

    Have you thought about old 35mm cameras? They're fascinating.:biggrin:
    And gun and knife collecting without a theme is not healthy. Personally I collected all the US Army side arms from 1840 thru the end of WW2. As for knives, switchblades and lever locks mostly. I would, probably, be much happier as a curator at the Smithsonian, but since I never got that job, I created my own. ;)
    DSCN1141(1).jpg
     
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  7. ocharlas

    ocharlas Well-Known Member

    1) Head Shave
    2) Buddhism

    Happy to help!
     
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  8. Shaver X

    Shaver X Well-Known Member

    In a forum of interesting posts, that is one of the most interesting and insightful I have read in a long time.

    Acquisitions beyond what one needs can make sense if it is part of a collecting hobby. Often part of the challenge of a hobby is to acquire certain particular things, and not break the bank. Trying to find a given item, often somewhat rare, at a reasonable or bargain price is part of the fun, the thrill of the chase. That challenges the individual, resulting in research, analysis and reasoning - good mental exercises even if the desired object is not found right away. Of course, if the goal is simply to collect as many things as possible, and if a loss of control over the situation is involved, things become more complicated. How to avoid this? One way would be to set out a fixed set of things to be acquired. It could be a themed collection, such as gold plated safety razors or antique shaving mugs made by a certain manufacturer. It could also be a more unrelated collection of five or ten razors, soaps, brushes, etc. Define a space to house the collection and do not acquire more than can comfortably fit in that space.

    Although copious amounts of material things can be used to fill a void, they won't provide true contentment. A much smaller number of higher-quality things, however, can provide daily enjoyment. A great shave, for example, made that way because the razor is particularly nice, the finely scented soap was slick as a whistle, the brush was badger nirvana, the mug just the right size, and the blade is one that is just so darned good. As you so astutely observed, happiness can be found by learning to appreciate what one has. Even if one only has a single razor, brush, soap and a pack of blades, there is a lot to appreciate.

    Just my random musings and thoughts on your excellent post, for what they are worth. Thank you for one of the best posts ever. May you find peace and an endless number of wonderful shaves.
     
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  9. Jaymo

    Jaymo Active Member

    Jeff, as long as you're not running around with other women, doing drugs, drinking heavily, or hurting other people, I don't see a problem.
    I've collected knives since I was 8. Some, I buy some to use. Others I just buy for the collection.

    BTW, you don't have nearly enough guns.

    I've shot the Desert Eagle .50 AE. It was fun, but even back in 1996, the ammo was $1.00 a round.
    It's not a Southpaw friendly gun, either. The slide would lock back every round or two when I shot it left handed.
    You don't need a reason or justification to exercise your Constitutional rights. Have at it.
    I remember liking PBR, back when most people looked down their noses at it.
    I drink very rarely, these days. Lost interest in it when my first son was born in 1999.
     
  10. GDCarrington

    GDCarrington Burma Shave

    Maybe John Oates describes it best here...

     
  11. brit

    brit in a box

    i know this is an archive ,but .. i collect in a similar way,had a little cool stuff as a teenager ,but i had to sell everything over and over to survive, or pay rent or something..i moved out of the house at 16. cool cars i built i had to sell,nothing was sacred.i still collect things today,but not like i used to. have to get all the good ones etc., have the set ,used to be the way... i recently unloaded a bunch of shaving stuff to a friend as i only want my british gillettes,with some exceptional u.s. and canadian examples and historically important ones,ie fatboy etc.thankfully i won t buy 5 brit #16 aristocrats just to have them these days,20 years ago i would have. i understand RAD,SAD,BAD and all the other ads quite well and it doesn t fill the void. more thinning to do ..
     
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  12. PLANofMAN

    PLANofMAN Eccentric Razor Collector Staff Member

    Moderator Article Team
    Marriage is a great way to cut back on shave gear. Helps when scented stuff has to pass two nose tests instead of one. That really puts the kibosh to most things I liked. I don't impluse buy shave stuff anymore. I discuss things like maximum bid ranges now. Lol.

    She understands that I collect shave stuff, and if i spot a rare razor that I think I have a chance at, she's willing to let me bid to the moon, but I have to be able to explain why I think it's worth that much.

    When I get low on certain of her favorite scents, she is the one reminding me to order more, often as not.

    ...oh and i don't think stingray ever did get his AD under control entirely.
     
  13. Orville

    Orville Active Member

    If it bothers you this much perhaps some soul searching and research into why you need "shopping therapy" in the first place would be in order. There's nothing preventing you from trying a temporary ban on "collecting" things to see if it's possible. I know for me at least, when I'm trying to fill a God sized hole in my gut with man sized stuff there is usually something about me that needs attention. I would look at this as an opportunity to learn some more about yourself and perhaps improve your quality of life as well as that of those you love. It's not like they'll quit making stuff to collect just because you quit collecting, you can always go back if you find it necessary.

    I catch myself just wanting that little "present" waiting for me in the mail when I get home and have to ask myself why I need that gratification and how often I really need it. It's a balance for me and I don't always get it right. I have to constantly remind myself of the old saying, "everything in good measure". After all, "the unexamined life is not worth living....."
     
    Last edited: Nov 26, 2018
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  14. Primotenore

    Primotenore missed opera tunity

    Article Team
    That this thread has been revived after 7 years is "karma". I was going to start a thread, but posting on this one will serve the same purpose. I got an email from Maggards this morning, stating that a product, which I had put my name on the waiting list, was back in stock. I took one look at it and without hesitation deleted it. Not even the slightest urge overcame me.
    This, my friends, was an unusual feeling. :shocked003:

    Now, I have participated in the NB '17, NB '18 and made it for a while, but in the end...failed. :angry017: I know that I am not alone, because many of our "signatures" say as much. I am not going to post on, nor even commit to the eventual NB '19 thread. Not that I don't need "support", but this is, after all, a Forum filled with enablers, of which I have been guilty of on occasion...right @clint64 :innocent

    BTW, I have no plans on giving up my "enabling". :signs136:

    However, just as quitting any vice, and let's be honest with each other, acquisition disorder is a vice (No one NEEDS 25 razors, 20 brushes, 60 soaps, 70 AS) only the individual themself knows when the time to quit is upon them. I still love every aspect of our hobby and I have no intention of a mass sell-off. I just have the feeling that the time is now.

    One day at a time...:eatdrink013:
     
  15. brit

    brit in a box

    awesome.. my first step was to have a definite goal of which razors and gear to keep, thats why i offloaded all my doubles/extras , post war techs, se and injectors.30 + razors went..10 soaps, some a/s , a dozen edts, and 3 brushes. no likes to see stuff collect dust..i am enjoying the stuff i kept. and enabled some others.. one day at a time..
     
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2018
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  16. brit

    brit in a box

    it doesnt bother me , its more like i should know better , and am taking steps to streamline myself a little and be more selective.., thank you..i also like that parcel in the mail ..
     
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2018
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  17. battle.munky

    battle.munky Has the menthol.munky on his back!

    lol, I got the Maggard's Veterans Day email and bought even more AS before I even noticed what I had done.

    I didn't even need any. I didn't even want any. I need to unsubscribe from 90% of the mailers reminding me I need to buy things I don't need to buy.
     
  18. Paul Turner

    Paul Turner outside the quote(s) now

    I can't go for that...no can do
     
    brit likes this.
  19. Paul Turner

    Paul Turner outside the quote(s) now

    Would you join me in NB20?
     
    brit likes this.
  20. Primotenore

    Primotenore missed opera tunity

    Article Team
    Nope. Sorry Paul, the NB's aren't for me anymore. That post you quoted is legit. I am going to be very cautious and judicious moving forward, but to commit to a No Buy... :rolleyes005:
     
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