Nobody is saying we've got to be fiends. We shave, how we choose to go about it and with what and our available options is all up to us.
I'm starting to feel this way, too. I think I've found my one brush in the HIS synthetic, my one razor in the SC101, and I'm homing in on a small number of different soaps and aftershaves.
Glad you're feeling better Martin. I think the majority of us get to the point where you are now. I have to a degree. There are a couple of older straight razors I'm still looking for, but not with any degree of urgency. Generally, what has taken the place of my AD's is helping others get started. When I get the chance, I talk to the younger chaps where I work and promote the idea of wet shaving, short/clean hair cuts, and professional appearance overall. (To each his own, but I'll never understand a man having longer hair than many women...) I've assembled two beginners kits complete with soap, bowl, brush, an assortment of blades, a Gillette super speed, and a small bottle of Thayers witch hazel. Both kits are out on loan now, and both recipients are progressing nicely. I admit that I find no small amount of satisfaction in the accomplishments of these young gentlemen. Perhaps mentoring would generate some excitement and satisfaction for you?
I'm getting to where you are, and I found your post encouraging. I, too, got caught up in trying to settle on a "rotation." But I don't have much luck with the vintage razors I've purchased, either DE or SE. I get a DFS with my Merkur HDC. I created a thread about this a month or two ago, and everyone told me pretty much what they've said to you: "To each his/her own." "Whatever works for you." I enjoy looking for birth-year razors (mainly as a way of compensating for the fact that I'll never own a birth-year Mustang), and there's a few display pieces I hope to acquire, but I've managed to subdue the craziness over the last month or two. Just today, while antiquing, I passed on a Wilkinson Seven-Day set in great condition ($135) and an antique barber's witch hazel bottle (I won't even tell you what they wanted for that). So, you're not alone. (But I'm still getting a Fat Boy for my birthday. )
It's the Uncanny Valley of shaving I suppose... I don't think I've reached that point, as I'm not yet repulsed by the collection, but have become more selective about AD. I do really enjoy my shaves now that I really look forward to the next - coming from me that's a real 180 - I used to hate it and lucky if I shaved once every 2 weeks, now I'm daily. I still have a bit of AD after starting, but I'm being way more picky about my acquisitions. Each one has a purpose. I only have 3 things I'd like (1972 Super Adjustable) and a str8 and strop. Nothing else really calls me - however I think I will try new "software" as supplies diminish. I'm sure the loss of AD has done wonders for your pocketbook. Happy days for that I suppose!
I see (hope?) myself in your shoes in another 3-4 months - but for me my 'level of wanting to try new things out' varies with the categories w/in shaving.... Razors I feel like I've tried as many DE razors (about 10) and as many SE razors (about 8) to know what I really want in terms of hardware. I got about 5 razors I know I will keep - the rest will be sold off. I feel I'm pretty much done with razors and ready to settle on the chosen few. Blades If all I had to shave with for the rest of time was GSB blades I think I'd be happy with that. There are some Russians I want to try as well before I settle down. I should be at a good place in a couple of months. Soaps A weak area of mine...I love trying out new soaps. I probably have about 20 different soaps on the shelf and 1/3 of them I haven't tried yet. I see this part of my shaving-experience to be the one that extends the longest. Brush I want to get a really nice badger or mixed badger-boar brush before I settle on that and my boar. Aftershave Another really tough one...I love trying out new scents - but I am learning more and more about what works for me and what I like. Cologne/EdT Love scents. I 'fear' that in 6 months from now I may hang out more on scent-related forums than shaving related ones.
I kinda started to feel like an outsider here, because I didn't crave the AD and so forth. It's nice to see that I'm certainly not alone and some even want to "get there" where I am now. I never thought of it that way. Now - all this doesn't mean I might never buy a new soap or brush ever again. There are a few soaps out there I've been wanting to try, but in time now. So when I've reduced the Den to the lucky keepers, I might try a new soap when one is used up, and the same with brushes. My Semogue is acting up, so it might get replaced by another boar. Again, in due time, I'm in no hurry.
Martin, I kinda feel like you do in the area of soaps.....my weakness. For example, I ordered a Portus Cale and it just does not work for me...didn't need it but wanted to try it. I reckon I'll try to trade. Hate to toss it but it will go unused. I have a half a dozen or soaps drawing dust...live and learn.
Here's a thought: I admit I gave in to AD. At the same time, there was a purpose to 90% of my acquisitions: the perfect shave. I have yet to find the combination of HW and SW that gives me BBS. I will continue to pursue that, but at a much slower pace.
For me because I'm new to wet shaving I wanna try different products. I wanna find about 5 soaps, 1 or 2 razors: one that it forgiving and one a bit more aggressive. I already make my own preshave oil and I have found a good ASB from l'oreal. I'm not a collector, nor does my income allow me to collect. But for now I have not found the ultimate kit =P When I find the stuff that works well for me I will slow down on buying new stuff and maybe try something new from time to time. I will come back to this thread or make my own when I get fed up =P but until then I have some stuff to try.
Perhaps it is the break from the forum that made the difference, even though you are back online again? Your AD might have ended on its own even without the stomach bug. There are many wetshavers on the forums now taking sabbaticals from new purchases.
Maybe you're right. I'm content with it. Actually thought about another Shavemac knot yesterday, as the one I have is soo good I'm thinking about another one to rotate, so they each get 48 hours between use. Then I'll get rid of the others I have. That's the thought at least. Not out of BAD per se, but more out of function.
I'm in the same boat. Hobbies seem to change like the wind for me. Whereas just a few months back I was busy scheming on how to get the next razor. Now I'm content to stick with my trusty Merkur HD and the Marseilles soaps that I've purchased from my recent Method Shaving experiment. I still prefer wetshaving 10 times over the electric razor I have. At the same time, I still use the electric when I'm in a hurry. I'll never regret picking up a Merkur 33c and a cheap Escali brush for my first REAL shave. Wetshaving has truly become an enjoyable part of my daily routine.
