Folks, I have made a commitment to myself and my wife to not acquire any new shave gear (brushes, razors, blades, soaps, etc) for the next six months. Seriously, I went a little (actually more than a little) overboard this year and I want to discipline myself to use what I have. I have a very nice selection of wonderful soaps, great top-of-the-line Semogue brushes (badger and boar), a good collection of vintage Gillette razors, a good collection of pottery (mugs/scuttles/bowls), and nice after shave lotions. There is simply no reason to acquire more gear. I may do some trades or PIFs but no purchases. This is a personal thing.....something I gotta do. We'll see how it goes.
I've chosen to do the same thing. I don't have nearly as much as some of you, but more than I'll need in a long time. I may buy some razors or blades to try here and there, but otherwise I'm set on software.
I'm agreement and in the same situation as you. Ten razors, 5 brushes, enough soaps/creams and aftershaves to last until the year 2525 gives me more than enough combinations and selection on a never ending basis. Remember our fathers and grandfathers typically had 1-razor, brush, soap and mug. Razor blades is all that will be allowed. A little self discipline is now required by all of us! I'm with you brother!
I'm hoping to do the same. I'm set from a razor perspective. I have enough blades and soap to last me over a year (probably 3 years for blades). There is this darn brush I'd like to get ... Hmmm maybe the 6 month sabbatical will start after that
I think I'm in the same boat, at least when it comes to "commercial" stuff. I've gotten a bit more serious with homemade stuff so I need ingredients, but apart from that, I doubt I'll be getting more shaving related stuff for a long time. Truth be told, I'm more than happy and content with what I have. Less is more.
Yeah, I went overboard a few years ago and have stopped buying for storage. I did just buy a refill for my Tabac soap but that is the first purchase I've made in a year. You can do it.
You can do it. It just takes a little stubbornness. For the most part I am in the same boat. Like many others, I went overboard a few years ago and have just been working through my stock. I used a puck of soap from start to finish and it quickly killed my need to purchase any soap after seeing how long it lasted. I did pick up a razor (used Weber PH) last year and grabbed some of the $5/100 Rapira Swede blades as I only have a few packs left.
I'm on a buying freeze as well. I have too much stuff and need to use it, sell it, maybe trade it. I'm certainly not going to use the "c" word, but some of this stuff has got to go.
I wish you all well on the 6-month trial. For many here, going 30 days with no new stuff is a challenge! Every time we visit this forum, we experience something akin to the 'kid in a candy store' with all the delightful and appealing goodies on display. Guys are gushing over the newest soap, brush, razor (modern or vintage), aftershave, blades, etc…It is tough to ignore the Siren's call. Scroll though pages of the SOTD threads and suddenly the urge to splurge begins to take hold. Me? I've promised to curb my spending and so far I've done pretty well so far this year. One soap and one brush stand coming. That's it….for now.
I went through items that I have but haven't used and there's quite a bit. It will easily last 6-months for me without buying anything new.
Kevin, Good words. We (I) have to be satisfied with what we have. I honestly believe if we take a good look at our inventory, we have an ample inventory of good shaving products that will give us many, many years of great shaves. Your comparison to a "kid in a candy store" is good and accurate. When I look back at 2014, I am almost ashamed at the amount of stuff I acquired. I did PIF/sell off a number of items. I am genuinely and honestly committed to using what I have. I recently PIF'd two brushes and have some soaps to dispose of.
