An epiphany of sorts. Time to let it go?

[GentsInstinct]

I was sitting, looking at my collection earlier tonight. Just looking, admiring, yet at the same time I had this weird feeling come over me. Hard to describe it but if I had to put into one word, it would be "ridiculous".

I got into wet shaving for 2 reasons: a superior shave and costs. Close to a year later, I'm getting 1 out of those 2 things, that being a superior shave. Going from shaving to shaving and collecting has not minimized my costs but in fact has, guessing, increased my costs probably 4 times over if not more (if it's true a man spends average $450 a year on his Fusion shaving).

Sure, my mint 1934 Aristocrat is beautiful. So is the mint Tuckaway and Chippendale I just bought. The mint Wilkinson Sword 7-day Set too! But did I really need to spend the money, especially that kind of money, on something that is meant to be looked at and not used? And who is going to look at it? Dignitaries, TV shows, Donald Trump? No. The only people that really ever see my beautiful razors are.. well, me. Why collect and display.. to myself?

And so I'm now debating in my mind, and my heart, whether or not to sell off the whole collection save for my must have razors that I enjoy shaving with.

Have you gone through this? Did you follow through with your change of heart on this hobby/investment?

 

[Mark1966]

Go on, sell, just PM me and I'll take it all off your hands for only a small fee

But if that ain't going to happen....

I've had the same thoughts. I'm paying MORE for:

• the enjoyment of the shave experience for the first time in my life;
• the opportunity to try a range of different razors (all mine will be used except one NOS for my son's 18th) thus keeping the experience fresh and interesting;
• the chance of being part of protecting and preserving a part of history and some truly beautiful pieces of manufacturing;
• being part of a wider shaving/collecting community that share my passion.

So I consider it a good deal. A chore has become a joy and in the process I contribute to the greater good and interact with some fine gentlemen.

Of course, YMMV!

 

[johnmrson]

I think that you need to decide if you are a collector or someone that's just happy to use a nice vintage razor or two to get a good shave. Once you decide that, you have your answer. Obviously you got a hint of the collecting bug otherwise you wouldn't have bought what you already have.
I haven't had a moments doubt about becoming a collector. I love it.

 

[djh]

I think that you need to decide if you are a collector or someone that's just happy to use a nice vintage razor or two to get a good shave. Once you decide that, you have your answer. Obviously you got a hint of the collecting bug otherwise you wouldn't have bought what you already have.
I haven't had a moments doubt about becoming a collector. I love it.

Good advice here. I have the collecting bug (but luckily not too much for shaving gear) and I can manage to keep my shaving collection at a comfortable level. Please don't ask me about watches, pocketknives or writing instruments

 

[Darjeeling Express]

Eli, I sympathize and identify with your experience. Aside from the great shave, these razors are beautiful objects. As Mark1966 notes, these razors are "truly beautiful pieces of manufacturing." There is a part of human nature, indeed an aspect which makes us human, which involves the appreciation of beauty and art. (I do think there may be aspects of this in the animal kingdom on a more fundamental level - the Peacock's plumage arrayed to attract; the alluring orchid to attract the butterfly ....). This is why we decorate our walls, why we drew on cave walls, why we learned to apply colorful glazes to our scuttles. Something beyond the continuation of the species. Which leads me to this profound question, "Do I need to have E types in every single color Schick manufactured?" Do I need to have two of each? How about a single New Standard, one in gold and silver, one in gold and silver and all of its fancy boxed incarnations? Or the mid 40's/early 50's American Aristocrat/Diplomats. Virtually the same razor, with subtle variations, notched/unnotched/knurled/smooth. As I've tried to describe above, we see where it begins. I think you ask, where does it end? I for one have "let go" many of the duplicates of my less favorite razors. One finds one's own level. Hopefully the level is manageable. (Or not, no judgements here!) When it stops being meaningful (fun?), maybe its time to say, "enough". If they no longer give you joy. Let them go. If they continue to, hold on to them and appreciate them for all that they are.

 

[Cmaster03]

Eli, I sympathize and identify with your experience. Aside from the great shave, these razors are beautiful objects. As Mark1966 notes, these razors are "truly beautiful pieces of manufacturing." There is a part of human nature, indeed an aspect which makes us human, which involves the appreciation of beauty and art. (I do think there may be aspects of this in the animal kingdom on a more fundamental level - the Peacock's plumage arrayed to attract; the alluring orchid to attract the butterfly ....). This is why we decorate our walls, why we drew on cave walls, why we learned to apply colorful glazes to our scuttles. Something beyond the continuation of the species. Which leads me to this profound question, "Do I need to have E types in every single color Schick manufactured?" Do I need to have two of each? How about a single New Standard, one in gold and silver, one in gold and silver and all of its fancy boxed incarnations? Or the mid 40's/early 50's American Aristocrat/Diplomats. Virtually the same razor, with subtle variations, notched/unnotched/knurled/smooth. As I've tried to describe above, we see where it begins. I think you ask, where does it end? I for one have "let go" many of the duplicates of my less favorite razors. One finds one's own level. Hopefully the level is manageable. (Or not, no judgements here!) When it stops being meaningful (fun?), maybe its time to say, "enough". If they no longer give you joy. Let them go. If they continue to, hold on to them and appreciate them for all that they are.

Well said, sir. I came to a point where I had about six or seven 46-50 Aristocrats and a nice Diplomat, and said, "Is this getting a bit out of hand?"

So I sold off or gifted all but one good Aristocrat to shave with. (Not even a spare- talk about living on the edge!)

I'm still a sucker for a pretty vintage razor that shaves well, and the New Deluxe model has become my absolute favorite. But I am trying to just buy razors I will actually shave with. For that matter, the New Deluxe Big Boy I just got is really too nice for my purposes. It really belongs with a collector. Still mulling that one over.

I'm not a collector- at least not with razors- I don't have a display case or anything. But I do acquire nice vintage razors to shave with. Subtle distinction, but it works for me, crazy or not.

But I did have to curb my RAD and make it a little more rational. Nearly everyone around here asks these questions at some point, I think.

On some level I'd love to "simplify" my shaving life and just use one favored razor again, but having experienced the wonderful variety in vintage razors, (and brushes and soaps, creams, etc.) I'll doubt that will ever happen again.

Hey, at least I moved on from straights after having a nice fling with them. Just too labor intensive with the stropping and honing and all. Good for some guys' zen, not for mine.

Like Joe said, it's all about keeping it fun and saying "to thine own self be true" for me.

 

[jansob]

I collect only those things that I really enjoy looking at AND using. My feeling is that razors were meant to be used, and sitting on a shelf somewhere they are wasted. Were I in your shoes, I would sell those that I never use, and spend the money on primo examples of those I do use.

 

[majikmaus]

I only dabble in collecting. I get a few pieces until the bug passes, then hang on to what I have to remind me of my silliness (yet continue to admire the vintage design of things). thus I still have my Brownie cameras, padlocks, toys, shaving gear, switchblades, etc. Were I to sell, I wouldn't get half of what I paid anyway, so I'll just keep liking the stuff *shrug*(and yet, I just bought yet another SE razor on the Bay! I must be sick!)

 

[Grumpy Old Git]

Another thing to bear in mind is that when Mr Fusion, at year end, has shelled out $450 of his hard-earned he has nothing to show for it (unless his OCD insists on keeping all the dead carts...)

In contrast, each item you hold still has intrinsic value. If/when you come to liquidate, you will get money back (sometimes more, sometimes less).

If you are not a collector, then maybe another approach is to slowly thin the herd down until you have a core of razors you enjoy using. Take your time deciding the keepers and slowly offload the rest. You'll then have a pot of cash to feed your habit.

If you see a new razor that catches your fancy, then buy it (from the pot of cash), use it for a month and decide "Do I like this one more than any other in the stable?"

If no, then clean it and sell it on. The fact that you can vouch to it being a good shave will only add to the value.

If yes, it is better than one of your current razors, then that current razor is ready to go to a new home here in B&B for a donation to the "GentsInstinct Razor Appreciation Fund" and you keep the new one.

 

[newboy]

All my GEMS/Ever-readys were under $10, so I keep them as more hassle to sell than what they are worth. 1912 variants, 1914, 1924, MM clog pruf, MM OC.
As far as gillettes, I only keep one of an OLD, NEW, 1940s aristocrat, red tip, slim adj, Tech , TV SS and british HD rocket for use.
With them all, that's plenty of variety, and if I only wanted great tools to shave with, that's enough for me for vintage stuff, there's always a merkur, feather razor or schick SE to add if I want. The shave quality of all the different DEs isn't that great to justify a collection more than 20. I have no idea why people want to start their own private museum on razors after they get into wet shaving. Collecting pristine examples and multiples of each of them? If you just want to look at them go to mr-razor.com

I even gave my brother a SS, fat boy and tech. God knows what happened to them, all I know is that he stopped using them.

 

[michiganlover]

I know what the original poster means, I joined here looking for the most economical, best shave possible. I can get great quality shaves from a Schick Injector, Gem, or DE razor. I have spent way more than I ever should have, but it's been a fun ride.

The last 3-4 months though I have dabbled in straights. While my technique has improved, I still get a pretty lousy shave compared to my safety razors, and usually suffer with lots of irritation (especially on the neck).

Every time I cut myself with a straight, I am left to wonder if the adventure is worth it, and what is to actually be gained. I am giving serious thought today to selling off all of my straights.

 

[Stubblefield]

Have you gone through this? Did you follow through with your change of heart on this hobby/investment?

Yes. after accumulating a nice set of vintage Gillettes and a huge stash of NOS blades, I sold them all off. I'm down to one razor and one blade and quite frankly, I get better shaves now.

Sometimes it's best to pare the variables down to the essentials.

 

[amishmotorboat]

I've had similar thoughts, but consider this.
You're only paying more temporarily. Those razors will still be worth something when you stop using them, even the old blade wrappers, if yours have them.

 

[fleshdunce]

If you want to sell them off I'd say go for it. Upon getting into wet shaving last year I kind of went nuts and wanted everything under the sun, but now I've settled into a nice routine and I am definitely saving money. Didn't think I'd get past the AD's but right now I have 3-4 razors which were all $15 or less, some Tabac soap, CO Bigelowe, and 2-3 AS that work well for me. Also bought a 100 pack of blades that work well for me ($13 bucks for 100, .13 cents a blade). Also paid about 35 for my first and only brush.

So with all of that I'd put the high estimate of my costs at around $110 bucks for the year. Considering what I'd use for a cartridge razor I am already saving money and will continue to do so into the next year. 100 blades will last a long time as will the Tabac and my AS...I forsee the next year as being a cheap one and that definitely makes the whole thing even better to me.

 

[auk1124]

Every time I cut myself with a straight, I am left to wonder if the adventure is worth it, and what is to actually be gained. I am giving serious thought today to selling off all of my straights.

I'm in the same boat. I've been dabbling in straights this year and getting rough shaves, but have entered a very busy stretch at work where I'm not really needing a raw face. For the past several months I've pared it down to a couple of mild DE razors, a couple of mild blades, and a handful of shaving creams. Perfectly satisfied with my shaves at the moment.


I have a box full of straights, SE's, soaps, and blades that could disappear tomorrow and I wouldn't miss them.

 

[Peto]

I won't quote all people in this thread but I have big sympathies with Eli. I'm in the same, or very similar point to his. I'm on B&B something little over a year, have tried most of Gillette safety razors, got my hand on straight shaving and accumulated few of them. Now, don't laugh. I tried Gillette Fusion almost two weeks ago and I've found it gives me smooth, irritationless shave - the one I dreamt about. Now, I know I won't use most of my shaving accessories anymore and I just don't want to have it withou any use. I will have very hard time to part with it but it's OK.

I've tried my Le Grelot after a long time, honed it and had a very luxurious shave but the result was similar to Michiganlovers. Bad shave, irritation...

It's the same also with brushes. I've tried several of them but setled on one. I really like my New Forest 2201 and I'm completely satisfied with it. It seems I've found a combo working for me and I'm happy .

 

[GentsInstinct]

Thanks all for your very valuable insight and advice. I really do appreciate it.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

Now, don't laugh. I tried Gillette Fusion almost two weeks ago and I've found it gives me smooth, irritationless shave - the one I dreamt about.

This reminds me of a story my wife often repeats. When our children were very small (T.G. - this story is from about 20 years ago!) we went to a birthday party for our close friends' child. The birthday cake came out and as we were eating it I said to my wife, "This is the best cake I've ever eaten. Its the cake I've been dreaming of (I like to cook and bake myself), we have to get the recipe." So we asked our friends for the recipe. You see this coming right? Duncan Hines mix. This is the nice thing about B&B, everything goes so long as its friendly, polite and tolerant. Bring on the canned goo!!

 

[Loric]

Now, don't laugh. I tried Gillette Fusion almost two weeks ago and I've found it gives me smooth, irritationless shave - the one I dreamt about.

I have the same results with the Fusion too, but I dont enjoy it as much as my DE/SE shaves. The technique and concentration required for a good shave with an old timey tool is half the fun for me. Granted I still like a soft brush massage and playing in soap more than the razor, but with the Fusion it just lost the magic. My injector is about the same, great shave, but it is to easy.

 

[Slivovitz]

My own razor acquisition has slowed down to the point where I quite literally want "just one more", to complete a specific series. After that . . .

Well, I have no intention of getting rid of anything that I only have one of, except maybe my Weishi. The practice of buying razors in lots has left me with quite a few duplicates, though. I've got three 1948-50 Super Speeds, one of which only cost me $5. Two of them can go. I like my variety of Gem 1912s, but there are a couple of duplicates there, as well. There are other examples.

So I've been thinking of selling some of the surplus, most likely on B/S/T but possibly a couple on eBay, and as I always tell myself, not before the end of this year. Problem is, I genuinely dislike selling as an activity. It's hard to say why, I just do. Most of this stuff I'd be selling just to break even, or perhaps at a loss, but that's not the reason. I doubt if I have anything that is worth even $50, although on eBay, if two bidders get competitive, who knows?

I might PIF a couple of things also, but again not before the end of the year. One razor, for example, was PiFed to me, and it wouldn't feel right to charge somebody else. A couple of other items I consider shave grade, but others might find enough faults that I'd rather not have price become an issue.

On the whole, though, I'm glad I have this collection of ingenious beard-scraping devices, and they won't get split up until my estate sale.

And I don't claim to have sworn off adding to it. I'm no longer in an active acquisition phase, but if there's a two dollar Double Ring at a garage sale, it's leaving with me.