Considering a purge. I'm talking nearly a complete clear out.

[AgBill]

Hey folks,
So I have been at this for over a year. I have tried probably 2 dozen different brushes (currently own 7), several nice razors (Pils, different iKons, British TTOs, Tradere), good soaps/creams, and sampler packs. However, I have found over the past couple of months that I tend to reach for the same combinations. I might change out the soap/cream, but as for razors and blades, I have two that I really like (both Tradere). As for the brushes, I certainly appreciate the intricacies of the different lofts, and knot shapes, but I seem to continually reach for my M&F CH3 and 2XL.

Now here is the kicker --- I still very much appreciate the different combinations. Loading up my President or Tech for kicks, or using a different brush just for the experience. However, these things just aren't getting the use that I think they should. Its like keeping a vintage toy in a box --- may be worth a lot, and pretty to look at, but dammit... toys are meant to be played with!

So I am considering damn near a complete den purge, save 2 razors, 2-3 brushes, and my top soaps (P160, prorasso [green and white], and Vitos)... thinking about going minimalist! I've done den clearings before so that I can try new gear, but this time it feels... different. I'm not bored with any of these things, but I enjoy the routine that I have established. Make sense?

I'm afraid of sellers remorse!

 

[Niles]

I'm a minimalist, so I understand your thoughts completely.

 

[mortisd28]

I think it's win/win. There's a lot of us that would look forward to buying your l'il used equipment, and if you do change your mind, you have money to buy other stuff. I've done the same, where I thought I would only use shave sticks, so I started stocking up on those and selling my creams and soaps. Then, I thought that soaps took too much effort to learn how to lather well, so I sold/traded those off for creams. Now I'm looking for more soaps to try, since I recently got some different brushes in mystery boxes. Now I'm looking to unload some floral scented soaps/creams/etc. because I just don't care for them. Who knows, I might change my mind on that next month. It's just really cool having a place like B&B where there are so many enablers for whatever might strike your fancy at any given moment.

 

[Tonka]

It will feel good to clear it out, but if your worried you could stage it- I.e. sell just half the least used stuff and see how you feel before letting the rest go?

 

[superbleu]

I know what you mean,
but there is always a little man sitting on my shoulder saying don't do it.

I'm afraid of sellers remorse!

 

[Face&Head]

Next thing we'll find you hanging around around loose women and drinking Bourbon instead of Vodka in the morning. Bill, all I'm saying is that it's a slippery slope...

 

[JaggerDragger]

Why not? If you have found what works then that is awesome enjoy the ride!

Pass on the gear and keep the savings...

 

[ZackP]

I've been thinking of doing the same...I just never use any of it except the soaps, etc. I only use like two razors.

 

[cernel_joson]

I'm pretty minimalist (3 razors, 2 brushes, 1 cream, 1 soap, 3 aftershaves) after culling my herd of some pretty great razors and brushes. Even now I think about selling off one or two more razors.

I only experienced seller's remorse once, and that's the razor I'm not going to part with now. I don't know what the market is like now, but you can probably make back some good money. I know I did.

 

[AgBill]

I think part of it is that my very good friend who got me into this, well he is definitely a collector --- dresser full of soaps, razors, blades. I don't know what "normal" is!!!

 

[cernel_joson]

I think the old Yankee saw on JR Liggett's soap wrappers applies:

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."

 

[tempeViking]

It makes sense to me. I tend to get on a kick and run with a combination for awhile, then change something up for awhile. I'm less frenetic than I used to be about changing brushes and soaps, and this makes for a nice comfortable shave in the mornings, particularly during the week. I do enjoy being able to consider my options when I have more time though...

 

[ZackP]

I need to decide if I want to get rid of my Slant...I know I want to sell my Lady Gillette...hmmmm

 

[njpaddy]

I know the feeling. It makes sense and I know firsthand seller's remorse when it comes to selling brushes. I've been down to 2 razors and 2 blades for a couple of years and I'm quite happy with that setup. It's the brushes, creams & soaps that I need to purge. I've been keeping a spreadsheet of use and find I'm only regularly using 4 of my 9 brushes, rarely any of my 3 creams (2 more were recently PIF'd) and only 7 of my 14 soaps. The brushes I should get rid of have been past favorites and I'm hesitant (and maybe a bit lazy) about listing them on BST. I've done partial purges of creams before, stuffing a medium priority box and selling it, but the creams and soaps I have left are old or half-used and aren't worth the postage to sell or PIF. Being a minimalist ain't easy.

 

[rider4life]

I would liken this to a relationship - if you're thinking of cutting ties chances are you've already got yourself 1/2 way there, the rest is just sentimental value and a fear of being alone. Just remember that if you do get lonely there's a lot more brushes in the stores and you'll be able to get back into your ADs if you really like. It's easier this way, just let go.

Cheers,

M.

PS. I've got all of one of everything and have not been bitten by the AD yet so I may not have the best PoV for this.

 

[BrookR1]

I think you should pack up the stuff you don't use and place them in a box out of sight and try going minimalist for a while (6 months?). If you have a change of heart, you can go back and reopen that box. If you don't, then you won't feel bad about selling those items.

 

[Mick]

I'm not bored with any of these things, but I enjoy the routine that I have established. Make sense?

Short answer....... NO...

You will be making a BIG mistake.

Now if you were going to grow a beard (a real one not well trimmed stubble).... Maybe....

 

[Omak]

I think you should pack up the stuff you don't use and place them in a box out of sight and try going minimalist for a while (6 months?). If you have a change of heart, you can go back and reopen that box. If you don't, then you won't feel bad about selling those items.

Out of sight could be a new acquaintance's house, I'd be glad to hold onto the stuff for you, safely.

 

[chuckman]

BrookR1 has a great idea......don't know what you have, but CAN you replace it if later you change your mind on a piece? I would guess the answer would be no.... Also, do you have any kids or grand kids who might someday benefit from some of your "goodies?"

 

[eelhc]

Do you have boys you can pass your stuff on to ?