I have far too many soaps, which may be because I never had a desire to collect a ton of brushes or razors. I really enjoy the uniqueness of each scent and performance, and they are all reasonably priced in the grand scheme of things. I'm currently using a RR Game Changer .86 razor and a Fine Stout synthetic or Semogue SOC boar. Gave my brother my Merkur 37c Slant when I convinced him wet shaving was the way to go, and in the past half a Merkur Futur.
For a while I've wanted to go high-end on a brush or razor. In my opinion, I'd rather spend the money up front and get something nice, as opposed to incrementally spending the money until you end up buying it down the road anyway. I'm not big on neon colors that seem to be the rage with brush handles these days, but occasionally see artisans put out some vintage handles I like. Call it being lazy, but not interested in being on a waiting list for months to acquire unless I'm convinced it's worth the wait. Still, the Fine Stout isnt a very pretty synthetic and not the most ergonomic handle. There must be a big gap between this brush and other synthetics or badger hair brushes out there, right?....right? My only other experience with a badger brush was from a 2008 B&B group buy, which tells me it's a Finest Badger Hair Brush. Certainly the badgers coming out now will also be much better. At least that's what I keep telling myself.
The RR Game Changer seems to be doing a good enough job for the price, considering it's 75% cheaper than the others I'm considering. I sometimes wonder if the jaw and jaw line would clean up easier with a more high-end razor that's more aggressive. An OC is probably what I'd like to use next. I spend so much time debating between the manufacturers I just don't pull the trigger, and then congratulate myself for saving $250, only to restart the cycle.
I guess my question for everyone is this: if I'm going to spend the dough on a high end brush (Brad Sears, M&F, Simpson, Paladin, etc.) or razor (Blackland, Timeless, Karve, Charcoal Goods, etc.), where do you think the money would be better spent?
For a while I've wanted to go high-end on a brush or razor. In my opinion, I'd rather spend the money up front and get something nice, as opposed to incrementally spending the money until you end up buying it down the road anyway. I'm not big on neon colors that seem to be the rage with brush handles these days, but occasionally see artisans put out some vintage handles I like. Call it being lazy, but not interested in being on a waiting list for months to acquire unless I'm convinced it's worth the wait. Still, the Fine Stout isnt a very pretty synthetic and not the most ergonomic handle. There must be a big gap between this brush and other synthetics or badger hair brushes out there, right?....right? My only other experience with a badger brush was from a 2008 B&B group buy, which tells me it's a Finest Badger Hair Brush. Certainly the badgers coming out now will also be much better. At least that's what I keep telling myself.
The RR Game Changer seems to be doing a good enough job for the price, considering it's 75% cheaper than the others I'm considering. I sometimes wonder if the jaw and jaw line would clean up easier with a more high-end razor that's more aggressive. An OC is probably what I'd like to use next. I spend so much time debating between the manufacturers I just don't pull the trigger, and then congratulate myself for saving $250, only to restart the cycle.
I guess my question for everyone is this: if I'm going to spend the dough on a high end brush (Brad Sears, M&F, Simpson, Paladin, etc.) or razor (Blackland, Timeless, Karve, Charcoal Goods, etc.), where do you think the money would be better spent?
