Iconoclastic?

[BobbyB]

I was there before your post.
Soap: Noble Otter is $18 at Central Market
Brushes: Are under $25/each
A/S: Costs less than $6 a bottle at Walmart.
Razor: My KCG was less than $25
Blades: I think I paid about $19 for 100 Bic Chrome platinum blades in 2022.

 

[ivan_101]

I strongly believe the following:
1. People should buy and use what makes them happy - things that bring them a little joy.

Or many things that bring them a little joy?
(Let's not forget we are on B&B after all)

 

[thombrogan]

You serious?

You don’t hear the disembodied voice of Abe Vigoda criticizing every stroke of your Micromatic when shaving? That must be so weird.

 

[ivan_101]

You don’t hear the disembodied voice of Abe Vigoda criticizing every stroke of your Micromatic when shaving? That must be so weird.

I don't own a Micromatic.
That said I have at least 200 used razors.

 

[profusion]

In the last year, I've shifted from being just a guy wanting a great low-cost shave to being a hobbyist.

What is that hobby? I'm a user-collector of vintage razors. I don't want to spend $$$$$ on mint Gillette sets that look straight off the factory floor. I spend $ or $$ on dead men's razors that have already lived a life longer than mine. I love patina. There's a history there, a story. Continuity that will hopefully carry on with my sons.

But there are many different hobbies under the umbrella of "wetshaving."

• Straight razor guys who love the maintenance aspect as much or more than the shaving itself. The sharpening stones. The esoteric knowledge.
• Collectors of rare vintage display pieces. It's like classic cars, but WAY more affordable.
• Budget guys beating the system by getting amazing shaves for next to nothing. This would be you, @Quaznoid . It used to be me, and still is a little. I get a stupid amount of joy from finding that rare razor for $15 or finding a cheap Chinese blade that's actually great.
• Lovers of craftsmanship who buy fancy products and artisanal razors costing more than my entire collection. This seems equivalent to lovers of fine Swiss watches. It's about the mechanism and the perfect build, not about knowing what time it is. When I first started wetshaving and researching here, this wasn't really a thing yet.

I think there's room for all of us.

 

[BigJ]

A recent post labeled me iconoclastic, i.e., a person who challenges widely held beliefs. I accept that label and I wear it proudly. I’ve always acted that way and I challenge entrenched thinking in all fields, not only wet shaving.

I see that penumbras of myth and tradition burden all human activities and beliefs, and these often replace or impair truth or reality. The sooner these are swept away, the better.

In wetshaving, the notions that more expensive is better, that elaborate rituals of preparation, hair removal and aftercare are necessary, or that esoteric products or tools are required get in the way of what is a very simple activity. Many of these beliefs have risen to the status of canon law, and too much of our discussion and advice promotes this evangel.

These are only my opinions, of course, and I’m certain others see it differently and will say so, and I welcome it.

I return to this subject (again!) because I want to save wetshaving from its enthusiasts. If we continue to pursue the next shiny thing, that ever more exclusive razor, soap, brush we will feed the upward current of expense and exclusivity, and force out the frugal, the modest and the neophyte.

I propose we pledge to spend no more than $25 on any one razor, brush, soap, aftershave, etc., which is very generous as to some products. Because we are in control. If we refuse to spend more, prices will come down. That formerly $50 razor will sell for $25 or it won’t sell at all, and retailers will find a way or they’ll go out of business. And we will all enjoy great shaves at lower prices and new shavers will join our ranks to share in the savings. It’s up to us. We can do this. And why not?

Good description of a good man!! I also prefer to ‘think’ for myself rather than following the crowd.

 

[MrSpeedy]

This is a big tent hobby. If you came to B&B looking for a cheaper shave, you can find it - vintage razor, blades in bulk, synthetic knot, and your choice of inexpensive soap. If you want to chase the "next shiny thing" you can do that too. I suspect most of us are somewhere in the middle, that is collect/have more than necessary of one type of shave gear. For me, it's soap. You only need one and I have...more than one. But I like the variety, I don't spend outrageous amounts on it, and I can afford it.

 

[Old Hippie]

A recent post labeled me iconoclastic, i.e., a person who challenges widely held beliefs. I accept that label and I wear it proudly.

As the author of that post, you're welcome.

Your views and the passion with which you propagate them make you one of my heroes around here. I'm comfortable "paying some tuition" to learn things, but I also know that not everything older, used or inexpensive is bad. Some is, but then some of the high-end stuff doesn't turn my crank either.

I'm picky, quirky and idiosyncratic and I like it that way.

O.H.

 

[NorthernSoul]

A recent post labeled me iconoclastic, i.e., a person who challenges widely held beliefs. I accept that label and I wear it proudly. I’ve always acted that way and I challenge entrenched thinking in all fields, not only wet shaving.

I see that penumbras of myth and tradition burden all human activities and beliefs, and these often replace or impair truth or reality. The sooner these are swept away, the better...

Searching for what is true, searching for a frugal way of life, these are things that many people can relate to. The problem with being an iconoclast is this sets you in opposition to others. If you relish destroying other people's established beliefs, it makes them less likely to listen to the good things you might have to say. Focus more on the positive, would be my advice.

 

[awk_m4]

Shaving is fun. I enjoy it and I like nice things. Knowing what I know, without the items in this photo,I would be depriving myself. The only thing I know for sure is that we get a one shot deal on this planet. Why settle?

 

[thombrogan]

The only thing I know for sure is that we get a one shot deal on this planet.

I dunno, man. I’ve been too blessed in this life to have earned a fraction of a percent of the joy I’ve received.

Maybe I was donating Yuma safety razors to orphanages in a past life?

 

[Jay21]

Interesting conversation. I’ll add that one of my most favorite razors is a $6 Baili TTO. However, the razor that shaves me the best is a $70 CNC stainless steel RazoRock. I don’t regret that purchase for a second and it was worth every penny to me.

 

[gpjoe]

In wetshaving, the notions that more expensive is better, that elaborate rituals of preparation, hair removal and aftercare are necessary, or that esoteric products or tools are required get in the way of what is a very simple activity. Many of these beliefs have risen to the status of canon law, and too much of our discussion and advice promotes this evangel.

I agree, which is why, after doing this for a while, my recommendations often state: don't overthink it, pick one and use it...be it razor, blade, soap, or brush.

I've found that after the learning curve most will get the job done, regardless of cost.

...and while being careful not to judge the budget of others, I am personally "guilty" of (what I consider to be) extravagant spending on shaving goods.

To me, that's where utility becomes hobby.

 

[Quaznoid]

Interesting conversation.

Seems that I am often misunderstood. Do what you want with your face, go BIG or keep it modest. But be aware of the impacts of your conduct on the shaving market, and the future of wet/shaving. Less expensive products and new converts help us all.

 

[mikhou]

My favorite razor is a Henson+ that I got at a discount. At this point, I use it 90% of the time. I did purchase a PAA Meta-4 that I need to post on BST. It's a great razor, but I’d rather spend my time with one razor that really works for me. If someone gave me a Wolfman or some other $$$ razor would I be excited? Of course! But working in pastoral ministry with 3 kids at home, it’s not worth spending my disposable income on a high end razor. The rest of my gear is pretty inexpensive or was free.

Soap- The only soap that I have right now that I have purchased is a frankensoap made from Arko, VDH, and Dove. The rest of my current soaps were a whole tub and various samples from PIFs from you fine gentlemen.

Blades- Either PIFs or LOI Titanium (great blade for the price)

Brush - I only have 2 - a cheapie off of Amazon and a Yaqi clearance synth that I got for $.99.

Aftershave - AV and Nivea.

So I get what @Quaznoid is saying and I also get that others who have the disposable income might spend their $$’s on nicer shaving gear.

 

[ewk]

My favorite razor is a Henson+ that I got at a discount. At this point, I use it 90% of the time. I did purchase a PAA Meta-4 that I need to post on BST. It's a great razor, but I’d rather spend my time with one razor that really works for me.

Just curious, aside from Wolfman, what razor(s), if any, intrigue you?

 

[sm29]

I believe that no one size fits all. We are no longer in the Gillette glory days where an investment in the dies allowed Gillette to produce millions of affordable (relatively low cost) razors. I don’t believe there is sufficient demand to make the too costs viable and that is why CNC razors have become the higher end standard.

I began my DE journey after an almost 40 year hiatus. It started back with a Merkur 34c. Even that popular razor is in excess of $25 And possibly double that today. I then went down a rabbit hole of vintage razors (old type, Goodwill 164, New LC, New SC, Prewar Tech, Postwar ndc Tech, A4 late wife’s birth quarter Red Tip, C1 birth year Tech, C4 birth quarter Flare Tip, E4 Fatboy, Early 60s Slim and Travel Tech, Janus Toggle for a few shaves, Timeless Titanium, Blackland Tradere, Blackland SS Blackbird, and Blackland Ti Blackbird) plus some assorted Gems.

This variety of razors was helpful in improving my technique. I now use the Titanium Blackbird almost every day that I’m home. The SS Blackbird is my out of town razor and the others have been passed along or receive limited use. It’s easy to say I should have started with the Ti Blackbird but had I started there, it might not have been my final razor. Some could say, I should have started and ended with the C1 Tech that was in like new condition and acquired for $10. That would have been a low cost and effective option.

I have used lots of soaps and settled on MdC. It isn’t cheap but is cost effective given its longevity.

I am partial to badger brushes and my Rudy Vey brushes are my favorites.

I am now retired and these extravagances do not affect my family’s financial security, therefore they are deserved.

I would rather pay a little more and support businesses that show integrity than save money and purchase from a company that steals another’s intellectual property.

@Quaznoid , @JCinPA , @musicman1951 and others make some good and debatable points, but for me there is no single right answer, only the answer that is right for me.

 

[mikhou]

Just curious, aside from Wolfman, what razor(s), if any, intrigue you?

Honestly I'm not even intrigued by Wolfman because they're out of reach for me. But there are three razors that I am intrigued by - the Karve Overlander, Karve Bison, and the Henson++. I hear great things about the 2 Karve razors, and I would like to try the ++ since I currently have a +. But I'm extremely conservative with money so it's hard for me to pull the trigger on a razor that I might like when I have the Henson+ now that I do like.

 

[Ankerwycke]

You might as well put all your bath soap scraps into an old yogurt pot and shave like Quaznoid, because he won’t give up until you do

You’re All Doomed

 

[AshleyC]

The $25 limitation on a razor is not burdensome if you are within driving distance of a few antique stores and malls or flea markets. But if you live someplace where a trip to Mount Pilot--the county seat!--with Thelma Lou is akin to going to the big city, there might not be much around.

In the last year, I've discovered a very nice Mongoose B-3 Artist Club SE razor, in box, which the dealer let me have for $8.

When you can find those for sale online, they are usually in the $150 range as they are no longer made.

I also obtained a very nice red tip Super Speed from that same vendor for $5.

A few weeks ago I discovered a slightly dirty 1971 Gillette Super Adjustable, in case, for $15.