Originally Posted by izlat
Oh,
I sure understand about Joe (and others like him), who has this as a hobby and passion, profession, make a living out of it, etc. I also understand about collecting - but this is a very different animal (passion) from use.
I am talking about the "regular Joes" - like me. I still enjoy shaving with a straight very much, but do not want to collect them. Shaving is now not a chore but a joy, or a way to unwind...
If I had a $1000 razor, I would use it, not keep it in its package. I am the same with fountain pens. I have *invested* $800 or so in a couple of *nice* ones, but I don't collect them - I use them daily. I guess I am a guy who enjoys using quality instruments / things - this gives me great pleasure. On the other hand, I seem to be fairly satisfied with a couple of quality items, and maybe don't need 20 razors and 20 pens and what not. I have noticed that when you find something you really like you want to use it, then get used to it, and you don't miss others which might be just as nice or expensive... (or, yes, nicer and even more expensive) This certainly goes for writing instruments for me - it remains to be seen how it holds up with the razors. I guess I better hope it's true with razors...
But the thing is - I do not know if I like Wade & Butcher meat choppers, haven't tried a Puma or a Dubl Duck, Henkels, Thiers Issard, Dovo, Filarmonica. I only have an obscure razor from Joe, a nice WKC, and a couple of practice blades...