Thread: I need some help with perspective

there are always straights on the bay I want, but only rarely ones i need. So i think im doing ok.

So long as you dont spend the food money, whats wrong with indulging in a couple of razors.

IME RAD starts out like a basking shark swimming with his mouth wide open and taking in anything in his path. Eventually getting filled up and regurgitating the contents of his stomach back into the sea. Then discrimination comes and the RAD sufferer becomes much more selective.

Some of us are collectors and what we go for may be dictated by the brand, size, design or a combination of all of those. What has happened with my RAD is that as I have accumulated representative pieces of various makers I have far fewer razors to target and condition becomes paramount as well.

You might say I've been to the big city and I've seen the elephant so it takes a lot more to get me hot and bothered when it comes to my ADs. I think that is a predictable evolution for most of those who are RAD afflicted.

I went through the same manic buying spree, but luckily found more razors locally in shops than on Ebay. I far prefer to see and touch them before I buy. The prices are usually less than in a bidding war on line.
It takes self control, but one day, if you are patient, you will walk into a flea market and find a mnt condition Dovo for $35.00 or a Henckels for $18.00.
Enjoy collecting slowly. Buy a sprop and some honing stones.

You can't be buying more blades when you are honing and restoring your collection.

Here is my personal recommendation. First, you do need to have a goal with what you want. a big collection, or a smaller collection of very nice and or collectible razors that you're going to shave with. Okay, mine is 7. that may change as my kids get older and I have more money.

then how to go about it. I have found an effective method, for me. I bought a whole bunch of razors when I first started last June. then i got in trouble for spending too much money. now I can only get more or get mine worked on if I sell some. It makes me more careful about what I pick and it also keeps me from getting in more trouble.

Red

Originally Posted by ndw76

My plan to control my RAD is I bought a vintage style hinge top box, once I build a rack, should hold 28 razors. I have 26 so far in various states of repair. Once I get to 28I will only allow myself another purchase if I can get rid of one of the 28.
Only time will tell if this will work.
If this fails I will have to hand over all responsibility to my wife.
"Sweety, can I buy this?"

Believe me, it's easier to build another rack!

Originally Posted by Big Red

Here is my personal recommendation. First, you do need to have a goal with what you want. a big collection, or a smaller collection of very nice and or collectible razors that you're going to shave with. Okay, mine is 7. that may change as my kids get older and I have more money.

then how to go about it. I have found an effective method, for me. I bought a whole bunch of razors when I first started last June. then i got in trouble for spending too much money. now I can only get more or get mine worked on if I sell some. It makes me more careful about what I pick and it also keeps me from getting in more trouble.

Red

This is great perspective. I currently have about $35 blades most without scales. Most of them are form ebay and are not what you buy just to hone and shave with. Many are so bad they will probably not be able to ever be used. Red's statement here is good. I do not buy ay blades or razors until I sell two. My biggest problem is having to buy a lot of 3 razors to get only one that I really want. Stupid, yes. But can not be helped. So decide your goals and then buy and sell till you get the collection you want. Besides most of these razors hold their value well it seems.

I think I am quite lucky that I can be quite measured when it comes to parting with my money. If I don't truely believe it's a good deal I won't buy it.

I'm also quite fortunate that I'm contrary enough not to be as attracted to the really popular brands, preferring the underdogs. The next type of razor I'm going to actively seek out and not just stumble upon is likely to be an American brand.

So far, I have two razors. I think 7 is a number I could be comfortable with as a rotation - and it is unlikely there will be any razors that cost the thick end of $100, probably more like $50.

These are all great replies and I do thank you. I had my third shave this morning and the styptic pencil got a serious workout - a little more that the first two. However, I did get a BBS (2/3 so far - but I am paying the price!).

From your posts and some others, I think I definitely need to focus on establishing a foundation technique for shaving, but also for stropping and lathering.

Then, in a few more months, I can search the bay for more. As Leighton said in a reply, "there will always be razors on the bay."

Thanks all again,

The Alpsman

Just to add to this - if you find your self looking at razors and wanting shave kit - there are PLENTY of cheap soaps and creams out there to satisfy your curiocity for a while.

I think I have three or four now, and they were only a pound or two each.

You're in early days (so am I really, 5 or 6 weeks) enjoy what you have.