Thread: You guys got to help me....

First off I have a full beard. Yet, I'm addicted to some really nice straight razors, Dovo, Gold Dollar, Monkey Dollar,a d someAsian jjunk, but I don't shave with them. I enjoy honing them to "scary" sharpness, and enjoy redesigning the crappy Chinese razors. For me it is like therapy, but I think its getting out of control. I keep ordering more and more razors, my collection is already up to 8 with about a dozen more on order or coming from Chinese vendors. Also, besides a full array of whetstones, I keep adding to the pile whenever something new comes out. I just purchased a slew of new stones as well as new strops and diamond and CBN slurries. I also have a digital microscope to view and inspect edges and make measurements and calculations. Do you think I have an obsession?... or should I just enjoy my hobby? Actually, I think I know the answer, but I thought I get some reinforcement from the forum where similar minded devotees hang out.

I'm a retired Ph.D with lots of time on my hands (although I do quite a bit of consulting) and find the science of honing is quite interesting, especially if one gets into the geometry of what constitutes a really "scary" sharp edge. Some of my recent findings are applicable to knife edges, which is making my wife at least tolerating my honing interest.

Originally Posted by DoctorSaul

First off I have a full beard. Yet, I'm addicted to some really nice straight razors, Dovo, Gold Dollar, Monkey Dollar,a d someAsian jjunk, but I don't shave with them. I enjoy honing them to "scary" sharpness, and enjoy redesigning the crappy Chinese razors. For me it is like therapy, but I think its getting out of control. I keep ordering more and more razors, my collection is already up to 8 with about a dozen more on order or coming from Chinese vendors. Also, besides a full array of whetstones, I keep adding to the pile whenever something new comes out. I just purchased a slew of new stones as well as new strops and diamond and CBN slurries. I also have a digital microscope to view and inspect edges and make measurements and calculations. Do you think I have an obsession?... or should I just enjoy my hobby? Actually, I think I know the answer, but I thought I get some reinforcement from the forum where similar minded devotees hang out.

I'm a retired Ph.D with lots of time on my hands (although I do quite a bit of consulting) and find the science of honing is quite interesting, especially if one gets into the geometry of what constitutes a really "scary" sharp edge. Some of my recent findings are applicable to knife edges, which is making my wife at least tolerating my honing interest.

As long as you get pleasure [edit: and aren't bankrupting yourself] then keep at it.

I would suggest reading this: The first step on your road to recovery. http://www.amazon.com/OCD-Workbook-B...lsive+disorder

Originally Posted by DoctorSaul

Do you think I have an obsession?... or should I just enjoy my hobby?

Yes, and yes!

I tend to believe brilliant minds need the most stimulation. If this is how you are keeping yourself happy then go for it maybe I'll send some of my older razors to be fixed up

I think that you should just do whatever makes you happy. If you enjoy playing around with razors but not using them then that's fine with me.

Sounds like you have the beginnings of a decent hobby.

Try e bay for vintage razors to restore. Polishing and rescaling are very rewarding then you can hone them to sell/collect.

Yea right. Tc

Do what pleases you & makes you happy. If you like doing these things & they don't get in the way of other responsibilities then go for it.

I've been watching eBay for a while now, looking for vintage razors in reasonably good shape at a reasonable price. Good condition and good price are quite rare... there is a demand out there, that's for sure. Your suggestion to consider buying vintage to restore and sell is a good idea, though. At least my obsession/hobby could pay for itself. Thanks for the comments.