One year into straights. A look back. Hope it "Makes Sense"

My journey is in no way unique or special. I am sharing it so that maybe it will help out others that like me came here looking for tips.
I started out with a Whipped Dog sight unseen special. My only request was that it have Jimps. Along with that I got one of his brushes, paddle strop and some Col. Conk soap.
From that humble start. I came here almost nightly. Seeking tips and knowledge. Each article helping me figure out the nuances and sometimes not so obvious mistakes that many of us make. But the help that is found here. Comes with some pitfalls.
Within the pages lurks temptation. Shiny razors, fancy brushes, exotic hones with names you can't pronounce. All with testimonials on their ability to help make removing the whiskers from your face. A blissful and fabulous experience.
I read and researched and slowly went deeper into the rabbit hole.
Three months approximately in. The next step was a set of Norton Hones. 400/1K- 4K-8K. A jewelers loupe. And a couple of Russian razors. Followed by more reading. Watching videos. And learning from my mistakes and success.
A couple of weeks playing with the Russian blades had me now curious about other breeds of blades.
Now began the nightly searches on the bay and other sites. Bidding in inexpensive examples of different grinds and sizes. I wanted to narrow down what worked for me.
So from about the 5th month till about the 9th. I picked up 14 razors of various makes and grinds. Bought a SRD Red Latigo Strop. Started trying the different types of soaps (Glycerin and Tallow) I also within that time (after much internal debate) made my most extravagant purchase. A Gokumyo 20K hone. A purchase which I do not regret.
As a result of my exploration. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last year. Learned a lot. And arrived at my favorite type of razor.
A 6/8 to 7/8 Extra hollow grind. With at least lower jimps. I am preferring tallow soaps. And just got a synthetic brush.
I am now gifting some of my razors that have fallen out of my rotation. The rest will get sold back into the wild.
I have a self imposed moratorium on shaving items till after the new year. That prolly should be longer. But we all know that will not happen.
Is there a "Shavers Anonymous" ?
In synopsis: I recommend having a plan on what your purchase is intended to be.
When possible buy samples. Soaps and smaller bottles with AS and cologne. And get inexpensive examples of the different sizes and grinds until you zero in on what works for you. This applies if you are wanting to use all the things. Collecting is a another mindset.

OH god I thinking I am heading down the same path sometimes. I am holding back. No stones or hones. I have only 4 vintage blades and I use them to shave. I have but one good brush and a couple of ok. I know I will never buy a pure Badger againe. I do have my eye on 2 new SR and 1 DE . I also will be buying a few more brushes....and god only knows how much more aftershaves, cologne and shaving soap , cream and etc.

Yes we all have a problem sometimes .

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Originally Posted by Maryland998

I have a self imposed moratorium on shaving items till after the new year. That prolly should be longer. But we all know that will not happen.
Is there a "Shavers Anonymous" ?

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I got no doubt its an incurable Illness of the mind best treatment Ive found is to go with it !

Man do I ever wish I had gotten off that easily. I have enough stuff when people ask I'm almost embarrassed to tell the truth.

Many here can relate to you, it's definitely addicting!

I am speaking for a lot of us when I say you are not alone! Not to be discouraging, but it only gets worse...

Just when I start to think that I'm developing a "wee problem" with straight razors I look at my tobacco pipe collection which numbers well over 100 and say emphatically, "Nope!"

Without this site and google. My journey would have been no doubt full of wrong turns.
The route I am taking is by no means the only way to go. I purposely left out the brand names of the items. So as not to seem like a salesman.
Research and comparison was key to not really having any bad examples. All were vintage. Except for one I have been able to get consistent comfortable shaves from them.
As countless members here have posted. I like them have found myself skipping over most and using only two. Both being identical size and grind but one being carbon the other inox. The inox one I bought after the carbon one became my top razor.
I plan on keeping a few that are different. Because I sometimes like to revisit them to make sure my feelings on them have not changed. A control group if you will.
Future razors I buy will versions of my preference. NOS and mint vintage blades.
Most I guess would say mine has been a conservative approach to this hobby.

Only a few weeks in but I cant help but feel I have just read what my future holds

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Originally Posted by Bazz

I got no doubt its an incurable Illness of the mind best treatment Ive found is to go with it !

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Yes why resist, if the journey takes you there.