Thread: 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.