Thread: Are we too obsessive?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

A true car enthusiuast would keep the car immaculate and running to perfection at all times.

There are two types of car enthusiast, and for that matter motorcycle. Some spend hours restoring, enhancing, polishing and basically babying their vehicles.
The other type of enthusiast is the person who is mechanically savvy, does what he needs to do, but more importantly uses the vehicle rain or shine. I prefer a vehicle that shows some wear and history because it means it's been used, not wasted sitting in a garage.
I work as a race scrutineer (tech inspector), I love the Brighton Speed Trials (UK). Some of the older vehicles Allards, Bugattis and so on, could never be described as immaculate, a few dings, dents and paint worn off by the controls, but these racers are used a nature intended.

I am not a race car driver or motor enthusiast (well I am seeing as how I want to be an automotive engineer, but I can't afford it as a 19 y/o college student) but this attitude is how I view almost everything I buy and use. It's bought for a purpose. If that purpose is collecting it'll sit on a shelf being babied (for instance I still haven't even honed my Goldedge cus I'm scared I'll mess it up) but if it's purpose is shaving I intend to use it. Take care of it, but it needs to stand up to use (I don't baby my daily use razors- oiling them to me is a waste of time if I have to de-oil them and re-oil them every three or four days, and have since started looking for stainless razors.

Also, the main reason I started this thread is I feel the amount of effort that goes into honing isn't that beneficial TO ME (IMO, I know to some it is, I'm just making a statement of MY opinion). Just the same as people don't use a new cartridge or DE blade every time, I feel like having an ultra perfectly flat hone or an ultra sharp blade isn't absolutely necessary every time. Yes I lap my stones frequently. Yes I touch up my blades. Yes I love a wicked sharp, smooth blade. But there is a point (IMO) where it goes overboard lol. Opinions? I know those statements probably rattled some cages.

Originally Posted by welshwizard

There are two types of car enthusiast, and for that matter motorcycle. Some spend hours restoring, enhancing, polishing and basically babying their vehicles.
The other type of enthusiast is the person who is mechanically savvy, does what he needs to do, but more importantly uses the vehicle rain or shine. I prefer a vehicle that shows some wear and history because it means it's been used, not wasted sitting in a garage.
I work as a race scrutineer (tech inspector), I love the Brighton Speed Trials (UK). Some of the older vehicles Allards, Bugattis and so on, could never be described as immaculate, a few dings, dents and paint worn off by the controls, but these racers are used a nature intended.

Well, like always, it is a bit individual concept.

What may be OCD'ing to someone, might be just normal to someone. At least I can only comment that I consider obsessing, but that's only a opinion of newbie user. Experienced collector might consider the same just normal.

Well..... My wife says that I am!

James

Remember we are seeing the razors from years past that have survived and are being sold now. Razors were made by the hundreds of millions so who knows how many pristine razors are still out there hidden away in someones storage area or basement. Who knows how many pristine razors were probably thrown away when someone passed on?

We just see the survivors good or bad.

[QUOTE=thebigspendur;506012] Who knows how many pristine razors were probably thrown away when someone passed on?


OMG !! Don't say that !

I must say, that for me, the difference between "almost sharp enough", and "really sharp" is night and day.

I've been working on a razor for a while, and getting OK shaves from it, but it wasn't really passing my sharpness tests with flying colors... So I kept at it, and today it finally *clicked*. And the shave was excellent.

I will continue with my too obsessive behavior!

I think it is more like being a "Shaving Enthusiast". I haven't bought a razor for quite a while now,but still enjoy honing my current rotation.

I don't think its obsessive to want a razor to be a sharp as possible. I just want a great shave.

I do wish I had the space in my shop for a Bader grinder and a small forge though...........

Well, is "really sharp" a singularity? Or is it a range? Because I'll shave with a razor from wicked sharp until its down around sharp enough before I touch it up.

Originally Posted by Seraphim

I must say, that for me, the difference between "almost sharp enough", and "really sharp" is night and day.

I've been working on a razor for a while, and getting OK shaves from it, but it wasn't really passing my sharpness tests with flying colors... So I kept at it, and today it finally *clicked*. And the shave was excellent.

I will continue with my too obsessive behavior!

Definately not! :-)

I keep getting told I dont need more than one razor but I so do...! And I need all my Shaptons as well.

Its necessary kit!

We are simply pushing the limits of our forebears as we have the modern technology to do so.

Man used to gaze into space with a telescope, then he built the space shuttle and he can go there himself.

Man used to use any sort of abrasive he could find to sharpen his razor, now he has the Shapton ceramic on glass to dial in the perfect edge.

Wait, did I just compare a hone to a space shuttle...? Ok, maybe I am too obsessive...!

Or maybe not..! :-)