The promise of simplicity is a major contributing factor to the attractiveness of cut-throat razor shaving. There can be a lot of truth to that. One razor, one hone, one strop, one brush and cream - and you are fully equipped for the rest of your life. An initial investment of between €50 and €300, depending on how much luxury you want.
But there is also diversity. There are thousands of different razors out there. Dozens of hones and strops. And so on. Why not try them all?
Why not, indeed? I own about 30 razors. Five of them I keep for their visual appearance only. The rest of them are so called workhorses, ie they get used on a regular basis. Almost all of my razors are visually bland. Only 7 sport goldwash or etchings. All of them have their original plastic scales. As I said, I like simple things. I only own one hone I use, a Coticule. I have 7 strops, but 5 of them were given to me by Straight Razor Designs for reviewing purposes. I only really use the Premium IV extra long. But towards the end of the second year of my journey into cut-throat territory, I was about to become a pack rat. I was - for personal reasons - horrendously bored, and had too much time and money on my hands. Far too much for my own good, resulting in a rather mindless shopping spree across the internet, and a weekly influx of two to three razors, and a humongous amount of shaving related equipment. I soon reached a point where I did not even shave with the new acquisitions. Or bought razors with the intent to "restore" them, knowing well that my manual dexterity would not allow for results I myself would find acceptable.
Well, I still have that Dremel and a big box of accessories to polish razors. I do not, however, use it any more. Most of the razors have gone, too. Either sold cheaply to beginners, or given away. The sheer act of getting rid of the excess equipment was an enormous relief. And it started a thought process that ultimately resulted in my withdrawal from all shaving related internet forums but two (where acquisition disorders are frowned upon and discouraged, rather than cheered and cherished).
Not being an overly religious person myself despite my upbringing in a Catholic public school, I cannot help but wonder if Christian faith and US shaving forums can be reconciled. If you compare the list of the seven deadly sins with the behaviour displayed and encouraged there, you will find a huge overlap, if not congruence. Take this thread or this one as examples. Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride? Ya sure you betcha!
And they said it is all about simplicity...
