Artificial scarcity

Meanwhile private equity is coming in and dumping cheap ass wet shaving shit all over amazon & the like. Bought out West Coast. etc etc.

More stuff and more affordable is good, right?

Only if the quality does not suffer...Which we know it invariably does. When the goal is market saturation, instead of product quality, the consumers suffer...

Which means, in the case of a "wet shaving explosion" in the mainstream, we, as consumers, are going to be very happy that so many artisans are just hobbyists that don't need top make a profit to continue producing soap.  The big ones like B&M and Stirling will definitely feel that pinch, but I would hope their following is loyal enough to keep them afloat until the chaff falls away and the wheat is allowed to rise to the surface...

Meanwhile private equity is coming in and dumping cheap ass wet shaving shit all over amazon & the like. Bought out West Coast. etc etc.

More stuff and more affordable is good, right?

No... Do you like the cheap ass plastic shit that's taken over everything you find at Walmart? If so, why do you even wet shave? And if so, that's up to you, but the rest of us do not like the cheap ass plastic shit. Which is how you drop prices. You slash the quality.

........BINGO dual winner lol.

Only if the quality does not suffer...Which we know it invariably does. When the goal is market saturation, instead of product quality, the consumers suffer...

True for some products, but others are mass produced, good quality and reasonably priced. Van Der Hagen soaps and Kiss My Face creams are two examples. As you noted, if there are gaps in product supply, they will eventually be filled.

No... Do you like the cheap ass plastic shit that's taken over everything you find at Walmart?

I have no idea what is in Walmart. This is the 21st century, I buy most of my stuff online.

If so, why do you even wet shave?

To save a pile of money, use a cool looking razor, and look presentable.

And if so, that's up to you, but the rest of us do not like the cheap ass plastic shit. Which is how you drop prices. You slash the quality.

Not necessarily. Quality at a value price point can be achieved by well designed or formulated products, efficient manufacturing processes and economy of scale.

BTW - There are cheap plastic asses for sale online. The one I saw was painted gray with black flecks, and had a flat top so it could be used as a shelf. Like for one of those tres chic concrete shaving mugs with the brush holder lid. There's nothing like an avant-garde polymer butt to beautify a living space.

...I have no idea what is in Walmart.  This is the 21st century, I buy most of my stuff online...

So, when you're out of toilet paper and have diarrhea do you use a cork until expedited overnight shipping comes through?



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So, when you're out of toilet paper and have diarrhea do you use a cork until expedited overnight shipping comes through?

Not necessarily. Quality at a value price point can be achieved by well designed or formulated products, efficient manufacturing processes and economy of scale.  It applies to toilet paper, as well as shaving goods.  I suppose some would prefer artisan toilet paper roll on a machined stainless steel toilet paper holder.  Hey, if shaving can be a hobby, so can taking a dump.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vRlBtabKRFM

Walmart sells good stuff too. Just like everything out of China isn't crap.

Walmart sells good stuff too. Just like everything out of China isn't crap.

Of course they do, but the point is, you aren't going to find solid wood furniture at Walmart. And we aren't talking about electronics or anything high tech which is the only quality item that comes out of China. I suppose they make good plastics, but I can't bring myself to calling plastic high end.

Walmart sells good stuff too. Just like everything out of China isn't crap.

Of course they do, but the point is, you aren't going to find solid wood furniture at Walmart. And we aren't talking about electronics or anything high tech which is the only quality item that comes out of China. I suppose they make good plastics, but I can't bring myself to calling plastic high end.

China makes good, shave brushes, shirts, pants, scopes, etc. quality control varies in china much like the USA. Lots of companies in the USA make total crap with poor quality control too. Just cause something's USA made doesn't make it good.

As for furniture you won't find solid wood furniture at many stores except goodwill or furniture stores. Most people really don't care if it's solid wood. I have a particle board computer desk that's like 7 years old and a tv stand that's older then me. Are they as good looking as my hand crafter cedar chest, no but they do the job they for very well.

Shave related. Walmart sells Nivea products and other aftershaves.

I'd tend to agree with Leighton.

A big part of the allure of this hobby is the rebellion against the notion that shaving has to be utilitarian and mundane. Mainstream expansion is what got us to that point in the first place. Continuing to push for it will only serve to restart the cycle -- which has already started.

Of course they do, but the point is, you aren't going to find solid wood furniture at Walmart. And we aren't talking about electronics or anything high tech which is the only quality item that comes out of China. I suppose they make good plastics, but I can't bring myself to calling plastic high end.

What difference does it make, provided the furniture is durable, aesthetically pleasing, of good quality construction and is good value for the money? Or put another way, what difference does it make whether the cat is black or white so long as it catches the mice?

Some wetshavers on the forums might fuss and fret over irrelevant details, but they are a tiny fraction of traditional wetshavers overall.

A big part of the allure of this hobby is the rebellion against the notion that shaving has to be utilitarian and mundane. Mainstream expansion is what got us to that point in the first place. Continuing to push for it will only serve to restart the cycle -- which has already started.

That might be true for some, but the allure for me was improved shaves and value for the money. High quality beautiful stuff and great shaves for dirt cheap vs. average shaves for high cost with a plastic razor handle that looks like Liberace's toothbrush... That is an easy choice. From what I have read on the forums, better shaves and reduced costs are what motivate many to switch to traditional shaving. A percentage might go on to be hobbyists, but there are a lot who just want a smooth, enjoyable shave. Practical and focused does not have to be utilitarian or mundane, and there is much to be said for value for the money.

To make traditional shaving mainstream again seems to be a fervently sought after a goal for a lot of folks. There are many posts about evangalising and converting frends, family and co-workers to wetshaving. If these shaving Prometheuses are successful, that will ultimately lead to mainstream use of traditional tools and methods. If it makes shaving a better experience for the general public, then good.