I Have Hit The "Wall"

Really, what is the point of this post on a shaving hobbyist forum? Are you trying to make everybody feel bad about it? If you've really "hit the wall" why do you even come here anymore?

If you want to be a sarcastic jerk then why reply?

...I do agree that the difference among these top soaps are miniscule, but part of the fun of this hobby for me is trying new stuff. While I don't buy full tubs of every new thing that comes out, I do always try to at least get a sample of them here and there. After this round of sampling new bases I can agree with you that I could be "done" and be perfectly happy shaving with the soaps I have now. New scents will always be a temptress though and my Achilles heel.

Like you, I enjoy new soaps. My point is that at least for me that as of late it's all turned into a mind numbing blur. Sure, the scents are different, but I'd be hard pressed to tell anyone what soaps I used a few days ago let alone last week. 

[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]That said, I cannot be the only one here who has ashamedly glanced at a bag/box/shelf full of wet shaving stuff and muttered [/font][font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"How in the Hell did I accumulate all this crap??!!"[/font][font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif].[/font]

No, you're definitely not alone with that sentiment BPman. It actually gives me anxiety sometimes then I try to sell a bunch of it or just give it away.

No, you're definitely not alone with that sentiment BPman. It actually gives me anxiety sometimes then I try to sell a bunch of it or just give it away.

Tell me about it.  Who knew soap could stress you out.  I've not really done samples but figured its only $10...$15...$25!! so I'll buy a full size and support the artisan.  A couple of things happen then, first you accumulate a major pile of stuff and second those small $ amounts add up.  I've also come to terms with the fact that while its important to support the artisan community, I do not bear the burden of anyone's commercial success.  Yes, I want there to be a vibrant, creative artisan community and yes I want my favourites to be successful and remain in business but its not all on me.  It might sound crazy but when you talk about anxiety I won't lie, I sometimes feel that if I don't support this or that artisan or if I don't get this or that latest release they might not be around down the road.  Seriously, I'm reluctant to try new artisans not because I'm afraid I won't like them and I'll have wasted my money but because I'm afraid I will like them and then it starts again

I've been on this forum for a few years and I've seen members come and go.  I've sometimes wondered about the abrupt disappearance of formerly very active members and I'm sure there's any number of reasons, however, I have to wonder if a shaving acquisition disorder 12 step program might have been involved.  My name is Earl, and I'm a shave-a-holic....

No, you're definitely not alone with that sentiment BPman. It actually gives me anxiety sometimes then I try to sell a bunch of it or just give it away.

...I've been on this forum for a few years and I've seen members come and go.  I've sometimes wondered about the abrupt disappearance of formerly very active members and I'm sure there's any number of reasons, however, I have to wonder if a shaving acquisition disorder 12 step program might have been involved.  My name is Earl, and I'm a shave-a-holic....

I will venture an educated guess that of those who left many go back to the convenience of cartridge/disposable razors and some merely shave along with a bare bones safety razor kit that simply works for them. Not everyone goes full "moonbat" and starts spending Big $$. As well, I'd wager good money there are far more lurkers reading shaving forums than posters. It would be interesting however to know what % of business at WCS & Maggard was repeat and what % was new in the past year. I do know Brad Maggard has stated that the "Goldrush" days of a few years back have ended.

No, you're definitely not alone with that sentiment BPman. It actually gives me anxiety sometimes then I try to sell a bunch of it or just give it away.

...I've been on this forum for a few years and I've seen members come and go.  I've sometimes wondered about the abrupt disappearance of formerly very active members and I'm sure there's any number of reasons, however, I have to wonder if a shaving acquisition disorder 12 step program might have been involved.  My name is Earl, and I'm a shave-a-holic....

I will venture an educated guess that of those who left many go back to the convenience of cartridge/disposable razors and some merely shave along with a bare bones safety razor kit that simply works for them. Not everyone goes full "moonbat" and starts spending Big $$. As well, I'd wager good money there are far more lurkers reading shaving forums than posters. It would be interesting however to know what % of business at WCS & Maggard was repeat and what % was new in the past year. I do know Brad Maggard hast stated that the "Goldrush" days of a few years back have ended.

Yeah I'm sure there are those who go back but many of us have just cut back on our buying....because we already own most of the stuff on sale at Maggard's!!  Been there done that moved on to the next slick thing. That will impact sales for sure when your best customers are on a no buy break.  I can still remember the guy who got me going with the online buying.  I had found a little e-shave shaving kit at the local farmers market.  A little badger brush some shaving cream and aftershave balm.  It was really nice but when I went to the e-shave website I found that the prices were ok but the shipping, tax and duty to Canada was larceny.  Government, the nastiest protection racket on earth  - nice income you have there, it would be a shame if anything....aw F it, just hand it over!  Anyhow, I was talking to a guy at work and he was into the wet shaving thing and he tells me about a couple of Canadian online vendors.  No duty, no FX and free shipping if you spend enough.  It was Italian Barber and Fendrihan.  Then he looks at me right in the eye and says..."be careful, its a deep, dark hole."  I laughed.  I laughed!!  I had no idea at the time.  I thought he was just kidding around.  I've subsequently discovered exactly what he was talking about.  But you know what?  I wouldn't change a thing.  Well maybe somethings 

Because I have so many soaps I pretend that every review that is over the top positive is someone trying to sell me something that I don’t need. That helps a lot.

I can't be bothered with chasing the magic soap dragon, so I'll typically only buy a soap if the scent sounds pleasing to me.

I can't be bothered with chasing the magic soap dragon, so I'll typically only buy a soap if the scent sounds pleasing to me.

It's probably safe to say that now there are no crappy performing soaps. Just make sure you can send it back.

...That will impact sales for sure when your best customers are on a no buy break....

Interesting you mention this.  These discussions are forbidden on TSN; TSN and 'Restraints'/'Sabbaticals'

Bullgoose, understandably isn't into promoting abstinence.

...That will impact sales for sure when your best customers are on a no buy break....

Interesting you mention this.  These discussions are forbidden on TSN; TSN and 'Restraints'/'Sabbaticals'

Bullgoose, understandably isn't into promoting abstinence.

That may be so, but we all go through this kind of stuff so why not share?