The Paradox of Choice

I stopped making soap purchases some time ago.  I had far more than I can ever use.  I'm happy to try new ones, though will pull the trigger when I need some new soap vs just getting the itch.  

I also wish the norm was to sell less soap, as it lasts so long.  There are folks who sell less soap, though the containers are not big enough for enjoyable lathering.

My comments so far have been as a consumer.  As a provider, I've been very pleased with how it worked out to send samples in a regular envelope.  Before long I'll start charging for samples, though will offer free shipping worldwide.  This will allow folks to try a sample for $2-3.

The other day I got a nice email from a gentleman in Siberia; yes, I really mean Siberia,  which included this picture.  A few folks had postal rollers mess up their sample, though most were fine.

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I find that my short attention span really needs limits, so I decided to limit myself to my comfort zone. I never have more than 4 tubs of soap ever (usually from one vendor at a time) and then I don't purchase more until I finish the 4. The limit of choices lets me focus on the shave itself, keeps FOMO in check and I don't really feel burnout because there are still so many soaps to smell and try. I do the same thing with razors (no more than 12), razor blades (1 brand per type) and brushes (no more than 4). It's a dull way to do it, but it works for me.

I wish I had the discipline of merelymoe but I'm not that strong

Its not FOMO in the sense of having stuff others can't get or before them. I really don't care what anybody else has or likes. Its about finding that thing I love or like very much. Then the fear becomes that I won't be able to get it when I need more so I should stockpile!! Haven't you noticed that products you love seem to be discontinued on a regular basis? So I have to tell myself, "you got along fine before you knew this product existed and you'll get along fine if its discontinued, just enjoy it for the moment." And a couple of cleansing breathes.

Is it the paradox of choice or simply that you are buying online instead of inspecting the items dirst in a brick and mortar store? From what I can see, the number of shaving soap makers numbers in the thousands. And to think that some people used to worry about a "shavepocalypse".

Perhaps the problem is not in the abundance of supply, but in the approach to trying and evaluating them. What are your goals in trying different shaving soaps? Given that the supply is likely to increase rather than decrease, what methodology will come closest to achieving those goals?

The answers each individual gives himself might well change over time.

I think it is because the quality of the soaps is such that the latest and greatest product is either a slight improvement or no improvement so people are underwhelmed.

Awesome thread Marko. I've been cogitating on "choice" too. I know that I much prefer a restaurant menu with fewer choices. I limit my leisure time to fewer activities with more frequency. I find more joy in anticipation leading to an epic event rather than the event itself.

Awesome thread Marko.  I've been cogitating on "choice" too.  I know that I much prefer a restaurant menu with fewer choices.  I limit my leisure time to fewer activities with more frequency.  I find more joy in anticipation leading to an epic event rather than the event itself.

This issue of choice is a funny one. I'm ok with fewer choices on a restaurant menu so long as I can find at least a couple things I might like. And if there are a number of options that sound delicious, I'm in heaven because I'm am fairly certain I'm going to enjoy whatever I choose. But if the menu is insanely large and covers a gazillion options, like a diner menu, then I'm unfocused. This is why samples are essential for me. I have a little box filled with samples that I have to try. Some don't grab my attention. But if one of them has that combination of performance and scent that takes me to another place, I'm way ahead of the game. I've only been at this for about 3 years so at some point I may have exhausted most of the options available and will just settle with what I have. But until then, chasing down that next great scent is part of what makes this hobby so cool.

I have been contemplating this same thing for a while now. As I have spent more time analyzing my reasons for buying so many different soaps, it has been easier to pass on many releases. I have also passed on many quality products to other Shavers to enjoy. I think at first I wanted to try as many things as possible to find what I liked. Then it turned into a chase for the rare or hard to find soaps. Now I know what type of scents, and which vendors I like the most, and it is easier to keep a limit on my den.

There's no doubt that the limitations of online shopping is partly responsible but then it becomes a paradox of choice by default doesn't it? You're at the mercy of the marketing descriptions that all sound wonderful. There's nothing like the nose stuck into a tub of soap to tell you if you like it or not and in my experience theres very few soaps that improve much with lathering from my initial reaction. That being said, and to be fair, I recall my first couple of shaves with B&M Leviathan - I thought it smelled of wet dog but then there was some weird transformation, in my brain I think and its become a favourite. I'll grant you that the Leviathan effect is a rare occurrence. Usually if I don't like it initially it stays in the don't like it camp.

I've gone through hills and valleys in this - for a long time I was pretty stable and satisfied. I watched the evolution of Grooming Dept. for long time, over a year but thought, nah, sounds good but hard to get so I'm not going there. Then Carmine at Top of the Chain stocked some and I figured, what the heck, I'll try it. Well damn its a really good soap. I think thats what pushed me off the wagon. Thanks Carmine, and mostly thanks Mohammad So I'm guess I'm looking for unicorns and as we all know, there aren't many of those around so its bound to lead to disappointment. You know, I almost fell into the trap again yesterday. There's a thread where members are talking about how good Shannon's soaps are so I went to have a look. My only concern was whether they blended their own scents or used commercial blends. I then gave my head a shake - thats the same thinking that got me four tubs of Lisa's Natural soap a couple of weeks ago that while good, its no unicorn.

Its a constant battle. I'm winning today though

Not to throw fuel on the fire, Marko, but I believe Shannon does blend the essential and fragrance oils herself for Shannon's Soaps.  Maybe try one of Shannon's "Rust Belt Reserve Soaps?"  I really enjoy the Forest City Fern.  Grab the Forest City Fern Gift Set for the soap and aftershave together.  That'll save you $2.50USD.  Not sure what shipping to Canada would be, though.  Maybe that will save you from another shaving soap purchase, eh?      









personally, I don't need anymore shaving soap.  probably for the rest of my life.