The Paradox of Choice

Well said Tidepool  - too much choice isn't better.  If I see a menu like you describe with a ton of items I think first, nobody can be good at that many things and second, nobody can keep fresh ingredients for that many items on hand so its certainly coming out of the freezer.  Blech.

I just stuck my nose in a tub of THB Elixer shaving soap that I had lying around and now I have 4 soaps that use the same scent - Soap Commander Fortitude, Mickey Lee Soap Works Jurate, Lisa's Natural Amber and Tobacco and THB Elixer.  A popular scent I guess.  Downside of too many soaps is that if soap makers use third party scent blends the odds of duplication are higher.

I agree.  I have not taken inventory of how many duplicate scents I own.  As I previously said, I am more concerned with the quality of the lather and the performance I achieve when it is on my face and I use my razor.  Not naming brands but I own several soaps that are rated very high which I will never reorder.  I also agree with what you wrote regarding voluminous menus.  I would be more comfortable with just a few selections.

Hey EFDan , I had the same problem (and still do - although like you I’m now pretty much over it) with soaps and found a solution that suited me. I packed up a large box and PIFed them to a friend in the Canadian military for him to enjoy and share with his friends. Shipping from the US was atrocious but I felt like this was a good thing to do. I would respectfully siggest that we PIF some of the excess of our excesses to folks who make our lives and communities better by their work - they aren’t getting rich being first responders, community service folk, serving in the miltary, etc.

Cheers, Steve

Hey EFDan , I had the same problem (and still do - although like you I’m now pretty much over it) with soaps and found a solution that suited me. I packed up a large box and PIFed them to a friend in the Canadian military for him to enjoy and share with his friends. Shipping from the US was atrocious but I felt like this was a good thing to do. I would respectfully siggest that we PIF some of the excess of our excesses to folks who make our lives and communities better by their work - they aren’t getting rich being first responders, community service folk, serving in the miltary, etc.

Cheers, Steve

I think thats a great idea

I've been somewhat dissatisfied with many of my wet shaving purchases lately.  Its this ennui I feel when I get a package with the latest soap from an artisan or merchant and then after sniffing the tub and shaving with it once, I shrug my shoulders, mildly dissatisfied and toss the tub into the box in the basement where its likely never to be used again.  The performance may be good but often the scent hasn't lived up to its hype or its just another iteration of a scent used by several other soap makers.  Now don't get me wrong, I still enjoy my morning shave and there are definitely some artisans whose products I find very satisfying.  Despite that, I still find myself clicking the buy and then kicking myself later swearing that in future I will be more disciplined and will only buy from that select group of artisans that I know will deliver what I expect in a satisfactory manor.  

So whats going on?  Why do I feel that way?  Well, I read an interesting article this morning entitled The Paradox of Choice and it seems to offer at least a partial explanation - too much choice.  In any case, if you're perhaps feeling the same as I am, give the article a read and post your thoughts.

Cheers,
Marko

Thanks for sharing that article! It was fun and a joy to read!  



https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/...f44f6e96dd

You're very welcome.  Although some folks may find the name Art of Manliness to be a little hokey, I find it to be an excellent site with all kinds of great articles, advice and tips for men both young and less young.  Their podcast is one of the best in my opinion - the principle, Brett McKay interviews authors of excellent books mostly.  I've found numerous great books from the podcast.

Again thanks to you for a great find! I'm a instant fan and will be visiting it often!



Happy Shaving!
49erShaver