High-end or nothing?

I use whatever works for me...I don't tend to keep chasing it down any further (usually) once I'm pretty happy with what I've got. I've been pretty much exclusively using the blackbird sb for a while now. every now and then I'll use the razorock lupo.

I think most folks start out with modern or vintage but affordable goods and either find what they like right there or move on. I mean in the world of possible hobbies a Timeless, Charcoal Goods, Karve, Wolfman, Paladin, Declaration, Chubby isn't really that much for a durable good. So I don't really see a great big class divide. It's more of a preference, YMMV thing, eh?

I tried to like machined SS razors dipping my toes in with Razorock. I have a handful of Tech's of different mutations and SLOC (Yaqi Mellon) that I used for the evenings chores. The handmade stainless razors, heavy and awkward just sat so on they went. Likewise with brushes. Went from boar to 3-Band to Pure. Got rid of the 3-Bands except one Simpson in Best and went on a journey into 2-Band. Learned a lot. Don't really care for big or gel tip or dense. Kept a smaller Maggards and a Semogue from the 2-Band exploration.

At this point there's not really anything that interests me other than soap. If I want an 'efficient' or a mild shave got that covered. If I want a scrubby or a luxurious (too me) lather got that covered too. I think I'm good right here.

Freddy, I'm happy that this statement does not represent the thinking of the mod team.

I'm astounded at these posts, really. They are not just harsh, they're on the edge of being rude to people that can't afford high-end stuff or don't feel the need to spend much money, but they still enjoy their equipment and want to share. They all have the right to post in the SOTD, no matter what the items cost them or their photography skills. Nobody cares if you don't like their photos, but you have to be more gentle.

If there weren't such posts or thinking by a large group of members, there will be more posts in these threads. This is not Pinterest.

A few years ago, forum membership was more gentle and "innocent". High-end trend has radically changed our hobby. I don't recall any member shaming prior to this trend. When I started, the only high-end razors were the Feather ASD2, the iKons and the ATT. Take a look at the SOTDs of 2012-2013. You'd be surprised. The older members remember these times. I miss them.

I have no idea if SOTD represents people's daily shavers or not, but I for one am not interested in seeing peoples' cheap shaving kit.  I enjoy the beauty and the artistry of the SOTD posts.

So, how much does a set-up have to cost to be post-worthy?

I really couldn't disagree more with your statement. Cheap shaving kits look nice too. There are inexpensive items that are beautiful. It doesn't have to be flashy and shiny. A good photographer can make any kit look great. If I were a mod, I'd never be one because I lose my temper easily but let's talk hypothetically here, I would motivate all people, despite of their shaving budget, to post in SOTD threads. It's not a show-off contest, unless I haven't understood correctly all these years I'm in the hobby. Now that I think about it a bit more, maybe it is. I don't care.

I made a reference to the SOTD threads because it gives an idea of what people use for their shaves. Not all the participants of a forum post there, not all of them have the time to do so. This was the reason why I also referred to the discussion board. It was just an assessment after all and it doesn't have to be right per se. People with unlimited shaving budget use mainly expensive stuff and people with a limited one use inexpesive stuff.

I'm posting two of my SOTDs below. Acoording to what you're saying, the second one isn't post-worthy, because it consists of cheap items. However, none of them is actually post-worthy, because they lack of artistry, there are no filters included or editing and they were both taken with a phone camera and not a fancy DSLR. I respect your opinion, but allow me to tell you that I also find it a bit pretentious. Good to know anyway. Coming from a mod, I have to say that's bold. Live and learn, as they say.





Have fun looking at the flashy SOTDs.

Bye.

Like the second photo and sotd image better

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

@"nikos.a", Your statement, "Freddy, I'm happy that this statement does not represent the thinking of the mod team." forgets one thing.  We moderators, and I include andrewjs18 even though he is also the owner and administrator of the site, are individual members as well as moderators.  Here at DFS, as those moderators, we are not made to go in lockstep with each other and, obviously, have differing opinions sometimes.  Marko is a fine moderator.  He goes out of his way to help members and also keeps an eye on the various boards to make sure they run as smoothly as possible (notice I didn't say perfectly).  The same is true of Matsilainen and HoosierShave.  All of us do our best to keep the site running in the best way possible but that does not mean we always agree, either as moderators or simply as members.  For me, it's a big reason DFS is so viable as a shave site.

I do have to say that I enjoy most of my gear, whether expensive or inexpensive but that doesn't mean that something I thought would be great didn't turn out to be a loser for me.  It happens and that is part of what makes this as much of a hobby as a daily necessity.  I love my Rex Ambassador but I also love my $8.00 STAR DE razor that I picked up from eBay many years ago.  On the other hand, the much loved Gillette Fat Boy isn't exactly a favorite of mine.  Go figure.

While I have some inexpensive razors, I definitely play with and photograph some high end gear. When I do, its generally to highlight what I'm playing with at the moment...or what's new....and I hope all the other pics are to show off their stuff. Seems kinda like the point, to me.

Other people's SOTD photos expose me to a lot of razors, brushes, and products I've not heard of or seen. They can be great conversation starters with guys who share a passion for the same kind of gear.

I generally do not process SOTD photos thru the lens of $$$ bills...I simply try to enjoy them thru the eyes of the owner, and maybe learn something in the process.

My feeling is that if it gets the job done well, it is worth it and $ doesn't play a role. I have used expensive items that are good and cheap items that are just as good. I enjoy seeing all SOTD posts.

Freddy, I'm happy that this statement does not represent the thinking of the mod team.

I'm astounded at these posts, really. They are not just harsh, they're on the edge of being rude to people that can't afford high-end stuff or don't feel the need to spend much money, but they still enjoy their equipment and want to share. They all have the right to post in the SOTD, no matter what the items cost them or their photography skills. Nobody cares if you don't like their photos, but you have to be more gentle.

If there weren't such posts or thinking by a large group of members, there will be more posts in these threads. This is not Pinterest.

A few years ago, forum membership was more gentle and "innocent". High-end trend has radically changed our hobby. I don't recall any member shaming prior to this trend. When I started, the only high-end razors were the Feather ASD2, the iKons and the ATT. Take a look at the SOTDs of 2012-2013. You'd be surprised. The older members remember these times. I miss them.

IMO it's unfair to ask for opinions and then criticize folks who share them. Those posts you refer to were not unsolicited. 

I will, too, be 100% honest. If your post isn't in my price strata or higher, I move on basically instantly. You can check every post I have on this forum (or any other); I have never felt the need to be directly critical of SotD or other "share your collection" stuffs if I wasnt interested and I dont recall seeing much of that. But it is something some of us think. Nikos normally I find myself (at least mostly) agreeing with you but on this one I cant say I do. 

No one is under an obligation to be enthused by or even respect someone else's collection. What we do owe each other is respect as human beings, which does preclude us from being mean about it, and that sometimes means not saying anything. 

Here's another truth; I enjoyed my hobbies a lot more before I could afford whatever I wanted. I won't pretend I want to go back to that kind of financial situation; but I remember when I was in grad school and I used to see these wonderful Leica and Hasselblad setups while I was on a much more humble one. But I used to spend HOURS looking at photographs, printing, reading whatever books I could get my hands on, planning out all the shots I would do with my 100/3.5mm planar (which with some irony I never bought). A decade later if I see something I want and it's not a Porsche or a vintage Les Paul, I simply buy it. And with that diminishment in enjoyment has also come what might accurately be labeled pretentions. Double edged sword, though surely the back isn't as sharp as the front.

I enjoy the beauty and the artistry of the SOTD posts.

Cheap shaving kits look nice too.
There are inexpensive items that are beautiful. It doesn't have to be flashy and shiny.
A good photographer can make any kit look great.

SOTD is there to see what everyone is using, in my opinion.

I use whatever works for me...

+1

I have both, expencive and cheap.
I love all of them, if they're good to me.
I've sold expencive ones, for more money saving ones which are very similar in performance.
I'm more focused on efficiency, than status.
And SOTD can be nice with them too.
IMHO, SOTD must be open to all kind of users and tools.
Lots of people do not share because they're shy, and see out-of-the-world setups.
I think It's not the right way.

EDIT
On Intagram there're lots of great pics.
Many of outstanding setups are not well pictured.
Photography, as shavings, is mostly about technique.
I prefer to watch a cheap setup when well pictured, more than the best in the world but with bad photography.
Photography is about light and composition.

Anyway SOTD is not just photography.
Is sharing an experience.
How people say ... an image stands more than thousand words.
Watching SOTDs I've learned lots of tricks, new products, hacks / mods and much more.

Freddy, I'm happy that this statement does not represent the thinking of the mod team.

I'm astounded at these posts, really. They are not just harsh, they're on the edge of being rude to people that can't afford high-end stuff or don't feel the need to spend much money, but they still enjoy their equipment and want to share. They all have the right to post in the SOTD, no matter what the items cost them or their photography skills. Nobody cares if you don't like their photos, but you have to be more gentle.

If there weren't such posts or thinking by a large group of members, there will be more posts in these threads. This is not Pinterest.

A few years ago, forum membership was more gentle and "innocent". High-end trend has radically changed our hobby. I don't recall any member shaming prior to this trend. When I started, the only high-end razors were the Feather ASD2, the iKons and the ATT. Take a look at the SOTDs of 2012-2013. You'd be surprised. The older members remember these times. I miss them.

IMO it's unfair to ask for opinions and then criticize folks who share them. Those posts you refer to were not unsolicited. 

I will, too, be 100% honest. If your post isn't in my price strata or higher, I move on basically instantly. You can check every post I have on this forum (or any other); I have never felt the need to be directly critical of SotD or other "share your collection" stuffs if I wasnt interested and I dont recall seeing much of that. But it is something some of us think. Nikos normally I find myself (at least mostly) agreeing with you but on this one I cant say I do. 

No one is under an obligation to be enthused by or even respect someone else's collection. What we do owe each other is respect as human beings, which does preclude us from being mean about it, and that sometimes means not saying anything. 

Here's another truth; I enjoyed my hobbies a lot more before I could afford whatever I wanted. I won't pretend I want to go back to that kind of financial situation; but I remember when I was in grad school and I used to see these wonderful Leica and Hasselblad setups while I was on a much more humble one. But I used to spend HOURS looking at photographs, printing, reading whatever books I could get my hands on, planning out all the shots I would do with my 100/3.5mm planar (which with some irony I never bought). A decade later if I see something I want and it's not a Porsche or a vintage Les Paul, I simply buy it. And with that diminishment in enjoyment has also come what might accurately be labeled pretentions. Double edged sword, though surely the back isn't as sharp as the front.

We don't have to agree on everything!

I didn't ask for opinions. You're absolutely wrong on that. I asked if there are members that fall in the same category with me. I don't call this asking for an opinion. The references to the SOTD and the discussion board were made to support my assessment. These comments came out of nowhere and offered unsolicited opinions. Be sure about it.

I was being critical because I hate cocky comments. At least I wasn't rude.
Sure, nobody is obliged to respect and like any other member's equipment, but you have to RESPECT his effort and his enthusiasm. If you say, I'm not here to see cheap stuff, it's like saying you are worth nothing to me and you shouldn't post. This is disrespectful. And if this comes from a mod, it's even more disrespectful because except from acting as an individual, you also belong to the team that moderates a site. You have a double role. This is how I see it.

And this comes from a person that can afford high-end stuff.

I'm more surprised that Marko chose not to say anything on this, but he was desperately looking for a defender it seems. Gladly he found one or two.

End of story.

Have a nice week and happy shaves.

Adios.