I am taking a break from chasing the dragon.

I went down the rabbit hole when I started wet shaving, though am pulling back somewhat. Part of the reason is that I'm finding what I really like and part is that I don't have budget for a big collection.

I think I'll settle on a rotation of 4-6 soaps. I'll always reserve a slot or two for new products and new artisans. New players drive innovation and keep the well established folks on their toes.

I've really settled on one double edge safety razor and one single edge safety razor, but then we get to the straight razors. Let's just say that the rabbit hole is alive and well there. haha

I've been thinking the same thing. I have plenty of razors, soaps/creams, aftershaves that are providing me with great shaves and plenty of colognes as well.

I figure I can probably go another 3 years without needing any shave gear. I originally started to just get a great shave and keep my spending to a minimum. That said its fun reading everyone's experiences with new products they enjoy. I will continue to do that. But I'm going to use up some stuff in my den first. (At least half) and go from there.

I went down the rabbit hole... and liked it there! Gave me something to do. It became my... hobby!

But the soap thing. You can buy too much. Variety is genuinely a nice thing to have, but when it’s all dried up and of less scent, you learn that balance is a thing. But no one ever said that balance was the death of anticipation, and anticipation is a thing in and of itself too!

Enjoy what you have until you need more. Need is subjective lol.

Judicious upgrades, with the help of the amazing resources we have in today's forums can help keep the inner hoarder at bay.

I went down the rabbit hole... and liked it there! Gave me something to do. It became my... hobby!

I can relate to both of these great thoughts. I wish I could relate to the first one a little more than the second, though. (This rabbit hole is pretty deep.)  

I don't have the latest trendy artisan soaps. But I can honestly say that I don't lack any bit of performance using Razorock triple milled blue, Bulgari triple milled Man in Black, SV dolomati, or AoS cream. To me it doesn't make any sense to buy more soap or cream because I have so many that I like and perform so well.

I don't have the latest trendy artisan soaps.  But I can honestly say that I don't lack any bit of performance using Razorock triple milled blue, Bulgari triple milled Man in Black, SV dolomati, or AoS cream.  To me it doesn't make any sense to buy more soap or cream because I have so many that I like and perform so well.

That sure hasn't stopped me!

Cheers, Steve

Yeah had I not gone down the rabbit hole I would not be posting at this forum to be honest. I was seeking out thoughts from people and to share my experiences with other wet shavers. I'm like Drifter, the rabbit hole is my home. Perhaps sometimes, I might take a break from buying brushes, or razors, or even soaps, but usually there is one of these particular muscles getting exercised. Like folks say, its a hobby. Hobbies are expensive and hobbies are to be pursued at least in my case.

Yeah had I not gone down the rabbit hole I would not be posting at this forum to be honest.  I was seeking out thoughts from people and to share my experiences with other wet shavers.  I'm like Drifter, the rabbit hole is my home.  Perhaps sometimes, I might take a break from buying brushes, or razors, or even soaps, but usually there is one of these particular muscles getting exercised.  Like folks say, its a hobby.  Hobbies are expensive and hobbies are to be pursued at least in my case.

Amen brother!

Yup, olschoolsteel , I hear you. I've been thinking the same thing lately. Its like I'm coming out of a fog with a hangover looking at all the soap and stuff I have and thinking...Where did all this stuff come from? Am I crazy? Probably. Its been fun and I don't think I've actually hurt anybody but I think its time for a breather. Once the rest of those packages arrive I'm done, no more. I mean it this time. No, really.