I had to look up PIF, so shows what I (don't) know. But any obsession is not good and a break seems very sensible (and probably necessary) to me. You know that your doing the right thing and for the right reasons! But, there are still the non shave forums, unless they create a temptation back to what (or where) you are trying to avoid.
Taking a break
- Thread starter Paul L
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That is the nature of the world and these days market values and trends change incredibly quickly. No doubt the next generation will say exactly the same and it has been so since the dawn of time. Embrace change, it won't go away.
This one always goes a long way in saying being free of facial fuzz has been a sore point for some years now and we are still the same (in some form of connected non-direct thinking)
“The beardless youth… does not foresee what is useful, squandering his money.â€
Horace
1st Century BC
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IMO, one of the things which makes this hobby such an enjoyable one is the great amount of choice available, whether you're a boar brush/Tech/Palmolive user or a Tuxedo/Feather SE/A&E user or both or anything in between it's great to have so many choices.
Also, without the market trends and new products being released then the retailers wouldn't be able to survive in such a marketplace, and I believe their survival is for the benefit of all in this hobby.
That's a great quote. In my youth however (my 20's) I had a beard and was squandering more money than my older clean shaven counterpart!
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Indeed. It also allows small companies like Signature Soaps and others to survive while doing something they obviously have a passion for
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I completely understand your reasoning. I retired a few years ago, and started to really get into wet shaving in the run up to that. I was 'demob happy' I guess and had more time to relax and really enjoy the shaving ritual. The thing is, I joined this forum to find out more about what was out there in the shaving world and perhaps share some of my own experiences and experiments along the way. What I found was that this came with a growing urge to acquire more and more software and hardware. Eventually, I came to my senses and as part of a 'cold turkey' process I took a sabbatical from the forum...I was away for a couple of years I think. I came back again only a few weeks ago, probably due in part to the lockdown, but I'm already starting to buy more than I need to last a couple of apocalypses. So...I too have been thinking of taking another sabbatical in order to 'reset' and enjoy the stuff I have acquired for a while. This seems sensible to me, but only for my own circumstances...I reckon my thinking is very similar to your own @Paul L ...there's no feeling that the forum isn't a 'healthy' place to be, but on the contrary, as a community, it's probably one of the healthiest on the web. The urge to 'get more stuff' is something within the individual, not something promoted by the forum. I've read as many comments recommending that I stick with what I already have as those recommending that I try something else.
So, yes, a totally understandable decision from someone who has contributed around twice as many posts as me. I'll be taking another sabbatical soon, and maybe your's will only be a sabbatical as well. I'm sure the forum would love your absence to be only temporary!
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Even in the busiest, most frenentic paintings, there are calm places. Good on you, Paul!
As a side note: I have been wet shaving for 60+ years, and yet when I read the forum posts, I feel as if I am going to try my first shave with a bar of soap and a kitchen knife. Depending on where you lived, the choice/availability of shaving equipment could be very limited, (midwest US in my case). The variety of everything, from what once was a pack of Gillettes and a can of Barbasol, has exploded to unbelievable proportions, not to mention the terminology and techniques.
Be gentle with those of us who do not post much, or not at all. We are learning.
As a side note: I have been wet shaving for 60+ years, and yet when I read the forum posts, I feel as if I am going to try my first shave with a bar of soap and a kitchen knife. Depending on where you lived, the choice/availability of shaving equipment could be very limited, (midwest US in my case). The variety of everything, from what once was a pack of Gillettes and a can of Barbasol, has exploded to unbelievable proportions, not to mention the terminology and techniques.
Be gentle with those of us who do not post much, or not at all. We are learning.
I have always had a very keen interest in menswear and have obtained over the years a very fine collection of clothes (in my eyes only). I came to the conclusion some years ago that I will in all probability outlive all of my shirts, suits, coats, trousers, beautiful shoes etc. I think one spends half one's life collecting or amassing items and then the other half getting rid of them. I now refrain from buying any more clothes [apart from consumables, when needed (ie just purchased some chino, but only to replace worm out pairs)]. I still have a keen interest on the Dressing Room threads and I am still learning; but generally speaking, my buying days are pretty much over. Generally, one can only wear one pair of trousers at a time and shrouds have no pockets!
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Paul,
Wishing you all the best; I enjoy and value TSR - the sense of community, the advice I have picked up here has been invaluable; I enjoy the SOTD - seeing what others use and learning of their experiences - I am and remain amazed by the growing range of soaps, razors - not least on the razor front the innovation in design. I enjoy the human aspect - peoples excitement, curiosity and their reflections on the experience.
While I have not posted as much as I used to, I personally for me since lockdown started I have become a little more quiet; perhaps the physical reality of lockdown - not going out much has extended into my interaction with the forum.
I hope that you come back, as you will be missed - there are a number of posters who I look out for, their experiences and words of wisdom I find enjoyable and reassuring; you are among that group.
Chris
Wishing you all the best; I enjoy and value TSR - the sense of community, the advice I have picked up here has been invaluable; I enjoy the SOTD - seeing what others use and learning of their experiences - I am and remain amazed by the growing range of soaps, razors - not least on the razor front the innovation in design. I enjoy the human aspect - peoples excitement, curiosity and their reflections on the experience.
While I have not posted as much as I used to, I personally for me since lockdown started I have become a little more quiet; perhaps the physical reality of lockdown - not going out much has extended into my interaction with the forum.
I hope that you come back, as you will be missed - there are a number of posters who I look out for, their experiences and words of wisdom I find enjoyable and reassuring; you are among that group.
Chris