Help organizing Shaving Hardware and Software. Or How do you keep track of your stuff

[Bobbers]

Help organizing Shaving Hardware and Software.

Here is what I would like to do. I would like to be able to set up a way to keep a record or database of the razors, blades, soaps, creams and etc. I have tried. I would like to be able to use a table similar to what is used in the reviews section, a short comment section and a photo of the item.

I am not at this time and do not want to become a collector or hoarder of shaving items. I enjoy finding new, different and unusual products to try. When I find an item that works well for me I put it into the rotation and use it. For the products that do not make the cut I will sell or pass on to others.

Finding a way to do this will allow me to collect without having to find a way to display and keep everything.

Any suggestions on a way to do this?

Or how do you keep track of your stuff?

[Eddieb208]

Have you considered using "Microsoft's Excel" program?

[Laney1566]

Sounds like work. I shave to enjoy.

[dpm802]

There have been several false starts to develop a shaving database program. Similar templates exist for collectors of just about everything you can imagine.

Ideally, a program like this would allow sorting, so you could find all soaps that contain Tallow, all badger brushes with knots smaller than 21mm, all English creams, etc.

Furthermore, you should be able to list date of purchase, vendor you got it from, amount paid, and a section for notes and personal comments.

You should be able to upload your inventory file to others, and have the ability to hide certain columns of info like the amount you paid for a vintage razor.

This shouldn't be too tough of a project. I don't know what's holding us back from developing one.

[NoelyDeezNutz]

Ill see if i can come up with something

[Skinbubble]

This is what I think of when hearing of how to organize my shaven den:

http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2009/1/15/128765477805673526.jpg
:thumbup:

[Famous Amos]

I use a shaving journal. I did this so that I could keep track of how many times I used a double edge blade.

For each entry, I include the date, the type of razor, the blade and the usage of blade (new, 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc.) shave soap or creme, how the shave went, after shave, and any other notables.

Easily enough for me, I only have two razors so it's easy to keep track.

By keeping a shave journal, I can determine which blades work best for wich razor and how effective each soap or creme is for a shave I also note my effort. Do i work a good lather, what kind of passes I make, and every once in a while, I'll draw a sketch of my hair growth/pattern

edit: my post doesnt really relate to the thread sorry!

[Sunburst]

I made a google spreadsheet to track stuff. It's a wish list more than anything, but I included columns for notes and to indicate whether or not I've used it/own it.

[mr. s]

Frankly it sounds like a bit much unless you have a very failing memory, then I would encourage it.
I AM a 'hoarder', or as I like to think of it, an average member of B&B, and I have no trouble remembering my products, even those that I have only sampled a few times. I would not attribute it to any kind of magical memory either. I just like the hobby, so it is not a chore to remember.
Perhaps a list of who I bought a product off, and what it cost might be useful. At the present, the only lists I make are things I have bought, how much they cost, when they were shipped, and if they have arrived.

Tell us what you come up with!

[Luc]

I am keeping a log on my shaving soaps/shaving creams and straights. I should do it for my AS also. I keep a log on the number of usage. It then give me an idea on how long a shaving soap/cream last. For my straights, I get to know them better (when they need to be honed as they get the same strop/stone).

[merlin_1977]

Here's how I do it, ya ready? If it stinks, I remember it and never get it again. If I like it, I'll remember it, if I love it, I'll remember it & I'll get it again & again. goes for all things in life, not just soaps...blades....things.... I use the good old fashioned Mark 1 Mod. 1 Noggin 7.0 LOL!!!

[ackvil]

I am keeping a log on my shaving soaps/shaving creams and straights. I should do it for my AS also. I keep a log on the number of usage. It then give me an idea on how long a shaving soap/cream last. For my straights, I get to know them better (when they need to be honed as they get the same strop/stone).

Nice to see someone as compulsive as me. :w00t: For every blade I have used I know the number shaves. I keep a journal entry on every soap, cream, or combo also.

[Slivovitz]

I keep a spreadsheet of all my razors, what I paid for them, whether I've used them at least once, if I got rid of them, whether it was a PIF or a sale (all PIFs so far). The total and average prices are at the bottom.

There's a separate spreadsheet, started January 1st this year, to keep track of all shaving related spending from now on.

I keep a list, in document format, of all the different types of blades, soaps, and creams that I have, as well as my small selection of brushes. I check each one off when I've used it for the first time.

After that, I don't keep inventory, or keep track of how often I've used something after I've tried it for the first time. I don't keep a shaving log, and have pretty much stopped posting in the SOTD forum here. I do keep a little notebook in the bathroom, and make tick marks to see how many shaves I have on the current blade or blades, but don't keep any permanent record of how long they lasted.