Mike's Minimalist May Meanderings

**Antique Hoosier** · 05-02-2010, 10:00 AM

The shave den here at the Florida cottage is getting pretty slim. I'm on a path of simplicity and minimalism that transcends just the items in my shaving "hobby". The "1 in 1 out" rule is firmly in place. ( However lately it has been more like "Zero in 4 out")

I'm doing much research on how different people approach the path of simplicity and minimalism. I'm deciding on owning less objects but of high quality. Instead of furnishing with 12 items from Target, TJMaxx, Marshall's, Bed Bath & Beyond etc, I am seeking out 2 to 3 higher quality items. At the age of 49 and single, Id prefer to surround myself with less "stuff".

I found an interesting article which discusses a gentleman's approach to living with only 50 objects. This for me would be much too extreme... But it obviously works for him. You will find THIS interesting.... among his 50 items are a razor, shaving cream, and a shaving brush! Attached is a link to the article and his "list" of owned objects.

http://mobile.associatedcontent.com/..._here_are.html

**Antique Hoosier** · 05-02-2010, 10:11 AM

The shave den is basically down to this... (not pictured are my two TM strops and Moss scuttle)

**superbleu** · 05-02-2010, 10:25 AM

Mike, your resolve is encouraging to those of us with multiple AD's

**Dharion** · 05-02-2010, 10:29 AM

Alt-Innsbruck must be some serious stuff

On second thought all of this stuff must have magic properties (to you). Otherwise you wouldn't have kept it.

**rsp1202** · 05-02-2010, 10:36 AM

I like your approach and landing.

Ron

**djh** · 05-02-2010, 12:41 PM

I hope that your new path brings you pleasure. You have certainly fallen back on a great selection of kit!

**maxman** · 05-02-2010, 03:12 PM

I'm on board with your thinking.
I'm putting up most of my collection for sale and moving on to trying straights razors.
I want to end up owning only what I need for my "golden recipe" with a DE.
Then there's room to figure out what will work for straight razors. My only problem is accessories. I like them too much, but I'm getting past that now.

**luvmysuper** · 05-02-2010, 03:18 PM

I'm trying to narrow down my shaving stuff to 50 categories of items.
Though I have no limit on the numbers of items allowed in each category!!

Congrats on your will power and decision to minimize.

**Antique Hoosier** · 05-15-2010, 02:05 PM

Well...... That didn't last long... Today I failed.

**bythbook** · 05-15-2010, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by Antique Hoosier

Well...... That didn't last long... Today I failed.

serves you right for showing up us hoarders for so long.

...going back for more?

**texbilly** · 05-15-2010, 02:10 PM

When I saw this thread pop up, after reading your antiquing thread, I was anticipating some humble pie on your part and you delivered!

No matter, Mike - you're still stronger than me and most of the folks on this board! And by the way, nice haul!!!

**richmondesi** · 05-15-2010, 02:12 PM

Mike, I find myself going that direction as well. I went from not even knowing how many brushes I have to only having 2, and I'd have fewer razors, soaps, & ASs if I weren't so lazy

**Antique Hoosier** · 05-15-2010, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by texbilly

When I saw this thread pop up, after reading your antiquing thread, I was anticipating some humble pie on your part and you delivered!

No matter, Mike - you're still stronger than me and most of the folks on this board! And by the way, nice haul!!!

Ironically, all 8 of these project razors cost me about what a good quality used Simpson brush on the BST would have set me back.

**Antique Hoosier** · 05-15-2010, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by bythbook

serves you right for showing up us hoarders for so long.

...going back for more?

YES. I honestly left behind at least 30 razors I would love to own there. I am going back very soon as there are a few hundred more to inspect.

**Psicko** · 05-15-2010, 02:22 PM

I like the minimilistic approach as well. That and I'm poor.

**bythbook** · 05-15-2010, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by Antique Hoosier

YES. I honestly left behind at least 30 razors I would love to own there. I am going back very soon as there are a few hundred more to inspect.

...damn! That sounds like fun!

Good for you, Mike - enjoy.

**Rocketeer** · 05-15-2010, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by Antique Hoosier

Attached is a link to the article and his "list" of owned objects.

http://mobile.associatedcontent.com/..._here_are.html

Not sure I'd want to be in the same office with this "minimalist" ... as he does not own a toothbrush or toothpaste!

Also ... I guess he eats out for every meal as he has no kitchen gear, eating utensils, glasswear, etc.

Just an observation ...

______

**Augustiner** · 05-15-2010, 08:04 PM

I'm doing the same. I'm trying to whittle down only to what I absolutely need based on what I actually use.

Over a couple years it's amazing how bulging your shave den can quietly build up to with all the random purchases. There's a lot of it that just sits there unused. I've done a better job recently unloading some of it.