Paul
Well-Known Member
So, my life has been going through some pretty big changes lately. It has meant a new job, new area, lots of new people, and a totally different (right now I'm thinking better) perspective...
I've never been myopic; it's just not in my nature, I'm convinced. However, I have at times been caught up in materialistic things... I think that's something that those of us in the US have a hard time with as a rule (of which of course there are exceptions). Previously, I really felt compelled to have a new car all the time, big house, all the coolest gadgets. However, recently, I've done something that's been both refreshing and quite surprising. I've been living in an apartment away from home for several days a week until we can get my family moved to our new town full time (being away from them is depressing to say the least, but that's another topic). This apartment is a 850 sq feet single bedroom as opposed to my 4000 sq ft house back "home". When my wife and kids come to the new apartment, it's like camping out. The kids have a blowup, we (my wife and I) snuggle on our "small" queen size bed. Every time we get together there or at our old house, it's always great... I never feel crowded or wanting for anything in that small place. However, my house seems excessive.
It seems, I don't need the big house. Instead, I find myself just craving a cozy house (in the new town) with a great outdoor space for watching/playing with the kids. You see, my kids are getting to the age where all we want to do is ride bikes, skate, play football (European style at the moment ) and cook out. I've not lost interest in our indulgent little hobby, but I don't spend nearly as much time as I used to talking about it... I spend a lot more time enjoying the hobby, and spending time with the family when I have the opportunity. I don't perpetually monitor all the boards, and I don't obsess about any of it.
How does this relate to Coticule.be? I'm not sure, but here's something that I've noticed. I'm happier in general. I don't get irritated by reading moronic statements made about honing. I don't hone razors for practice or fun... I do what needs to be done, I participate in research for advancement of my understanding, and I spend roughly 3 hours a week reading about razors where I used to spend that much time in a day.
I'm not so sure this is a natural progression, but it's my progression. I enjoy my shaves just as much. I really enjoy the software (probably the most of all the kit to be honest), and I use the stones when needed. In 10-15 minutes, I can hone a dull razor to one that provides a delightful shave. That's what I started this process for. That's it! Yes, I fell into the AD traps, but mostly because of the idea that many act as if you have to have experienced everything to have a valid opinion. I bought into it... And, while yes the more experience you have the better your anecdotal evidence is, guess what - anecdotal evidence is overwhelmingly rejected as having no value at all in the scientific community. Whatever.
So... my new perspective is that it's much preferred to own a few things and know how to use them intimately. A wealth of wide ranging experience most likely means a lack of real mastery of any one thing in particular. Fast and repeatable (or hone by numbers) is only preferred if your honing professionally. I'd much prefer to spend a few minutes more with one stone that cost me $70 US or one of my slightly more expensive ones ) than to buy $350 US worth of stones in progression to save a couple minutes. If it's not 100% there the first time through, I'll have it finished within 2 or 3 minutes... It really does all come down to the hands at the stone instead of the progression or individual stone. But most importantly, my wife and kids bring me so much more enjoyment than this little hobby that it's not going to be allowed to keep me from one minute of time reading a book, playing ball, or anything else. No more navel gazing here... no more hoarding... smaller house in new town... :thumbup:
I've never been myopic; it's just not in my nature, I'm convinced. However, I have at times been caught up in materialistic things... I think that's something that those of us in the US have a hard time with as a rule (of which of course there are exceptions). Previously, I really felt compelled to have a new car all the time, big house, all the coolest gadgets. However, recently, I've done something that's been both refreshing and quite surprising. I've been living in an apartment away from home for several days a week until we can get my family moved to our new town full time (being away from them is depressing to say the least, but that's another topic). This apartment is a 850 sq feet single bedroom as opposed to my 4000 sq ft house back "home". When my wife and kids come to the new apartment, it's like camping out. The kids have a blowup, we (my wife and I) snuggle on our "small" queen size bed. Every time we get together there or at our old house, it's always great... I never feel crowded or wanting for anything in that small place. However, my house seems excessive.
It seems, I don't need the big house. Instead, I find myself just craving a cozy house (in the new town) with a great outdoor space for watching/playing with the kids. You see, my kids are getting to the age where all we want to do is ride bikes, skate, play football (European style at the moment ) and cook out. I've not lost interest in our indulgent little hobby, but I don't spend nearly as much time as I used to talking about it... I spend a lot more time enjoying the hobby, and spending time with the family when I have the opportunity. I don't perpetually monitor all the boards, and I don't obsess about any of it.
How does this relate to Coticule.be? I'm not sure, but here's something that I've noticed. I'm happier in general. I don't get irritated by reading moronic statements made about honing. I don't hone razors for practice or fun... I do what needs to be done, I participate in research for advancement of my understanding, and I spend roughly 3 hours a week reading about razors where I used to spend that much time in a day.
I'm not so sure this is a natural progression, but it's my progression. I enjoy my shaves just as much. I really enjoy the software (probably the most of all the kit to be honest), and I use the stones when needed. In 10-15 minutes, I can hone a dull razor to one that provides a delightful shave. That's what I started this process for. That's it! Yes, I fell into the AD traps, but mostly because of the idea that many act as if you have to have experienced everything to have a valid opinion. I bought into it... And, while yes the more experience you have the better your anecdotal evidence is, guess what - anecdotal evidence is overwhelmingly rejected as having no value at all in the scientific community. Whatever.
So... my new perspective is that it's much preferred to own a few things and know how to use them intimately. A wealth of wide ranging experience most likely means a lack of real mastery of any one thing in particular. Fast and repeatable (or hone by numbers) is only preferred if your honing professionally. I'd much prefer to spend a few minutes more with one stone that cost me $70 US or one of my slightly more expensive ones ) than to buy $350 US worth of stones in progression to save a couple minutes. If it's not 100% there the first time through, I'll have it finished within 2 or 3 minutes... It really does all come down to the hands at the stone instead of the progression or individual stone. But most importantly, my wife and kids bring me so much more enjoyment than this little hobby that it's not going to be allowed to keep me from one minute of time reading a book, playing ball, or anything else. No more navel gazing here... no more hoarding... smaller house in new town... :thumbup: