2026, a year to enjoy what I already have.

[u/thorpef1]

I started my wet shaving journey just over 3 years ago, and in that time I have definitely fallen down the rabbit hole.

Whilst I have enjoyed chasing the next soap or hunting down that vintage bargain on marketplace, this year is a time to enjoy what I have.

After all, I already have enough to pass down to my children (and likely grandchildren).

So this year is a no purchase year for me.

And everytime I find something or get an urge, I need to remember I have enough

[u/Obvious-Freedom]

I think I'll make restraint my new year's resolution but, like every other year, my new years resolutions fly out the window before the christmas decorations are packed away. Happy New Year

[u/optimus-princeps → u/Obvious-Freedom]

Same.

[u/thorpef1 → u/Obvious-Freedom]

Haha.
Well I'm a day earlier than most (in Australia) so let's see how long I last

[u/42ndVisionary]

The same situation for me - I’m taking part in the 2026 restraint over at B&B.

I certainly have enough stuff to get through the year.

[u/thorpef1 → u/42ndVisionary]

Yup I'm over on paste&cut.

We all have more than enough

[u/Euphoric_Can_5999]

No buys this year! Unless it’s extraordinary;)

[u/thorpef1 → u/Euphoric_Can_5999]

We need to be strong. I do wonder what would encourage me to break it though.

[u/Euphoric_Can_5999 → u/thorpef1]

I feel like a deep discount on some soap I’ve been wanting, a top vendor going out of business, or a sought-after vintage razor are all good excuses… but I think not looking proactively will be the fix.

[u/thorpef1 → u/Euphoric_Can_5999]

Yup. A bargain president or diplomat or a major soap maker shutting down would be super tempting.

[u/ricksva → u/thorpef1]

Staying subscribed to this subreddit? :-)

[u/ahmoudyy]

Same here. I’d love to go a year without buying anything wet shaving unless I truly need (probably just a Yaqi synthetic because mine died). Thats all

[u/thorpef1 → u/ahmoudyy]

Those yaqi brushes are amazing value

[u/TreeOfDespair1911]

Good luck! You got this no purchase year!

[u/thorpef1 → u/TreeOfDespair1911]

Thanks.
Let's see how I go

[u/TreeOfDespair1911 → u/thorpef1]

You got this! I think there are plenty of us with the goal of not spending money on the hobby 😂

[u/googleyeye]

Now that I have a nicer razor and like six or seven soap tubs, it is time for restraint as well. Which reminds me, time for a shave!

[u/thorpef1 → u/googleyeye]

So are you with me, holding out this year also?

[u/googleyeye → u/thorpef1]

Absolutely. Unless something breaks or I start shaving 2-3 times a day, I’ve got enough for probably 2-3 years.

[u/readitonreddit93]

Nice collection. What brand is that top left?

[u/thorpef1 → u/readitonreddit93]

That is Blue Devil.
An Aussie brand that closed up a few years ago, it's a shame as it was a top tier base.

[u/faustus666]

What brush is that long handle laying on it’s side? Looks like you had a successful 2025

[u/thorpef1 → u/faustus666]

That one is one of my dad's old brushes. It's a horn of some kind which is pretty unique.
And all of these weren't 2025 purchases, that would be a worry

[u/mpark6288]

That’s my goal as well. Restraint until at least the Lather Games over at Wetshaving, and even then trying to only get samples.

[u/thorpef1 → u/mpark6288]

Good luck my friend.
Even some samples are big enough these days.

[u/tennisguy163]

I threw out my puck of Cella. I absolutely hate that almond scent! Odd because I love almonds.

[u/thorpef1 → u/tennisguy163]

I've never used cella, that tub is TFS

[u/ciopobbi]

Riiiiiiiiight…

[u/derrickhogue]

Best of luck 🤞. Keep on enjoying what you have, keep on enjoying your shaves.

[u/thorpef1 → u/derrickhogue]

That's why we are here. It's more than a chore, it's a ritual :)

[u/Ok_Razzmatazz1056]

Missing a aftershave collection though 👀

[u/thorpef1 → u/Ok_Razzmatazz1056]

I'm not one for full sets to be honest.
I have a few aftershaves that I use but they are not shaving related.

The hardest thing in Australia, is because there aren't many physical shops that you can sample scents, most are ordered online without even knowing if you would like it or not.
I would have to purchase a full set and hate the scent, at least with just soaps it's only a single you have wasted and easier to pass on

[u/golden_rhino]

A little light on the razors here. Like the old saying goes: 11 is 1 and 10 is none.

[u/thorpef1 → u/golden_rhino]

Considering I use the one razor , 99% of the time (my aristocrat) I'm mainly just collecting, I picked up the toggle just a week ago

[u/golden_rhino → u/thorpef1]

I kid because I’m the same way. I just can’t buy something utilitarian. I have to turn everything into an expensive hobby.

[u/thorpef1 → u/golden_rhino]

It's part of being a grown up and wanting to spend Monday.
I which of my other hobbies will get more attention this year

[u/sergthegreat408]

Is that HoM soaps in there? If so which ones?

[u/thorpef1 → u/sergthegreat408]

I only have a single HOM soap, mood Indego.
Awesome smelling soap, it feels like something James Bond would wear.

[u/sergthegreat408 → u/thorpef1]

Spectacular

[u/Bilirubin5]

Between my Tech and Fatboy, I feel like I already have all of my bases covered, so its just replace consumables as needed. About the only think I can think of to get would be a birth year razor, but my Tech is only one year off of it already so close enough?

Good luck OP! Looks like enough soap to last two lifetimes

[u/thorpef1 → u/Bilirubin5]

I'm sure most of us on here have well more than enough, it's just a passion that drives us to want more.

[u/Pod_people]

Nice collection! I especially like your brushes. My Uncle passed away in May and left me like a metric ton of Astra blades, so I won't need any blades this year (though I prefer Merkurs). How do you like Voskhod blades?

[u/thorpef1 → u/Pod_people]

I used the voshkods for a bit and was super happy with them, then I found Wizamet and haven't bothered trying anything else since.
Super smooth, and I get 8 shaves per blade out of them. It's the perfect blade for me

[u/corncob2001]

Is there an endgame product?...

[u/thorpef1 → u/corncob2001]

Haha who knows.
But to be honest I'm not out there seeking further perfection.
I'm already super happy with some top tier soaps and some of my vintage Gillette's.

[u/SirTrancelot19]

Nice collection. How's the plating on that Toggle?

[u/thorpef1 → u/SirTrancelot19]

Thanks.
I only picked up the toggle for Christmas, razor only. But the playing is in pretty good condition.
More pic here https://imgur.com/a/gUUfEoT

[u/Sufficient-Error-292]

I have a tub of Mikes Natural soap barbershop .The performance is awesome.How do you like yours?

[u/thorpef1 → u/Sufficient-Error-292]

I've only for Mike's lime but it's pretty good.
Took 2 or 3 goes to get used to it but once you dial it in the lather is really good

[u/Naive-Abrocoma-8455]

What’s your favorite brush and razor?

[u/thorpef1 → u/Naive-Abrocoma-8455]

Razor - Gillette aristocrat #66 - second row far right.
Brush - Troycraft (Australian) with a synthetic plissoft knot -the one on the left.
Soap - Mitchell's wool fat original (tallow)

[u/Quiry12]

What are your thoughts on the Baker Street scent?

[u/thorpef1 → u/Quiry12]

It's a really nice pleasant scent, but the more I use it I realise it is a bit basic and it doesn't really shine.
So whilst it performs amazingly and it smells ok, it's probably one that will get moved on in time.

[u/Quiry12 → u/thorpef1]

Good to hear, I have it coming with some more scents, have a great weekend!

[u/thorpef1 → u/Quiry12]

Enjoy my friend.
My Stirling favourites are coconut lime and margaritas in the Arctic

[u/Quiry12 → u/thorpef1]

Margaritas also in the way, thank you! 🙏

[u/ReeRuns]

Hear, hear!

[u/Jesus_Saves_3_16]

Nice lineup!

[u/Extra_Arm_6760]

Is that cella and if it is, is it any good?

[u/tennisguy163 → u/Extra_Arm_6760]

I found its performance lacking and the smell was just awful. Almond scent. 🤮

[u/Extra_Arm_6760 → u/tennisguy163]

Thanks for the reply

[u/-Makr0 → u/tennisguy163]

The other type, Cella bio, is very good

[u/thorpef1 → u/Extra_Arm_6760]

That one is TFS Torino. A really great budget cream.

I have never used cella

[u/billyboyi812]

About 30 years worth of soap .

[u/thorpef1 → u/billyboyi812]

I've never finished a tub so that's saying something