A stiff neck from 10 hours on the road is a real problem, so I get why that towel hit different for him. But I'd bet money the towel wasn't the only thing he came back for. Most guys stick with a barber because they like the cut and the person, the towel just makes the whole thing feel better.

My uncle warned me about this exact thing, he said old wood dries out and the joints go soft. He still checks every used piece he buys by putting his weight on each corner. That tonearm break hurts just to read about.

Small trips win. Bulk buying only works if you actually cook what you buy, and most of us don't. Grab what you need for three or four days and the fridge stays usable.