I started out with blades, starting with #1.
These days some 60 years later, I still play real blades, but alas without the #1 and the #2 irons.
I hit the 74-mark and am not so competitive any more - just playing for fun and recreation - and maintaining a hcp of 16 - so I've had and still got a good life - and without any hybrids, but with a 9 degree driver and a real #2 wood - yessir - a brassie.
Golf is a disease - and there is, thankfully, no remedy!