Thread: From Toronto

Hi All,

I am new to the forum and relatively new to Straight Shaving, although I purchased my first and only razor (a new Dovo Micarta SS 5/8") three years ago.

I shaved right out of the box a few times and it gave a good shave, then it started pulling so I put it away (although it was always at the back of my mind as I've always had a fascination with sharp objects... )

It wasn't until recently that I discovered this forum, and decided to revive my blade by getting myself a Norton and trying to my hand at honing.

As I am still new to honing I don't have a truly sharp razor, however given my non-tough facial hair I am able to get a decent and comfortable shave out of it regardless, and now that is all I am using.

So here are my newbie questions.

1. I've read that SS blades are harder to sharpen than Carbon Steel and I was wondering how true this is, and if I should buy a non SS blade to see if I can improve my 'luck'.

2. Where I can get a (relatively) cheap pre-honed straight that I can guage my standards against, or if anyone in Canada provides a honing service (I'm worried about customs if going to the US).

3. If anyone in the Toronto area knows of some local dealers of shaving supplies? I have almost all I need but would like to expand my horizons without paying extra shipping and duties. As well I would like to get a badger brush as I am currently using a Wilkinson Sword Boar Brush (from Wallmart if you would believe it!).

Thanks all for your time and dedication to straight shaving, with the way society has become so obsessed with making things easier, faster and disposable, it is great to see people trying to slow down and enjoy life's little pleasures.

You have a great thing going with this forum!


Ivan

Welcome to the forums, always nice to have another Torontonian shaver around

I can't say from experience how much more difficult SS blades are too hone than carbon steel, but I understand that they take an extra touch to get there. If I'm not mistaken, they'll also hold they're edge longer than a carbon steel blade of the same hardness.

I am also in toronto and could sell you a shave ready straight, or, I could hone up the one you have. There are also some others who hone razors as well, Lynn (adjustme69) is probably most people's choice. I wouldn't worry about customs confiscating anything, I've shipped and recieved dozens of razors to and from the states without and problems. You might get bit for some extra fees, but I've never had that happen.

As far as stuff in Toronto goes, there's a Truefitt and Hill in scotia plaza (www.truefittandhill.ca). There's also some crabtree and evelyns around, one in sherway. There's also a pharmacy in my neck of the woods at 666 burnhamthorpe in etobicoke that sells various proraso products if you're interested in those. Can't think of anything else off the top of my head, but I'm sure there's more around too.

Crabtree and evelyn sells many different badger brushes, a tad pricey though IMO. There's also Matt (Shavethebadger) on our forums who specializes in creating custom brushes that are truly works of art. I'm not sure if he's still busy with other matters though.

That covers it for now. There's a few other members from toronto, and I'm sure they'll have some usefull advice as well.

Toronto really is becoming a hub of straight shaving activity and you should take advantage of all the Hogtowners who offer assistance. Matt's in Guelph I think and I recommend his brushes. You may want to get the Crabtree & Evelyn Edwin Jagger Best Badger Brush as a starter since it's economical ($55CDN?), but For a few dollars more, Matt can make a brush to your specifications that is a real gem. Wet shaving can be accomplished without a brush with products like Lush Ambrosia until you're all set. I still use it on the road so I dont have to cart the brush and bowl, yada yada ...

You really do want to get yourself a few eBay specials to practice your honing on and get a honemeister to sharpen that SS for you the first time so you'll know what a shaving edge should feel like. If you've been using that razor staright out of the box I suspect you'll be amazed at the quality of shave that's possible.
Tony Miller's got the best strops on the planet too. Even his starters are just brilliant.

Nice to see you here.

X

Hi Ivan, and welcome to the SRP.

Your razor is very good one. It was also my first one, and they are tough to hone initially. I have put it aside, got other razors, learned the craft of honing, and returned to it almost one year later...

Nenad

Welcome aboard Ivan. There are a couple of us in Toronto. If you want a shave-ready work of art, talk to Jason. His scales are sublime. I'll be coming up with a few pieces for sale as well but not things of beauty like what Jason's selling (been on vacation and then I had some other duties when I got back). Another option is to buy from one of our US members. They have great rates that include shipping. Josh Earl has been creating a huge buzz these days.
I've been using that Edwin Jagger brush that I bought @ Crabtree and Evelyn @ Sherway and getting great results with it. Colleen sells great soaps that she makes, but she's operating out of the US. They're worth the wait (I have like a 3 year supply of those puppies).

Thanks for all of the speedy replies.

I was at CT&E at the Eaton Center yesterday and saw their brushes, very nice but I also thought they were a bit pricey in general, although I did buy a nice Sweet Almond Oil shave soap.

FiReSTaRT can you tell me who Jason is and how I can browse his products or contact him. As well, ToxIk is there anyway to see what your selling?

Thank

Ivan

Ivan,
The $55 brush is still a decent deal for a starter. A really cheap option would be to order a Tweezerman for $15 shipped (quite a few of those on flea bay). Later on, if you decide to invest in a good piece, you can still use it as a traveller.
You just answered your question. Jason = Toxik (Jason, I'd hate to say "I told you so," but... I told you so ) To take a look at some of his past restoration projects, just click on the "My razor pix" link in his signature. Make sure you have a beach towel handy to collect the drool.

Wow!
Nice stuff, I especially like the carbon fiber. (I think I may be getting myself a second straight soon)

I figured ToxIk was Jason but I wasn't sure so I aksed...

Yep, Jason's my name, don't wear it out If you like the carbon fibre, you just may be in luck. I put up the 4/8 henckels in carbon fibre for sale a while ago, but there were no takers. It doesn't carry the weight of a normal 5/8 blade, but since you said you have non-tough hair (as I do), this blade should do nicely.
If you want her, she's all yours for the same $75 as originally asked, honed up and shave ready. Shoot me a PM if you're interested.

hey, im actually from newmarket and im pretty new to the whole stright shaving thing too so i wont be THAT much of a help! altough i can tell you that i was in truefitt and hill in the scotia plaza and advise not to waste your time due to the fact that they had no clue about where to get a straight and what to look for!! (the female who i was talking about said that she hadnt sold a straight in 4 years)...anyways, she put me onto her supplier who is actually in markham heres the site: http://www.perma-trading.com/product...subcategory=49
although its quite overpriced if you have a look!! also, im intersted in picking up a new stright myself, if you have any luck with the guys in the gta let me know!!