Welcome from Ontario. You live in a beautiful part of the country.

The Canadian contingent at SRP will likely be along to welcome you in full as time passes. We have folks from coast to coast to coast.

Steve’s suggestion about getting a true shave ready razor from BST here is a good one. It’s the only way you will be able to establish a benchmark for what shave ready can mean.

He is also right on about getting a decent strop. There is no question that you will slice your first strop while developing your stropping technique and muscle memory, so don’t spend a lot on your first one. You can often pick up a decent used strop from ETSY or eBay for not too much, but buyer beware!

You will need a 1000-1500 grit stone to set a bevel properly. I have no experience with the novaculite, but I know they come in different grits, so you should let us know what variety you have. A picture will help. There are a lot of SRP members who swear by their Arkansas stones, so you will have an expert base to consult.

I suggest you visit Paul’s Finest https://www.paulsfinest.com/. He’s in the Maritimes and ships within a day of placing the order. He also has some of the lowest prices in Canada for good quality stones.

Read the introductory info on the SRP home page about stropping and honing. It will give you a good headstart.

Sad to hear about the passing of Gordon Pinsent, a true Newfoundlander and a proud Canadian. I’m sure the province is in mourning.