Thread: An introduction from Alberta

Hey there everyone!

I have been lurking for the last week or so, and I thought I would finally take the plunge and introduce myself. I am a pastor up here in northern Alberta, and I have been looking at trying straight razor shaving for quite a while now. Now, I'm not sure if anyone else on the boards is a minister, but generally speaking the category of "disposable income" is a small one, so I want to get this as right as I can on the first try :-).

I know that some of the simple things (such as the strop and shaving mug/soap) are pretty straight forward, but I had some questions specifically about the brush and the straight razor. I have a fairly coarse beard, and I always maintain some sort of groomed beard (currently a mustache, goatee, and beard following my jawline), so I shave my cheeks and neck regularly (I also shave my head as well, but that may be a discussion for another day .). I'm generally a low-maintenance guy, but I don't mind taking the time to do something right (I'm a pipe smoker too).

So then, here are my questions:
~ What would be a good first razor - grind, point, make, model, etc.? (economy is important, but not at the expense of quality... I'd rather spend more now than be ****ed off later )
~ What is a good place to order from for a Canadian to order from? I know about classicshaving.com, but can anyone recommend someone on this side of the border?

Anyway, thanks in advance for all your help, and I hope I'll get to know you all over the next while.

~M

Your best bet is to check out the selection in the classifieds , plenty of newer and vintage razors that will outlast and out perform the newer and costlier razors for sale at retail. Everybody here has a reputation to protect and are friendlier than can be expected, Ask plenty of questions, check out the threads, especially those aimed at the new people, welcome to SRP!

Welcome to the forums! I also recommend that you purchase your equipment from the classifieds section. You can get quality goods at a fair price from the members here. As for the grind, point, style, etc it's basically a personal preference. As for the make and model, most razors made in Germany, England, France, and Italy are of good quality. Be sure to stay away from any razor made in Pakistan. If you have any other questions we'd be more than happy to help you out.

Welcome aboard!

I believe there is at least one other minister on this forum.
I agree with the others, the best deal for a razor is on the Classifieds. Most vintage razors are of as good of a quality or better than the entry- and mid-level current production razors and can be had at very good price. Often there will be some cosmetic issues (although in some cases brand new razors also have cosmetic problems) but you can always ask the seller questions and for more (or more detailed) pictures. You have been reading for a while now so you probably have a fairly good idea about most basic stuff.

Grind, size and point is fairly subjective, it's really a matter of personal preference. I'd stay in 9/16-6/8 range, full to medium hollow grind and since you have beard to shave around I'd suggest square/spanish point (I like the precision of the spiky end and my first few razors were like this). Many people (me including) find heavier grind to be more forgiving on dullness, i.e. because of the extra weight and the stiffer blade I can tollerate duller razor if it were medium hollow grind than it it were extra hollow type razor. But with a sharp edge and a good technique, the extra hollows give fantastic shaves.

There are two approaches to the razor selection (1) pick few inexpensive razors to start and find out what you like and in 6-12 months once you figure out your preferences replace them with what you like best (2) get one of the best razors out there (you certainly have heard few highly regarded brands, but feel free to PM me for my favorites) and perfect using it. Both ways work just fine and the budget will be about the same.

As far as brush goes, again it ends up being a matter of preference. I've tried probably 15 different brushes and I have narrowed it to two that I like best (they are not cheap). A $5 boar bristle brush from your local convenience store will do the job, although it may loose its hairs in few months, or you can spend hundreds for visually striking brush with the rarest of badger hair set in beautiful horn or ivory handle... or you can get something in between. Some brushes are very soft and luxurious, others are stiffer and somewhat scritchy, which could be a nice exfolliating benefit... it's a whole world out there.

You'll probably get more recommendations soon.

Welcome to the forum Sir. I hope you have a great time here. I see the other Gents have given you some really good advice already.

This is one of the most helpful and friendliest forums I have ever been in and there is no such thing as a stupid question.

Happy shaving!

First off, welcome to the board. As an Albertan I felt the urge to say “hi.” Do you mind my asking where in N. Alberta you are? I have run equipment in a number of the towns and spent a few years in McMurray. If that is where you are then I know how much your services are needed (actually, almost any place up there has quite a few challenges facing the community and youth in particular- it is just the drugs in that town and the number of lonely displaced people seems to breed misery.)

Come to think of it, I enjoy a puff or two on a pipe every now and then as well. Cavendish and Moores in Calgary used to have a few ministers and priests who would sit in their comfortable chairs and light up.

Anyhow, on to shaving, after all, I assume that is the reason you are here. If you are maintaining some facial hair then I would recommend something with a spike point. It is a little more tricky to get the hang of and you may need your styptic pencil a few times with the vicious end, but it will allow you to leave the hair you want left and take the hair you want gone.(yes, any razor will allow that- but if leaving hair I prefer a more obvious edge. Now, if you look on the classifieds section right now you will find a seller wanting to get rid of a double duck satinedge. A dd is perhaps a little over hyped (just do a quick search on this site), but it is sought after and for good reason. It is listed as shave ready and I have no reason to think that it would not be a razor that you would keep in rotation through your old age- the price is good and he will ship internationally. If that does not suit you then there will be other good razors (many of the ones listed for half as much as the DD will shave every bit as well as the DD but will have plain black scales. If you don't mind black then I would encourage you to save a little $$$)

I will agree with the general advice so far that the classifieds are a good place to start and while most members are not in Canada shipping is still very reasonable when shipped USPS. If you buy new you are likely to need it honed anyhow.

That will take care of the razor, but you will still be short a little equipment. If you do a search for “the well shaved gentleman” or Tony Miller you will find that he produces a good quality strop for a very reasonable price (his apprentice model is around $30.) You can go up from there depending on your budget.

Finally with regards to the brush... yes, an expensive brush would be nice. Any brush will do, but I am getting the feeling that you are not looking to buy the drugstore brush only to have to upgrade later. In many ways you get what you pay for and a larger knot and a denser brush and a better quality badger are going to cost you. Having said that, a pretty good brush that will satisfy you until you yearn for the buffalo horn handled silver tip badger will likely run around $30 and can be had at menessentials.com in addition to any of the places that advertise on banners here. I only mention that place because they are in Canada (Ontario I believe.) Now for the disclaimer... I have never ordered from them and do not know how their service or products are. I do not know if you are wanting to avoid the U.S retailers because of past problems but I have not had any problems. Just make sure that it is not shipped UPS and you should be fine- all of them I am certain have shipped to Canada and know what they are doing. I hate UPS because of the fees (you know, the $50 brokerage fee, the $20 customs fee and the $30 because we can charge whatever we want- we have your parcel fee.)

Just one final thought before I wrap up the novel- buy a good size mug or small bowl if you are going to use cream. I thought for quiet awhile that I was doing well with a smaller mug that I loved but it was not giving the brush enough room to whip up a good lather. I actually have switched to a small pyrex glass bowl that I leave in a larger bowl of hot water while I shave... volia- instant scuttle (and if I get desperate for a clean mixing bowl and clean serving bowl I need look no further than my washroom.)

Well, good luck finding the equipment you need.

I am from Edmonton and just recently decided to trade up from my Mach 3 to something a little more civilized. I have been trying to accumulate the nessecities of DE shaving for a little over 2 weeks now and think I have it mostly under control now.

Razors:
I've been lucky with the local antique mall. I got a '53 Gillette Tech, a '53 Gillette Adjustable (both DE shavers) and a Boker Edelweiss. I paid $25 for the Tech, $5 for the adjustable and $35 for the Boker.

Soaps/Cremes:
I have noticed that some Shoppers Drug Marts carry Proraso. Otherwise there are a couple of Crabtree and Evelyn's in Edmonton.

Brush:
I got the C&E Best Badger. It is $50 north of the border.

I haven't gotten anything for my straight yet (not even honed).

Momentum Grooming is in Vancouver. I was there last weekend and they were pretty helpful.

Any honemeisters in Western Canada?

Thanks everyone for all their help: you've all be fantastic. I should be well on my way!

dolf: I'm in Athabasca, which has sort of turned into a bedroom community for Ft. Mac in the last few years, so I know exactly what you mean. And thanks for the advice on the DIYU scuttle... I think I could probably whip something like that up - great idea.

dnjrboy: The antique mall is indeed a goldmine... I've been there more than a few times. As far as Proraso, I know that the Italian Centre Shop on 95th St. and about 109 Ave. usually has TONS of variety, but the collection I have been most happy with is the Shoppers on the north side of St. Albert (the brand new one). They have a very respectable shaving supply section.

Welcome to SRP, Merit! I'm in Calgary myself, and most of the purchases I make are
through classicshaving.com and vintagebladesllc.com, as well as leesrazors.com. I
think fendrihan.com is a Canadian online retailer, and although a few of my friends
have purchased from them I have not thus far.

I'd also be happy to hone any razors you fellow Canucks would send, but with Canada
Post as it is it would probably cost the same in shipping to Ohio.

Regards,

- Scott

Merit, which antique mall are you going too? I have gone to both of the ones on Gateway Blvd, and have had more luck with the one by the Home Depot (got all my razors there, much cheaper).

I have a bunch of shave stuf now, probably a year or two's worth of shave soap now. But, I am always on the hunt for new shave stuff. I look for it every where I go. I'll have to check out that Shoppers next time I am in St. Albert. I work pretty close to the Italian Center, so I think I will hit that sometime this week.

Thanks for the heads up.