Thread: Canadian noob seeks guidance

Hi all.
Until recently I (like most guys) looked upon shaving as a chore, but not any more. I'm actually excited about it. I can't remember what it was that turned me onto the idea of straight shaving, if it was something I saw on tv, or read about, or maybe just a whim, but whatever it was I'm hooked on the idea... and I don't even have a razor yet! Which is where you fine gents come in (I hope!) I've been reading the forums and browsing the classifieds here for a few days and I've come across some great advice but I still don't feel 100 percent confident in making my first razor purchase. I've also been keeping my eye on ebay but that place is always a gamble no matter what you're looking for, which is why I've decided my best bet is probably the classifieds right here. You guys really seem like a knowledgeable and honest group, I'm so happy that Lynn took it upon himself to start this place. Anyway, for my first straight I'm only looking to spend somewhere in the 50 to 70 dollar range. I want to make sure that straight shaving really is for me before I start drpopping any serious money on it (though from what I've read by other converts, I'll make the switch and never go back!). So I was wondering if any of you had a few spare moments, you wouldn't mind taking a quick look through the classies and let me know what you think would make a good first all-round shaver. I'd be eternally grateful! Anyway guys, sorry for the "wall of text", but it was great to finally send a message out to you folks and let you know how greatful us newbies are for all your guidance. Hope to be able to let you guys know how my first shave went soon. Take care!
-Jeff

Hi Jeff!

Welcome to SRP and congratulations for finding your voice and posting. I only have one razor at the moment and it is a 5/8 straight point, half hollow ground. It is quite light and easy to use. Though I do love my straight I am keen to get a few more so I can start comparing points and grinds.

All of the Gents here have a big reputation to live up to so any purchase you make on our classified section will be trouble free and genuine. I know there are a few Canadians amongst us, who will no doubt reply to you when they log in next.

Have an awesome day and enjoy your stay.

Silver - One of the fine Ladies on the forum.

Hi, Jeff. I just trolled the classifieds a few days ago and in all honesty I can say that all those blades are good for a n00b. I believe I was coveting a W&B for about $70 myself. If that's still available you sure could do a lot worse. Just look through and find something that catches your eye, or speaks to you as I like to think of it. It's just the first. you can switch it off if you don't like it later. Some of the more expensive blades are the bigger ones or the more collectible ones so don't get sucked into that trap just yet. There's plenty of time for that down the road.

You'll need a strop too. Visit The Well Shaved Gentleman, Heirloom Razor Strop Company, Straight Razor Shaving Supplier and see if Tony has anything available. Even his cheapest strop is a work of art and the best value for your money out of the gate. Other great buys can be had from time to time too.

Feel free to PM me if you want. I live in Van if it's convenient and can usually spare a little time to show a new guy the ropes.

Welcome aboard!

X

Originally Posted by xman

Hi, Jeff. I just trolled the classifieds a few days ago and in all honesty I can say that all those blades are good for a n00b. I believe I was coveting a W&B for about $70 myself. If that's still available you sure could do a lot worse. Just look through and find something that catches your eye, or speaks to you as I like to think of it. It's just the first. you can switch it off if you don't like it later. Some of the more expensive blades are the bigger ones or the more collectible ones so don't get sucked into that trap just yet. There's plenty of time for that down the road.

You'll need a strop too. Visit The Well Shaved Gentleman, Heirloom Razor Strop Company, Straight Razor Shaving Supplier and see if Tony has anything available. Even his cheapest strop is a work of art and the best value for your money out of the gate. Other great buys can be had from time to time too.

Feel free to PM me if you want. I live in Van if it's convenient and can usually spare a little time to show a new guy the ropes.

Welcome aboard!

X

+1 regarding X's comments. I would highly recommend that you get your first razor honed by a honemeister if it does not come that way. If it is shave ready, you should be able to maintain the edge for several months (at least) using just a strop. If you want something to touch up the blade, I would suggest a yellow coticule hone. Howard at The Perfect Edge has a good selection and reasonable prices.

I will agree with what has been said- pick the one you like. For me, I think there was a nice dovo with some good looking scales (I, personally have always loved tortoise scales- and while imitation these looked very nice) awhile back and I noticed a couple of henckels as well I have never owned a dovo but always meant to while I love the two henclels I own- both are in the rotation. Picking a razor that is clean and has scales that are esthetically pleasing to you may allow you to put off the inevitable purchase of your second razor for awhile.

Another Canadian, welcome. Seeing as Canada is a big place where abouts are you from, I'm in the Kitchener/Waterloo area in southern Ontario.

I too am new to Straight Razors, been a DE shaver for a little over a year. I've found the transition from DE to straight pretty easy so far. There's lots of good sources of shaving gear and I've found them all to be very helpful so far.

Hey guys. Thanks for all the helpful replies. I ended up getting English's Gotta 5/8" that some of you may have seen in the classifieds. I'm in the process of ordering Lynn's dvd (although it's going to end up costing me about $40 with shipping to Canada lol) so I can pick up a few pro tips and other useful info. Tomorrow I'm going to visit Tony's shop and sort out a strop, I think I'm probably going to go with the Apprentice for now. I've already got myself a bowl of proraso and I've got my eye on a half-decent brush that's only about 15 bucks at a local pharmacy, I'll upgrade when I learn more about them. I'm working a nightshift at the hospital tonight and it's pretty slow, so I'm going to spend some time browsing the links for pre and post shave products. I can't believe how much I'm looking forward to this. If only I could find a way to combine it with my other hobby, mountain biking. Not "bloody" likely.
Thanks again guys, and take care.
-Jeff

*edit* BTW Hutch, relatively speaking I'm not too far from you. I'm in Kingston, ON. Good to hear from another Ontario Canuck!