Thread: Anyone from Minneapolis/Saint Paul?

I'm getting sick of getting most of my supplies over the net. Are there any good places to get higher end or foreign shaving goodies locally?

I haven't had the pleasure of going yet, but I have heard that Hess has shaving supplies. Google Maps info:

Hess Hair Milk Laboratories Inc
1911 Rice St
St Paul, MN 55113
(651) 488-7261

Good Luck!

Zac

Here is an interesting post for anyone curious about the history of Hess. It is the 2nd one.

Originally Posted by HarrisonFan

I haven't had the pleasure of going yet, but I have heard that Hess has shaving supplies. Google Maps info:

Hess Hair Milk Laboratories Inc
1911 Rice St
St Paul, MN 55113
(651) 488-7261

Good Luck!

Zac

That place is almost walking distance for me, I bought my only new straight there (Dovo best quality). It's now mostly warehouse/distribution center with no browsing.

Marvy supply is pretty good, they have the Master line of aftershave and the full Pinaud line, plus Derby and Dorco DE blades, some Omega brushes as well.

I can't find any sources for higher quality soap or creams locally except for the rebranded Proraso at Bath and Body works. I've started checking out international grocery stores with no luck so far.

Randy and I have been the Hess at different times. I believe the youngest that posted in the link you had, Jimmy, is Roger.

They really don't have much for shaving supplies. Randy can give more details, but some years back IIRC Randy was fortunate enough and persistent/persuasive enough to buy a remaining lot of Hess straight razors which I believe he sold all but what he kept.

Hess still has some small (approx 2"x4") soft white very porous Arkansas hones (very coarse) at the location. No soaps or creams, no strops, etc.

Razors?.........Ok here's the scoop my SRP bretheren and sisteren: Roger told me last Fall that he actually was going to get an order of 5/8 round point hollow ground razors from Germany sometime in Feb 2009. I did not check back, but Randy did IIRC. I'll PM Randy and have him comment. Before you get your hopes up that there will be a new supply of cracked ice Hess stainless three pin beauties or the like, not a chance. Low end entry straight razors is my understanding.

Chris L

I telephoned and got the answering machine. I have a Hess so I am okay on that front. I was mainly interested in finding out who made their razors back years ago. Did you or Randy ever get any info on that ?

I've sent a note to Randy asking him to add to this post. He must be out at the moment. I didn't get the feeling in talking to Roger (I'm 99.99% sure that was his name) in person that he was knowledgeable on those details.

Chris L

Bob Marvy @ the Wm. Marvy Co. told me he also sells straight razors, but does not have them on display - you need to go in and ask for them.

Ah, Bruce; until us MN guys who are capable of making a stop at the actual store to inspect the razor wares and determine whether or not we have prime razors available at good prices, we should be tight lipped about it. Just deserts and finders first and all. I can hear the worldwide collective of keyboards smoking from friction as they attempt to find the Marvy phone number!

Chris L

Originally Posted by Bruce

Bob Marvy @ the Wm. Marvy Co. told me he also sells straight razors, but does not have them on display - you need to go in and ask for them.

I think they sell Dovo "Best Quality" and Fromm razors, at least as of 2 weeks ago.

Maybe I need a secret password or handshake to see the good stuff