New member from Ontario, Canada.

Hello everyone,

I'm new to all this but I've been lurking the forums here and at badgerandblade brushing up on my knowledge up until now. For the better part of my life I've been using cartridge razors and goop in a can but recently I've been made aware of the world of straight razors. I always thought it was a thing of the past, but I find myself increasingly drawn to the idea of using a straight razor.

I've never owned a straight but recently made my first purchase on eBay. A vintage Giesen & Forsthoff Adoration 666. I also purchased a few gold dollars. I plan on learning all I can about the restoration process and bringing the Adoration back to life. The gold dollars will be for me to practice honing, as I'm not so worried about messing up while working on them.

I am eager to learn all I can from these forums and I look forward to speaking with members here, I can see there is a ton of very knowledgeable people on this forum and wealth of material to learn from.

Any advise/sources/literature I can get from any of you would be great.

To break the ice here is an interesting fact about me: I'm 26, I've got 5 kids (ages: 2,3,5,6,7) and another one on the way.

Cheers.

Also here is a few pictures of the straight I've purchased, the pictures are from the eBay posting. Once I have it in my hands I will post better pictures:

Attachment 136407Attachment 136408Attachment 136409

Welcome,
Depending on your location there may be someone local to get that razor up and shaving for you.
I stopped at two kids, but if I had the room I would have 10 more.
Eric

Welcome blackout!

As Eric said, there are quite a few of us kicking around Ontario here at SRP who would be more than happy to give you a hand. Just a heads-up if you're in SW Ont, Mike (Mcbladescar) is looking to host a meetup in Sept:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/get-t...o-meet-up.html

If you can ever make it to a meetup, you'll not only meet a great bunch of folks, you'll have the chance to learn more in an afternoon than you otherwise would in months. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by epd

Welcome,
Depending on your location there may be someone local to get that razor up and shaving for you.
I stopped at two kids, but if I had the room I would have 10 more.
Eric

---

Thanks Eric, I was hoping to find someone local or even within Ontario who I could bring or ship the razor to. I am also considering taking the time and doing the restoration myself but I don't want to screw it up at all. I think it's safer if I take it to someone. Two is a good number, 5 can be a hand full as you can probably imagine. But I wouldn't change it for the world.

Cheers.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cangooner

Welcome blackout!

As Eric said, there are quite a few of us kicking around Ontario here at SRP who would be more than happy to give you a hand. Just a heads-up if you're in SW Ont, Mike (Mcbladescar) is looking to host a meetup in Sept:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/get-t...o-meet-up.html

If you can ever make it to a meetup, you'll not only meet a great bunch of folks, you'll have the chance to learn more in an afternoon than you otherwise would in months. :)

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Cangooner, thanks for the welcome and also for letting me know about the SW Ont meet. I wish I could make it as it would be a great experience and a great way to meet some members and introduce myself, but I don't know if I would be able to make it out to the location they have chosen, it's quite the distance. I'll keep my eyes open and hopefully there will be a meet a little bit closer to home.

Do you happen to know anyone within Ontario that offers restoration services?

Cheers.

I hear you. Personally I think it was very inconsiderate of Mike to live that far from me as well. :rofl2: Keep an eye on that Get Togethers and Meetings section of the forum as you never know when there might be one near you.

I know of at least one *excellent* restorer in Ontario, but I don't think he is currently taking in any restores. I'll let you know if I hear differently from him. Otherwise, take a look at the Member Services section of the classifieds here:

Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

You won't go wrong with any of those fine gents.

Plan B, if you're good working with your hands, is to do what I did: teach yourself how to do it. For that, you'll want to start here:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wers-here.html

Read all you can, and feel free to ask loads of questions.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cangooner

I hear you. Personally I think it was very inconsiderate of Mike to live that far from me as well. :rofl2: Keep an eye on that Get Togethers and Meetings section of the forum as you never know when there might be one near you.

I know of at least one *excellent* restorer in Ontario, but I don't think he is currently taking in any restores. I'll let you know if I hear differently from him. Otherwise, take a look at the Member Services section of the classifieds here:

Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

You won't go wrong with any of those fine gents.

Plan B, if you're good working with your hands, is to do what I did: teach yourself how to do it. For that, you'll want to start here:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wers-here.html

Read all you can, and feel free to ask loads of questions.

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That's great. I appreciate the links. Any bit of info will help. I think I'm going to practice on the gold dollars before I attempt to restore the vintage. I would rather get that one done professionally as its my first straight and I want it done right. Once I've procured enough knowledge and experience then I will attempt some vintage restore's.

I will be reading and practicing all I can and I'm sure I will come up with lots of questions. Thanks again Cangooner. Much appreciated.

Welcome to SRP. So Blackout where are you in Ontario?

What is your location blackout?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TrilliumLT

Welcome to SRP. So Blackout where are you in Ontario?

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That was strange, Colin.
Haha

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TrilliumLT

Welcome to SRP. So Blackout where are you in Ontario?

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Located in Milton, Ontario.

Hey Blackout !
You're not so far!
Colin is in TO (along with quite a few others)
Eric is in Orillia
Andrew I believe is in Cambridge
That Cangooner though he's way out there :)
You'd have a great time looking over razors and honing at the meet.
Maybe you can hook a ride/
Mike

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mcbladescar

Hey Blackout !
You're not so far!
Colin is in TO (along with quite a few others)
Eric is in Orillia
Andrew I believe is in Cambridge
That Cangooner though he's way out there :)
You'd have a great time looking over razors and honing at the meet.
Maybe you can hook a ride/
Mike

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I agree, not far at all. Im exactly twice as far away!
If you need a ride im coming through your way.

Eric

Great to see another Ontario guy! Welcome to SRP Blackout!

I'm halfway between kitchener and Stratford on the 7/8 highway. It's a growing little town being taken over by the city folk. I convinced one to Mary me and live there. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mcbladescar

Hey Blackout !
You're not so far!
Colin is in TO (along with quite a few others)
Eric is in Orillia
Andrew I believe is in Cambridge
That Cangooner though he's way out there :)
You'd have a great time looking over razors and honing at the meet.
Maybe you can hook a ride/
Mike

---

Hey Mike, I'll see what I can do. Hopefully I can make it out it would e great to meet everyone. Did you decide which date. Thanks for the invite.

Cheers.
Kevan

Quote:

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Originally Posted by epd

I agree, not far at all. Im exactly twice as far away!
If you need a ride im coming through your way.

Eric

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Eric, thanks very much for the offer. I'll keep you posted, if I can make it out it may be easier for us to carpool. I'll of course pay for gas.

Cheers.
Kevan

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

Great to see another Ontario guy! Welcome to SRP Blackout!

I'm halfway between kitchener and Stratford on the 7/8 highway. It's a growing little town being taken over by the city folk. I convinced one to Mary me and live there. :)

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Harywally, thanks for the welcome. And I know what you mean about city folk taking over, Milton used to be a small and quiet town now there's just too many people here. I'm actually considering moving to Alliston or Orillia or somewhere around that area. Congrats on snagging one for marriage though.

Cheers.
Kevan

I just want to thank everyone who has welcomed me so far. This has by far been the best welcoming I've received on any forum I've joined. Everyone here seems so genuine and kind. It's much appreciated coming from a newbie like myself. I look forward to gaining a wealth of knowledge and a few friends along the way.

kevan,You'll have a great time, learn some things and meet some very cool guys :)
I'm personally leaning towards the 14th because the 21st is only a week before Rick's wedding
Mike

Welcome to the most friendly, helpful and informative site on the web!!

You will find members here of all different backgrounds, ages and occupations from all corners of the world and all with a quest for more knowledge about using and maintaining a straight razor!

One side effect that I’ve encountered is the friends that I’ve made! One in particular is pinklather, while we live about 500 miles away from each other and have only met in person once we have developed a wonderful relationship! We’ve exchanged razors, tested each others honing and done business together as a team several times.

We’ve also ‘been there’ for each other when we’ve lost a parent. The emails are pretty much daily and phone or Skype calls are very frequent.

I’ve got a few mates across the big ponds, two down under and one in the UK. I’ve been helping a young man in India with getting started down the road to a new/old way and better way of shaving. It’s really been a joy to help him.

I just sent a razor back to a young man in Ontario that I cleaned up and honed for him. He’s in Rideau Ferry. He’s on base right now and won’t get to see or try it until this coming Tuesday. It will be his first straight razor shave. I’m looking forward to hearing how it goes!

As far as your razor goes, you can clean it up a bit with some Mothers Mag Wheel Polish. It won’t make it look like new, but I think that it’s a good place to start. You will be surprised what a little crumpled newspaper an old t-shirt and elbow grease will do!

If you’d like, I’ll hone it for you for free. It will only cost you shipping to the States and back.

If you’d like some references I’ll provide them.

Also PM me and I’ll tell you the Pro Restorer and Honer of my preference. He does really nice work and I find the fees reasonable!

Anyway, Welcome!

Hi - welcome!

The Classic Shaving Edge is an online SR store located in Stoney Creek, Ontario. Phil can restore, hone your razor, as well as having a great on-line store, including your wire razor stand - just search and you'll find it...have bought all my razors and supplies from them and there great. My Thiers-Izzard Spartacus and Flying Eagle Razors are superb! So fine I have even't used them yet. Using the DOVO 5/8th that came with the starter kit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cudarunner

Welcome to the most friendly, helpful and informative site on the web!!

You will find members here of all different backgrounds, ages and occupations from all corners of the world and all with a quest for more knowledge about using and maintaining a straight razor!

One side effect that I’ve encountered is the friends that I’ve made! One in particular is pinklather, while we live about 500 miles away from each other and have only met in person once we have developed a wonderful relationship! We’ve exchanged razors, tested each others honing and done business together as a team several times.

We’ve also ‘been there’ for each other when we’ve lost a parent. The emails are pretty much daily and phone or Skype calls are very frequent.

I’ve got a few mates across the big ponds, two down under and one in the UK. I’ve been helping a young man in India with getting started down the road to a new/old way and better way of shaving. It’s really been a joy to help him.

I just sent a razor back to a young man in Ontario that I cleaned up and honed for him. He’s in Rideau Ferry. He’s on base right now and won’t get to see or try it until this coming Tuesday. It will be his first straight razor shave. I’m looking forward to hearing how it goes!

As far as your razor goes, you can clean it up a bit with some Mothers Mag Wheel Polish. It won’t make it look like new, but I think that it’s a good place to start. You will be surprised what a little crumpled newspaper an old t-shirt and elbow grease will do!

If you’d like, I’ll hone it for you for free. It will only cost you shipping to the States and back.

If you’d like some references I’ll provide them.

Also PM me and I’ll tell you the Pro Restorer and Honer of my preference. He does really nice work and I find the fees reasonable!

Anyway, Welcome!

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Cudarunner, where do I start? Thank you so much for all the info you've given me. I can see this is a true "community", not just a message board. I hope to also gain the friendships and experience like you have gained being a part of this community. When you tell me you are going as far as helping people in another part of the globe it shows your true colours. I would, without any hesitation, send you my vintage adoration for honing once the restoration is completed. You seem like yet another stand up character.

This forum looks like it will be a great place to meet and make longtime friends and I am glad to be a part of it. I hope someday I will be able to help others like you have.

I also appreciate you sharing who you use for a professional restorer. I will pm you.

Cheers.
Kevan

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phrank

Hi - welcome!

The Classic Shaving Edge is an online SR store located in Stoney Creek, Ontario. Phil can restore, hone your razor, as well as having a great on-line store, including your wire razor stand - just search and you'll find it...have bought all my razors and supplies from them and there great. My Thiers-Izzard Spartacus and Flying Eagle Razors are superb! So fine I have even't used them yet. Using the DOVO 5/8th that came with the starter kit.

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Phrank, thanks very much for the info. I think I've heard about Classic Shaving Edge. I will definitely check them out. I plan on keeping my first razor and using it very rarely. It will be the start of my collection. I will probably pick up a Dovo or Thiers Issard for my day-to-day use.

Cheers.
Kevan

"Cudarunner, where do I start"?

You've already got your foot in the door/you've already started down the path! You have started! Enjoy the ride!

I'll send you a PM with my address and some references.

I'll also clean it up for you no charge! The razor that I did for your countryman came out nice. As I said, I'll clean it up, I'm not a restorer! I do believe that you will be pleased!

After you get it back you can make up your mind if you want to spend the money to have it fully restored by the Pro I prefer!

One thing that many Newbies don't think about is whether or not sticking with a straight is something for them! I highly encourage those that are wanting to get into this art to spend the least they can so that if they decide that it's not for them, they aren't out a lot of money and only have some display pieces.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cudarunner

"Cudarunner, where do I start"?

You've already got your foot in the door/you've already started down the path! You have started! Enjoy the ride!

I'll send you a PM with my address and some references.

I'll also clean it up for you no charge! The razor that I did for your countryman came out nice. As I said, I'll clean it up, I'm not a restorer! I do believe that you will be pleased!

After you get it back you can make up your mind if you want to spend the money to have it fully restored by the Pro I prefer!

One thing that many Newbies don't think about is whether or not sticking with a straight is something for them! I highly encourage those that are wanting to get into this art to spend the least they can so that if they decide that it's not for them, they aren't out a lot of money and only have some display pieces.

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Cuda, I've sent you a pm. I'm willing to spend whatever it takes to have this razor fully restored. I guarantee that even if I don't stick with shaving with a straight(which I'm sure I will) I will definitely be a collector. I like everything about straights and the history that goes along with them.

Cheers.
Kevan

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blackout

Cuda, I've sent you a pm. I'm willing to spend whatever it takes to have this razor fully restored. I guarantee that even if I don't stick with shaving with a straight(which I'm sure I will) I will definitely be a collector. I like everything about straights and the history that goes along with them.

Cheers.
Kevan

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Here's a little history for you:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...ered-horn.html

My son had taken up the art of shaving with a straight razor at age 17. He was the first man to use his Great Great Grandfather's straight razor in about 100 years!

Is it a great shaver? NO! But it's a nice shaver! I do use it on occasion.

I wouldn't have spent the money that I did to have a razor brought back to life if it wasn't an Heirloom!!

Always keep in mind your priorities! Family comes First! Razors and such can sit on the back burner!:tu :tu :tu

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cudarunner

Here's a little history for you:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...ered-horn.html

My son had taken up the art of shaving with a straight razor at age 17. He was the first man to use his Great Great Grandfather's straight razor in about 100 years!

Is it a great shaver? NO! But it's a nice shaver! I do use it on occasion.

I wouldn't have spent the money that I did to have a razor brought back to life if it wasn't an Heirloom!!

Always keep in mind your priorities! Family comes First! Razors and such can sit on the back burner!:tu :tu :tu

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I like hearing stories like this. The fact that it was a hierloom makes it that much more special. Also great to hear that someone as young as Connor will be getting a great piece of history and something to start and learn with even if it might not be the best shaver lol. I only wish I had gotten something like that around that age.

That's a great restore job too, very nice work.

Cheers.
Kevan