A Canadian calling out from the far east!

[sean8701]

Hey everyone!

I'm Sean, a Canadian, 27 years old, studying and working full time in Beijing, China.

I spent 5 years in the military before traveling abroad, and had to shave daily. To be honest, I didn't enjoy it. However, it got me thinking about alternative, more enjoyable ways of shaving. Ever since then I have been interested in straight razor shaving, not just as a good shave, but an enjoyable routine, and as a hobby. I found this site, and finally decided to take the plunge.

It's the best time however, because I am working to pay tuition, and on a budget. I also don't have as many options here in Beijing:

1) I could buy a chinese brand, such as gold dollar; which will be honed by the seller. But to be honest, I don't want to start my learning curve with a poor quality substitute. I also don't trust the honing skills.

2) I could a good brand. Either vintage, or new. Majority are Dovo, there are others, but the lowest starting price is $100, and they are generally sent as is. I don't want to buy a good razor, and before even trying a shave, spending more money on the equipment to hone it, and no doubt, messing it up.

3) Buy online from some of the reputable websites, where i will get a trusted honemeister to do an excellent job, where I can hit the ground running but I am still going to pay about $100, AND quite a bit of shipping..

So my options are slim right now, but I am going to stick around here, learn as much as I can, and just keep looking. (maybe start off practicing technique with a shavette?)

Anyways, this is a great site, and I'm happy to be a part of it!


Sean

[Nightblade]

Welcome to SRP ..Sean. Glad to have you aboard. I have only one question for you. Is the General Changs Chicken any good over there ?? Seriously though welcome and take heart sir.You may find a razor and a way to get it to you yet hangin around here. Till then ...soak it all up and enjoy the ride...it's a pretty good one.

[Substance]

Welocome aboard
The classifieds here or a whipped dog sight un seen may be an option for you
I have heard good things about them shave ready but a lucky dip with the blade type etc

[BobH]

Hey and welcome to the forum. As an alternative you might be able to find a decent vintage Gillette DE lying around for a decent price over there. Add some good blades and you are off to the races for cheap. On the bright side you should be able to get a nice badger brush fairly easily as a lot are made there. Just a thought.

Bob

[sean8701]

I just picked up a couple things while I was out to get started. Thanks for the tips though.

I bought a Parker shavette to hold me over until I can get a good straight razor honed and shipped to me.




These were options available to me at the moment, so i am going to make due.

I also picked up a boar brush

[BobH]

If those were your options I don't see why they would not work. Mind you I have never used a shavette or shark blades. What have you got for shave soap?

Bob

[niftyshaving]

Tell us what something about what you shave with now.

I ask because for me the big breakthrough was a great soap and a darn fine brush.
Neither need be expensive.

With good "latherin" I found that even inexpensive tossables could get a vastly
improved shave.

As you explore saving soaps (and creams) consider that replacement pucks are a lot less
expensive than the fancy wood bowl with soap in it.

Also the transition from an electric to a blade takes a bit of doing.

[Phrank]

Hi - welcome to the forum - great to see another Canadian!