Thread: Hello from Ottawa!

Hello SRPers,

I'd like to introduce myself to the forum and everyone in it. My name is Anastasios, I'm a 23 year old student, soon to be 24, currently in my 4th year of electrical engineering in Canada. Recently I've been thinking a lot about what I'm going to do with my life after school ends, whether it be going straight into the work force or taking a break to enjoy the years I have before my life could get serious with marriage and kids and what not. Although I'll always feel young at heart, it's starting to hit me quick that I'm not going to be a carefree young adult forever, and as scary as that sounds, I'm quite alright with it. Transitioning into manhood is a gift every boy comes across in his own time and own way, and mines approaching.

Unfortunately for me, my father died when I was a teenager and as much as I love my family full of women, it's not the same as a father-son bond for certain things. I've had to learn a lot on my own about what it means to be a man and the responsibility behind it along with having to go to school at the same time and be the only man in the house. I had to grow up fast emotionally and mentally for myself and everyone around me that needed my help despite my young age. I've done my best to this point but I too need help at some point, which is why I'm here. I'll never know everything my dad did like shaving style or favorite aftershave, but what he did teach me I'll remember forever.

On the bright side, this is where I can experiment and have fun learning about topics such as the art of a straight shave. Despite my patchy stubble, I think it would be pretty cool to learn and shave with this old school tool, and pass it on to my future son(s) in the faaaar future. I'm a newbie through and through when it comes to this subject, so any advice and tips would be greatly appreciated.

I've been reading on different types of straight razors, oils, pre and post shaving creams, and all that jazz but I figure it would be best to ask people who have actually used them before on what they think would be a good starter kit or razor along with accessories. What type of razor would be a good starter razor? Does a round and square blade have that much of a different for a newbie? Should I get a starter kit or seperate items? What sites do you guys use to buy your stuff from? I think that's all I can think of right now.

Some basic info about myself is that I have sensitive skin and leave an occasional "Erik Karlsson" goatee when I'm in the mood (hockey player for the Ottawa Senators). I think that pretty much sums up my facial hair info.

Looking forward to hearing back from everyone!

Welcome to SRP Son. You'll have many Fathers here to help you out. Here is some starter advice. All blades shave the same. The more bling(gold,expensive woods and metals) on a razor is what generally makes them more expensive. That being said...buy one of the lower tier razors from the respected manufacturers for starters.i.e Dovos,Bokers, etc from one of the vendors here .In fact some of the vendors here including our Founder have start up kits that are pretty nice. Then Take it slow and expect some downs with the ups and the learning curve. We have all been there. Do this and stay away from Ebay until you know what to look for. It may seem like a cheaper way to go but,unless you know what is legit and what is not,you could get burned. We have plenty of honing experts here as well as experts on everything else. But as we tell all the new guys and ladies.....Read the wiki (very important) and as far as what is best to buy i.e badger versus boar brush,scuttle versus bowl well...that will have to be up to you as you learn. Hope this helps,Welcome to SRP and as someone once told me when I first came here ......"Be prepared to get bombarded with info. Cheers my friend.

Hi Anastasios,
i grew up without a dad ( just because he didn't want to be involved), when I came to SRP it felt like a group of kindly uncles (some of them are a bit gruff).
Nightblade gave good advice.

Hello there my fellow Canadian! You've got some good advice there from two great guys. Here's 2 Ontario based websites that are trusted vendors, and I've used a few times.

The Classic Edge Shaving Store Your Straight Razor & Knife Specialists.
The owners of Classic edge, Phil and Jane are great people. They actually come to our meets and share advice, stories, and often give away great gifts from there website including razors.

Wet-Shaving, Accessories for Men, Men's Grooming | Fendrihan
Here's another I've used in the past. These guys also have great starter sets for newbs.

If you ever looking for a mentor in your area, there's a great guy close to you in Ottawa, Kris, aka Cangooner. He's a great guy and I'm sure he could give you lots of info. I've also seen him spread shaving lather on his face with a hockey stick blade. Not sure if he cheers for the Sens thow.

Hi and welcome. Can't help with local advice but definitely read all of the beginner's section in the library. Most of the questions that you asked are answered there. Good luck and if you need help all you need ever do is ask.

Welcome to the forum. You have already had some good advice so I won't add any other than to say that for your first razor go for a round point. The square/spike points have a tendency to bite if you are not watching carefully. You have enough on your plate starting out without adding that to it. Once you have read the wiki I am sure you will have some more question to ask.

Bob

Hello Anastasios,
Welcome to SRP.
+1 on what HARRYWALLY wrote. Both Classic Edge and Fendrihan are great online vendors. I would also add Imperial Barber.
They are all based out of the GTA. But service is superb from all three.
For straight razor, I'd recommend you start with Classic Edge. They have a number of starter kits which are great and well priced. And the best part is that Phil will have the razor shave ready. If you are not sure, contact him or Jane directly. Based on the service he's provided to me, I would trust Phil's or Jane's advice implicitly, when it comes to purchasing straight razors.
All the folks on this site (SRP) are great, and a fountain of knowledge.
In the Ottawa area you can also get a good start on some the of the software (soaps, creams, aftershave, etc) as follows. The Nicastro's stores have a good selections of Italian shave creams, brushes, and aftershaves, at respectable prices. And you can enjoy an espresso while browsing. Shoppers Drug Mart is now carrying Proraso shave cream in both tub and tube format, as well as Omega brushes.
Have you tried out any of the classic Clubman after shaves? If not, to welcome you, you may choose one of the following three which I have decanted into glass hot-sauce bottles.

Left to right: Clubman Pinaud Classic, Clubman Citrus Musk, Virgin Island Bay Rum.
Send me a PM and we can arrange to meet so that I can pass one of these onto you. Any of the malls (other than Rideau) will do.

Welcome!

Almost forget to say that you can also look at The Body shop's Maca Root shave cream for another local source. You may be able to get a sample to try out first. I would stay away from their shave brush though. Shoppers used to carry Kiss My Face shave cream in the women's cosmetics section and it is also a good shave cream. My wife found it for me.

bob

Welcome to the forum, I'm just down the street in Toronto

HarryWally has you started with some good links, I got my first straight razor kit from The Classic Edge, can't go wrong there whether it's DE or straight's your looking for.

Familiarize yourself with the site, make note of the Personal Message function, and don't hesitate to drop me a PM is there's anything I can help you with!

Hello and welcome to SRP Anastasios