Thread: Hello Folks! Greetings from Toronto!

Hello! I've decided to finally introduce myself. While not technically brand "new" ( I joined almost 2 years ago) this is my first time interacting with the community. I'm really excited and happy I found this place back in 2013. I really got into and have read up on the site for beginner's info and getting to know the site. I've learned a lot while on here.

Unfortunately I've never actually purchased a straight razor. In fact right now I used a simple shavette and a can or Barbasol. Although at one point I used a Wilkinson brush and shaving soap. Reason for this aside from my small knowledge at the time, I didn't know how to invest. So there I remained using my shavette for awhile. On top of that any time I would save money and want to invest life always had me spending it on something else. Priorities right? I've worked hard since summer, and I'm getting a really nice bonus as the holidays approach and I figured it should be damn time I bought a nice straight razor! And this is where I'm hoping to get some help with!

I prefer to buy some kind of set as oppose to separately buying all the items I need. I've looked a few places online but I constantly find myself at this crossroad: Should I invest in expensive stuff that I know I'll possibly defect while in my learning phase (i.e namely the strop, hopefully never the razor), or take the more inexpensive route and feel comfortable making mistakes? I've found what I consider a great deal online with a reputable seller only a few hours away from me. It comes with the following for only 239 or 209:

1 Badger Hair Brush w/Stand
1 White or Tortoise 5/8 Dovo Half-Hollow ground blade
1 Tan leather strop with Russian finish and cloth side
1 Proraso shaving cream
1 Shave Alum block

Now I don't know much about deals and all, but this definitely seems affordable to me. Should I reconsider and purchase instead more inexpensive materials to start with? I just worry I'll ruin anything new as I've never used a strop or anything. It comes shave ready and with a free re-honing. Can anybody recommend me anything better or tips before I purchase? I prefer to buy within Canada or even in person preferably. I'm also looking for a Mentor in Toronto and was wondering where to go about that and how?

I'm really excited to FINALLY start this after waiting on the sidelines and planning forever to make a purchase. Thank you all for your help and welcome in advance!

Depending on the razor and strop it might be a bit high priced.
Here's a good deal on Amazon for a brush and cream
Amazon.com: Omega 46065 Shaving Set with Brush, Holder, and Soap in Bowl: Health & Personal Care

Welcome to the forum - good to see another member from Toronto.

If you need any help or information, don't hesitate to PM me....

As far as a group deal, don't bother trying to include the soap ad alum block in a group deal. The costs are negligle and you have to buy more later anyways. For a "quality" set look a to SRD, for a "cheap" set look at whippeddog.com

Best of luck!

Hey fellow Canadian. Although I'm not even close to your location, Classic Edge is. Check them over and see if what you want is available there. I would go middle of the road on the strop, nothing expensive but not a little strop either. The strops at classic edge have a replacement leather available so if it get messed up it is a cheaper replacement. The edges from there are also truly shave ready and no waiting for CBS to store your stuff.

Classic Edge is exactly where I got this listing. I'm leaning towards buying from them. Thank you for the reply!

Thank you everyone for your replies! I'll definitely take a look around some more before I make my decision.

Originally Posted by VtheRex

Classic Edge is exactly where I got this listing. I'm leaning towards buying from them. Thank you for the reply!

Yes, Phil and Jane are great people, got my first starter kit from them...great service and great quality!

Welcome back to the forum. It's time to follow up on your dream & to get a little more involved interacting & asking questions anytime you have one. We are all more than happy to help you out. Look in to learning how to strop & do like RezDog said. Don't buy the most expensive strop but don't buy the cheapest one you find other. You can practice on an old belt with a butterknife for the time being. As you probably know, there's a wealth f information on here so absorb all you can. The most important thing for now though is to know how to strop. Good luck & have fun!
Steve

Originally Posted by VtheRex

Thank you everyone for your replies! I'll definitely take a look around some more before I make my decision.

just get a strop upgrade. they are really nice people to work with.