Thread: Hello from St. Catharines, Ontario

Hello!

My name is Scott. Up until about three years ago I shaved with a variety of cartridge style razors, and then picked up a nice Merkur safety razor. It changed my shaving from day 1.

I had been nervous and uncertain about trying a straight razor, and then about a month ago, a good friend gave me a straight razor - a Gold Dollar that he had been using, and had worked on to try and improve (he has moved up to a Thiers Issard). I am thankful to him for the 'shove' into trying it! I have been experimenting with the Gold Dollar (and have read the threads about them here - opinions and advice on them duly noted) and trying to follow all of the advice for those new to straight razor shaving. Working on angle and hold and stroke. Working on lather. Working on stropping. I am still not doing a complete shave with the straight razor - I have been starting with the straight razor and finishing with the safety razor. Learning some valuable lessons along the way!

I recently found out that my dad has a couple of straight razors that belonged to my great grandfather, that he is not using, so I am excited to see if they are usable, and if I might be able to use them!

Just today in the mail I got a package from Larry at Whipped Dog, so am looking forward to continuing to learn from all of you and to patiently learn this art!

Thank you!

Welcome to the forum - always great to welcome another Canadian, and another "local" Ontario person.

I'm sure you've done lots of reading here and watching video's, take your time, it's a journey, not a destination, and in two months you'll wonder how you shaved any other way! Since you just got the shave ready razor from Larry, no need to strop it.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Thanks very much Phrank! Will do!

Welcome to the forum. There are quite a few Canadians here. Keep your eyes open for the meets, they are great spots to accelerate your learning.

Thanks RezDog! Do meets happen with any regularity in Southern Ontario?

I am on the west coast and am not specifically looking for them, but my guess is once or twice a year.

Hello, Scott. Welcome to SRP!

Hi and welcome. Any questions feel free to ask

Welcome aboard Scott & you will love the warm friendly attitude & knowledge of many here on the forum.
A word of advice. If you get those family heirlooms & they are in good condition, send them out for a pro honing & only use them once in a great while because they are an heirloom & can be passed down. Use one you buy for daily use. Many times some have had heirlooms & accidentally drop them or bump them into the faucet chipping the blade, then ya wanna just sit down & cry!
Good luck. There is a fortune of information on here, just browse around & you will see!

Originally Posted by RezDog

I am on the west coast and am not specifically looking for them, but my guess is once or twice a year.

Yeah, that seems to be about the going rate these days. Unfortunately it's a bit far for me these days, but there are a good bunch of folks in that part of the province, so Shaun's suggestion is a good one, Scott. Keep an eye on this forum as any get-togethers should appear there:

Get Togethers and Meetings

Good luck, and welcome!