Hello from St. Catharines, Ontario

[sagartan]

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!