Thread: Intro

Hello,

Been reading the posts on here for a while. Decided to introduce myself and get involved in some of the discussions.

I started out my straight razor shaving experience by growing a beard and needing to get it trimmed. I went to a "traditional" barber near my work for this. Having never experienced I didn't know what to expect. When I left I felt like a million $$. My beard was trimmed and soft and my neck was BBS. It was amazing! I was hooked. I started telling all my friends they should try it. Of course I got lots of funny looks at mentioning that people should try getting a straight razor shave.

Not too long after this I found the Truefitt and Hill in Toronto which luckily was also really close to my office. I went there to get the beard shaved off. I was in complete heaven!! The whole experience from beginning to end was amazing. I figured out that hot towels = relaxation. The ambience was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Why hadn't anyone told me this before!!! What an experience!!

My wife helped me start my RAD (which I didn't realize afflicted others as well). For Christmas that same year she bought me a brush, stand, mug and straight razor from T&H. At the time I didn't know straight razors didn't come shave ready. I soon figured out that what I was experiencing at home didn't match the feel (or sound) of the Truefitt and Hill shave experience so I went on the hunt discovering the forums and videos.

And from there RAD started. My collection is growing

Razors
- T&H razor (not sure of the brand)
- DOVO All Stainless Steel, 5/8 w/ Satin finish
- Thiers-Issard Sheffield Silver Steel, Kingwood, 7/8
- Feather Razor "Artist Club RG

I've only had one really bad experience with the Feather. I wound up with a pretty bad scare on my right side near my ear. Simply wasn't paying attention. Lesson learned.

On the shaving cream side I have only used Truefitt and Hill Almond. This is an area I want to experiment with in the future.

I went on hiatus from straight razor shaving because of work-related travel and not being able to take razors on the plane. I decided to get back into it this year. Right now my focus is on stropping. I bought a Tony Miller strop 2 weeks ago and have been going to town on the practice strop. The real strop is so nice I don't want to use it. LOL

I thought my DOVO stainless was getting a little dull so I got in touch with Lynn. When I thought about the situation I figured I would be a couple of weeks without a straight razor. In order to prevent such a horrific situation I ordered a Dovo Red "Bismarck" 6/8" Straight Razor & Strop Set from SRD. When it arrives I'll send the Dovo stainless to Lynn. Disaster averted!

It's funny how RAD distorts logic!

Cheers,

Adam

Sounds like you're having a good time already. For some more fun, drop into the Toronto Barber and Beauty Supply store on the corner of Dundas and Bay streets.

X

Originally Posted by xman

Sounds like you're having a good time already. For some more fun, drop into the Toronto Barber and Beauty Supply store on the corner of Dundas and Bay streets.

X

Thanks for the heads up on TBBS. Have you ever been? Anything good?

I'm looking for someone to learn honing skills from in the area. Know of anyone?

Originally Posted by akw

Thanks for the heads up on TBBS. Have you ever been? Anything good?

They usually carry some classic AS and such. For straights, don't expect much.

Originally Posted by akw

I'm looking for someone to learn honing skills from in the area. Know of anyone?

I am living in Vancouver now, but FiReSTaRT is still nearby I think, if he has time.

Welcome to SRP! You've got a great start, I think. You're lucky to have a supporting wife...good luck with your straight shaving journey!

Originally Posted by akw

It's funny how RAD distorts logic!

Dunno about that.... it makes perfect sense to me. Welcome to SRP Adam.

Welcome. We have entire sections here on honing, and there's info in our WIKI. It's not hard to learn, and good set of starter stones is not that expensive. We have tutorials and enough experience here to help you. If you need some help with other shave cream and soaps, just ask. There are many, many to choose from. SRD makes excellent soaps, as does Prarie Creations and Mama Bear's. Many member's here also like TGQ soap. You have Tabac and Mitchells wool fat....For Creams, You have Castle Forbes, TOBS, (Avacado) is awesome, You already found T&H, my favorite is 1805, I love the fragrance. You have Art of Shaving, Nancy Boy, Proraso, and many others....

Rich

Originally Posted by JimR

Welcome to SRP! You've got a great start, I think. You're lucky to have a supporting wife...good luck with your straight shaving journey!

Thanks Jim - she has been supportive so far. Now she wants to get a new pair of shoes every time I get a straight razor.


We'll see how that goes.