Thread: Nova Scotia checking in

Hello all!

I had my first str8 razor shave a little over a month ago now. I was formerly a Trac II, Mach III, and for a while 30 years ago, a Rolls Razor shaver. The SR bug has been with me for a while, kindled by a weekly ritual of getting one barbershop shave a week for a few months while staying in Ankara, Turkey. I looked forward to those shaves and the hospitality of the proprietor. And I was pretty amazed at how smooth my face was after each visit.

This year I finally choked on the price of cartridges, and decided the time was right to take the plunge. I bought plain vanilla DOVO 5/8's round point, NOT shave ready.

I'm a hobby woodworker, with several years of professional experience in the 90s. I've rather vain about my sharpening skills, so I took on learning to shave, hone and strop at the same time. I knew the consequences, it didn't take tooo long before the witch hazel was merely tingly and not like molten lava on my tortured neck.

I put the Dovo aside once I got had it honed to my liking, and I've been shaving with antique shop foundlings. For the last 3 weeks or so, my "No. 1" has been a Robeson which I bought cheap due to a crack near the point. Shortening the razor by about 3/8's actually made it more comfortable and controllable for me. Glad to say that things are moving ahead nicely. My grip has relaxed, my edges have gotten keener, and I've upgraded my face prep, along with my lathering skills. I think I'm going to stay at it. The DFS zone of my face is growing. Watching some of the Youtube material, including Jockeys' stuff, has helped a lot with shaving technique.

I've been part of another shaving forum for about a month now. I've learned a lot there, and had some good support. I've been lurking around here off and on for a few weeks, and I've picked up a lot of excellent info here as well.

So, I thought I'd do the neighbourly thing and hi to all of you.

Cheers,
Ian

Hello, Ian:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. Since you've already done considerable research, I can say you have an auspicious start. If you have questions, please post them. Good to have you here.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Ian:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. Since you've already done considerable research, I can say you have an auspicious start. If you have questions, please post them. Good to have you here.

Regards,
Obie

Oh, there will be questions. Have no fear. I'm only a few weeks into this, and I have LOTS to learn. I've been looking through the wiki, and I've found some good info by running searches.

Cheers,
Ian

Hey Ian,

man I'm waiting for the day when I can move back to the east coast. Welcome to srp.

Do yourself a favour and drive up to tatamagouche and visit Sara bonnyman's pottery shop.

Handmade functional stoneware pottery, Tatamagouche Nova Scotia, Canada

Pick up one of her scuttles. Hit the antique stores along the way!

Originally Posted by RobertH

Hey Ian,

man I'm waiting for the day when I can move back to the east coast. Welcome to srp.

Do yourself a favour and drive up to tatamagouche and visit Sara bonnyman's pottery shop.

Handmade functional stoneware pottery, Tatamagouche Nova Scotia, Canada

Pick up one of her scuttles. Hit the antique stores along the way!

It's nice to see that the renaissance in shaving is benefiting someone here in the Maritimes I've been planning a trip exactly like you suggest. Tatamagouche is a lovely area to visit.

I lived in BC Lower Mainland for many years, and I was able to manage a move back to NS. I'm making do with less, but it's worth it in many ways

Cheers,
Ian