Bonjour from Montreal

Hello everyone, and I'm a new straight razor shaver in Montreal, from beautiful Québec!

I thought I'd give a shout out to all the other newbies here and wave a hand to the old timers who are making this place such a great resource for newcomers. So far I've been an avid reader of SRP, and hope to contribute something of interest as I become more comfortable with SR shaving.

I began proper wet shaving with a Merkur DE, TOBS lavender cream, and a Vulfix 2225 brush, and within a year or so, I graduated to a 6/8 DOVO with a Russian leather strop for maintenance. I'm still working on proper stropping, and had the pleasure of dealing with Montreal honemeister and SRP member floppyshoes to correct my initial mistakes.

My other obsession being photography, you might have seen me on the Analog Photography User Group forum (apug.org) as one of the advisory council members. Our forum has grown as THE definitive resource about film and analog processes, so I have a lot of respect for those who have done likewise on the topic of shaving.

Film is, to me, the photographic equivalent of SR shaving, so I guess it was only a matter of time before my initial obsession morphed into a second one. I'm also an English teacher, so literature and photography are my predominant modes of expression.

I've been reading SRP daily for the past few weeks, and looking forward to learn more ici.

All the best,
Michel in Montréal

Hello, Michel:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Regards,
Obie

Welcome to SRP Michel!

Great to have you. Let us know a bit about your kit and how far along you are on this new journey!

As I'm sure you have notice the members here are always willing to help.
:gl:

Lu

Hello Michel, and welcome to SRP. Glad to have you aboard. Enjoy.

Welcome to SRP Michel.

I own a few old Russian cameras Zenit.

Richard

Thanks all for the kind words. MrBoker I like your crest, it feels familiar! RKP, I own a Praktica with a Soviet lens, but my crown jewel is a Contax IIa with matching lens.

My kit so far is my straight DOVO (Best Quality, plastic scales), but my gear acquisition syndrome has been so far limited to soaps and creams. TOBS Rose, Avocado, Sensitive Skin, ClassicShaving Citrus Basil, Proraso white tub, Trumper's Rose Soap, and there might be more to come.

I've had about 5 shaves with the straight, and it's getting better each time. I don't get irritations anymore, and while I'm not yet to the same level of BBS I could get with the DE, I've managed recently a very successful and satisfying shave.

Hello, MHV:

Your starter kit is just fine. That Dovo "Best Quality" is a good razor. You also have done well with your soaps and creams, especially the Taylor of Old Bond Street rose and the Trumper's rose.

As for buying new razors, go slowly, because there is no rush. Look around. In the meantime, get to know the Dovo.

Now take your time honing your skill lathering and shaving with the straight. Don't worry about BBS. That will come in time. Skill and technique are important now. Technique will develop naturally during hour learning process.

If you need any help, please post your question and you'll your answer in no time. Good luck.

Regards,
Obie