Here to learn, in Vancouver
Please allow me to introduce myself.
I’m here to learn – and I’ve got a lot to learn. I’ve been interested in using a straight razor for as long as I can remember, but now I’m going to actually do something about it. I don’t know why, but since I turned 40 I’ve become more interested in style – the ponytail and band T-shirts have gone, I no longer wear boots all the time, and I’ve generally started dressing like an adult. (Of course, the wife thinks I’m having an affair.)
I’ll need to lock up my wallet, however. In the week since I found this site I’ve bought two shaving brushes (horsehair from Spain and a Vulfix “Grosvenor” from the UK) and been plotting a razor spending spree. As it stands, I plan on getting a Dovo 4580 “silver steel,” Mitchell’s wool fat shaving soap in the fancy ceramic bowl, and a strop. Oh, and I also feel the call of a vintage Sheffield steel razor, which would really look the part alongside the wool fat bowl and Grosvenor brush.
Help - I’m in too deep already!
I’m trying to take it slow, as I’ve got a lot to learn. Over the past couple of years I’ve been learning to sharpen a knife, progressing from Lansky to Sharpmaker to freehand – I’m getting good, but I'm inconsistent. Stropping, and ultimately honing, will be a logical progression. (One day I’d like to restore junkstore razors, but I’m running ahead of myself.)
I like to use historical things, not collect them. My collection of vintage Seikos stalled at 10 watches, as that’s too many to wear – I’m usually to be found in a 1965 hand-wind. Might have to sell one of the divers to feed this horrible addiction. . .
I also spend too much on tea, believe it or not. I get my puerh sent direct from Yunnan, China, and my matcha from Japan.
Oh, and I’ve been living in Vancouver, BC for the past decade – I’m originally from the UK. And, no, the rain doesn't bother me.
