Hello from Edmonton - Need help getting started

Hello gentlemen! I've been wanting try shaving with a straight razor for a long time now, and I've decided to go for it. I don't have any equipment and I'm looking to put together a starter kit. From what I've read on this forum I have little to no local resources for this. Basically, I am looking to buy a new set of good quality equipment but don't want to break the bank. I'm not interested in paying for designer stuff right now, just a good quality blade, strop, brush, etc. for a reasonable price. Also, I have no idea what size, width, or style of blade to start with. So suggestions please. Thanks in advance!

First off, welcome from Ontario!

Here are some options:

First off, Whipped Dog Razors - Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment

Second, buy a razor from the classifieds here, but make sure it's shave ready.

Third, there's always Fendrihan.com but that will cost you money. You may want this for later on. Here in Canada, it's one of my more visited sites. ;-)

Thanks for the tips. I've seen some henckels razors advertised online (amazon) that are supposedly ready to shave right out of the box. The ad specifically says they do not require honing, just stropping. Is this something you would trust? Probably wont buy, just wondering.

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Originally Posted by broshae

Thanks for the tips. I've seen some henckels razors advertised online (amazon) that are supposedly ready to shave right out of the box. The ad specifically says they do not require honing, just stropping. Is this something you would trust? Probably wont buy, just wondering.

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Unless you're buying from SRP Designs, then don't trust that they will be actually shave ready. They may, but most are not. Most new manufacturers just run them on a grinder really quick, due to time restraints. This costs them less money, but the edge is less than desirable. Technically, you can shave off a 1K stone, as some of the threads that are on right now, but I for one wouldn't do it. So technically speaking, they may be shave ready, but not shave smooth or comfortable.

I'd either buy from the first two things I suggested, again making sure it's shave ready. You may also be able to contact another member from Edmonton that has some experience and either have them hone a razor, or there's always Maxi here in Toronto that you can send the razor too. Keep in mind that shipping across the boarder from or too the US is a PITA for most Canadians.

over the years i have had fewer than 5 "shave ready" razors straight from the manufacturer. and i have been at this a while the new dovo, boker thiers isard often come close but still need a little help, i have not tried the new henckles but the old ones are great.

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Originally Posted by broshae

. . . Basically, I am looking to buy a new set of good quality equipment but don't want to break the bank. I'm not interested in paying for designer stuff right now, just a good quality blade, strop, brush, etc. for a reasonable price. Also, I have no idea what size, width, or style of blade to start with. So suggestions please. Thanks in advance!

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You said "new", so I assume that means a new razor, not a vintage razor. Suggestions for low-priced "starter" set:

1. Get a Dovo "Best Quality", 5/8" or 6/8", round point, from Straight Razor Designs. ["5/8 - 6/8, round point" is a good "first razor" choice, and may also be a "last razor" choice.]

2. Get some Proraso soap (or cream) and a shaving brush from Shopper's Drug Mart. Liberate a small bowl from the kitchen for making lather.

3. Get a "Poor Man's Strop Kit" from WhippedDog.com. That will give you a small but adequate leather strop, and a pasted strop for refreshing the edge. For more money, try StarShavingSupplies.com, RupRazor.com. Fendrihan has an Illinois 206 strop which is what I started with.

With that set, you'll have enough to shave for several months. You will probably want a pasted strop or barber hone eventually.

Charles /richmond, BC

Hello broshae, welcome to SRP from a fellow Edmontonian!

You've been given some good advice so far, not much more I can add at this point. Out of curiosity what is your budget (rough figure)?

BTW - If you need some additional help don't hesitate to send me a pm....

Welcome from another fellow Edmontonian. I'll just basically echo what Ryan said...lol :)

So I've checked out SRD and Whipped Dog. They both look like great options. I was hoping to keep it under $200 for a razor and strop, and it looks like it will be no problem. When I first started looking it seemed like every razor I looked at was $200. Has anyone here bought a razor from whipped dog? I'm a little leery of their sight unseen/half-seen thing, but it's definitely a cheap way to get started. Also, for the Edmonton guys, are there any decent places in town to buy a razor?

Ive never dealt with whipped dog but pretty much only seen positive reviews from those who have. As far as buying here in Edmonton its not gonna happen :( Unless you count the antique stores and I very seldom find a deal and even if you did you're still going to have to get it honed up. Any of the starter kits from SRD will do you just fine and come in below your budget though :)