Thread: Hello From Southern Ontario

Hi, I have only just come to the idea of using a straight razor.

When I started shaving a mach 3 and Gillette cream was fine, but as time passed my beard has kept getting thicker and thicker. Shaving became so difficult and somewhat painful, so a real chore. In college I didn't have to shave every day, but now I have to shave everyday and I just want a better shave.
A couple of weeks ago I bought a few real shaving co products, and suddenly shaving was fun again, it was so easy to get a BBS shave, with so little irritation, and I am actually looking forward to shaving each day. However I am frustrated that disposable razor blades still go blunt after just one or two uses, I cannot afford replacing $4 cartridges every few days, nor do I like putting so much plastic in the garbage. So I have started looking into alternative ways to shave and have become interested in straight razors, but I don't know anyone who uses straight razors, so have no idea where to start.
I have been reading a lot of the threads and wiki here, which have answered a lot of my questions, and my wife's questions about "the danger". My main question right now is what would be a good starting razor? Eventually I would like to buy a few different razors, but for now I do not have too much money so would like to buy one that is a good all round beginner razor at a lowish price.

Looking forward to becoming a part of this community,
Max

Welcome to SRP Max! You just missed the Toronto and Southern Ontario meet up. ;-)

Check out this link:
Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment

Also, check the Classifieds here as you may be able to pickup a shave ready razor from a member.

My only warnings, that you may already have read in the Wiki and other threads are make sure your first razor is actually shave ready. Some companies claim to have razors that can shave from the factory when you are buying a new razor, yet most find that this is not entirely correct. They may not be as comfortable as they should and not as sharp as they should. Also, make sure you check the Wiki for brands to avoid. I made that mistake when I started, and although I have a nice letter/box opener now, it will never be a true shaving razor.

Jer

PS I'm not a pro, but if there's anything I can do to help, I'm just in Brampton. There are also a lot of members from Southern Ontario here.

Was the wink to say it was a joke or did I really miss it?

Are whipped dog blades shave ready?
Are there any good stores I can go into in the GTA? I am actually in downtown right now, moving to Cambridge in 3 weeks, just didn't want to have to change it so soon.

You did miss it, but I think we're having another in June. At least that was the suggestion so far.

Whipped dog is good for beginners, as you can start with a quality blade without paying a premium of buying a new razor. Then once you know you like, you can pick up a new blade.

There are some stores I've seen but I have yet to see one with reasonable prices for hardware at least. Here are three local places to the GTA:

Fendrihan - Classic Wet-Shaving, Quality Leather Goods and Gifts For Men
www.classicedge.ca
www.italianbarber.com/

Welcome to the forums, hope to see you at the next meet!

I'll echo the local places above, as well as Italian Barber Online Shaving Supplies a local boy who has done fantastic things for the wet shaving community.

Originally Posted by MWS

Welcome to the forums, hope to see you at the next meet!

I'll echo the local places above, as well as Italian Barber Online Shaving Supplies a local boy who has done fantastic things for the wet shaving community.

I added Italian barber just before you posted. I only recently found out about them and keep forgetting. At least we're on the same page.

To Echo Cove welcome, I to am Ontario based, just a tad bit further north.

of the two vendors Cove Mentioned classic edge is the only one where you can stop by.. It is a home based business so you need to call ahead.

As well in a retail environment the Personal Edge Stores in most major Malls have Dovo in stock. Downside is the staff have no knowledge to speak of and the razors will need honing.

Although the next meet is still in the works that does not preclude an informal Coffee shop meetup with anyone of us locals. Everyone is willing to bring a new member on board.

You will need
a razor
Strop
Brush
Soap.

you may have soap and brush already.

Hey Max
Welcome to the ever growing community
There are quite a few guys in your area
Sleekandsmooth I believe is in Cambridge
I did see a thread about another get together in Toronto coming up where I'm sure you can pick up a shave ready razor and strop from Dllandry.
Hope to see you there
Mike

Originally Posted by dyimages

Although the next meet is still in the works that does not preclude an informal Coffee shop meetup with anyone of us locals. Everyone is willing to bring a new member on board.

I second that. Everyone here is very helpful and a coffee shop meet up is a great idea.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I will have to look into all the options you presented.
The beginner sets from CE look interesting, but I already have a brush, but it's not badger so I guess two couldn't hurt. This is where it starts...