Thread: Hello from Vancouver, BC

Hey guys,

I'm a 22 year old from Port Coquitlam, BC. I'm a long time lurker and have been interested in Straight Razor shaving for quite a while, but have never been able to take the plunge.

About two years ago I discovered the shaving culture over on Reddit. Not too long after I was hooked on DE shaving. Within a month, RAD had kicked in big time. I contacted all my grand-parents and tracked down a couple razors, as well as grabbing a new EJ89 DE. I had an array of soaps / razors / blades / brushes and the like to choose from. I came to enjoy something that I always found to be a daily chore, and I can't wait to take it to the next level.

I'm just testing the waters right now, but I hope to jump in and get set up with an SR and strop tout suite. I'm thinking about going all the way and learning to hone as well.

Any ways, I just thought I'd say hello and let the other Vancouverites know I exist. I look forward to meeting you guys!

Welcome to SRP!

You have found a great resource here, filled with very knowledgeable and generous folks so whenever you have questions, please ask away. Coming from the DE world, you have a head-start on most of us who came to this without really much of an idea about pre-shave prep, etc.

When you do decide to take the plunge for a straight there are a few things to remember. Most importantly, make sure that before you apply it to your face that it has been professionally honed and is truly shave-ready. Depending on where you buy it, a straight razor *may* be shave-ready, but usually is not. But there are plenty of pro honers who advertise their services here in the classifieds. Also there are some brands that you should avoid buying as they are either inconsistent quality, or just garbage. There is a list of them in the Wiki which unfortunately is down at the moment, but you could probably find a cached copy of it on google.

Good luck!

I'm in Richmond, BC. If you need help, yell.

As far as I know, the only local vendor of new straight razors is Momentum Grooming, on Burrard St near the bridge. There are some vendors in the Vancouver Flea Market (on Terminal Ave) who may have vintage straights. Expect those to need honing.

. charles

Thanks a lot for extending your help!

I've tracked down another vendor (House of Knives), which is the closest to me. The selection isn't great, but they have the classic Dovo 5/8. They were also kind enough to provide me with a local honer who gave me some information as well. I'm hoping to find a cheap starter strop kit somewhere tomorrow as well. From the looks of things, I'll be stuck ordering one online.

Originally Posted by Cdingo

Thanks a lot for extending your help!

I've tracked down another vendor (House of Knives), which is the closest to me. The selection isn't great, but they have the classic Dovo 5/8. They were also kind enough to provide me with a local honer who gave me some information as well. I'm hoping to find a cheap starter strop kit somewhere tomorrow as well. From the looks of things, I'll be stuck ordering one online.

Welcome to SRP.

I haven't been to House of Knives for quite some time, but last I checked they were very over priced. You may want to do some price comparisons with the online vendors; the American sites can be cheaper even with shipping and currency conversion included.

As well, be cautious with local "honers". Be sure if they hone straight razors that they shave with them as well. Most self-proclaimed honers are actually knife guys who dabble in razor honing and have been known to butcher an edge or two. As with anything it's buyer beware.

Good luck and have fun.

Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

I'm in Richmond, BC. If you need help, yell.

As far as I know, the only local vendor of new straight razors is Momentum Grooming, on Burrard St near the bridge. There are some vendors in the Vancouver Flea Market (on Terminal Ave) who may have vintage straights. Expect those to need honing.

. charles

Last time I was in Vancouver (about two years ago) I walked into an awesome store that sold straights. I am quite sure the owner of "that" store would know how to hone. It may or may not be the one you mentioned. I'll ask my buddy who I went up to see. But if it is still there - you guys are lucky to have a local lol.

In addition all I'll say is know that very much UN-like DE's, straights take some time and there are increased complexity's. I think that's why it's so much fun. Just when you think you have something down... and the shaves!! But having got all the other aspects of wet shaving down will serve you very well!

Welcome to SRP - I really hope you enjoy the straight as so many of us do.