Thread: local ontario shaving soaps

Originally Posted by andrewpohran

I should mention that I'm a newbie to straight razor shaving. I've purchased a razor from SRP classifieds and am waiting for it to come through the post.

I'm trying to find a place in Ontario (preferably in Ottawa) that sells shaving soaps. The only thing I can seem to find locally is Proraso (147g, $8), found at a local pharmacy. I've heard good things about this soap so I plan to try it out...but (1) it looks really soft to be proper shaving soap, and (2) I'm looking for a bay rum scent.

I can't seem to find any place in Ottawa or Ontario that carries it... a local barber shop recommended classicshaving.com, and a bit of detective work on my part provided me with these options:

1. Colleen Hurley's @ thegentlemensquarter.com (3 oz for $15)
2. Classic Brand @ classicshaving.com (2.5" puck for $5)
3. Col. Ichabod Conk's @ RasagePoulin.com (2.5" puck for $5)

Any feedback on these brands? Anyone have any experience buying locally in my area? Lastly, anyone in Canada have any feedback on customs fees and such for purchasing from US?

Thanks!

As far as feedback on the brands goes, I've only used TGQ out of the 3 brands you have listed there and I liked it quite a bit but you really have to experiment with getting a good lather from it.

I've generally found that when ordering from the states I don't get hit with customs fees if my order has a value under $100. Anything over that and usually what I end up paying is the tax (13%).

Your best bet is probably to order from one of the Canadian vendors listed above. They have a great selection and the shipping is MUCH faster and cheaper than coming from across the border.

It might sound strange, but La Bottega in the market sells shaving supplies, mostly Proraso. I don't know if they sell other brands.

I found that the Lincoln Heights Shoppers on Richmond in Ottawa also carries Proraso products.... but my local Shoppers and a couple others I tried didn't.

I came across this website while searching for places in Canada to buy shaving supplies. Seems to be a barber shop that also has creams, soaps, brushes, etc....although a limited variety. If you get to Montreal sometime stop in at Vasco on St. Catherine, just east of Cresent st. They have a fairly wide selection of shaving goods....but way expensive so find a product you like there then buy it online.

http://www.menessentials.com/

Men essentials is on Richmond and Churchill and sells AOS and I believe a few other brands along with some Dovo razors. In the market there is a cigar shop, Ottawa cigar emporium on Clarence they also have AOS, so far that is all I have found, oh yeah there is The Barbers Chair in the Rideau Centre also has a few soaps, and don't forget Crabtree and Evelyn I love their Sienna. If you find more I would love to know. I have made several purchases on line from the US and have yet to be charged any customs fees.

Beauty. Well for now I'm using my Proraso from Shoppers and will start up the search again when I start to run low. Some great places to look through... thanks!

Have you ever thought of making your own? I registered on here to find out a bit more about shaving soaps to make some for my friends husbands for christmas presents. I make soap. Its pretty easy but a little time consuming. I can post some recipes here if you are interested, well if anyone is or has questions about shaving soap.

Originally Posted by Antoine

It might sound strange, but La Bottega in the market sells shaving supplies, mostly Proraso. I don't know if they sell other brands.

Thanks for the tip - I have been by there many times but never thought to check it out.

There are a couple of other places in Ontario Italian Barber Online Shaving Supplies and The Classic Edge Shaving Store Your Straight Razor Specialists. . I see you are in WPG so for sure you should have a The Body Shop store from which you should be able to wangle a free sample of their Maca Root shave cream, it is good. Also take another look at Shopper Drug Mart as they should carry both pre and post shave Proraso products, they do here.

Bob

Italian Barber Online Shaving Supplies, canadian vendor with excellent service, I have bought from these guys several times.