Where to buy in KC metro

If this is the wrong place for this post, I apologize.... I live in the KC metro area and am looking for some place to see/touch/talk SR equipment, especially strops. The only place that "specializes" in this kind of shaving, that I have found, is The Art of Shaving and they are rather pricy (not saying anything about quality and I do use some of their shave cream) but they are not much on the "hands on" knowledgeable side. I have learned more from this site and a couple of others than from the sales people in the store. I know that there has to be one or two places here in the metro area. I am willing to drive a short distance (about 30 miles radius) if needed. Can someone please point me in a good direction?

A definition of insanity is beating your head against a wall until it hurts, then wondering why it hurts when you hit your head against the wall the next time. I feel that all my "google" searches (and other search engines) have led me to this insanity.

I am also looking at other equipment besides just strops too.

Thanks to everyone for your help!!

Hey tom475,

I have looked about in KC in the past and haven't found to much. Maybe some of the other members here will pipe in and correct that.

That said, do your h/w on on-line vendors. You ARE going to end up using them. It's inevitable.

As I just got an order today that I placed on Thursday night - I am going to give a shout out to Straight Razor Designs (SRD). They carry quality stuff, and are great to deal with. They'll take your calls too.

Of course - there are on-line vendors that cater to all budgets. Using the search menu here and typing in - strop on a budget, or best strop money can buy - will show you a pattern as to who can be trusted and why.

It really is hard in many city's to be able to see and touch what you are buying in this hobby before paying...

Good Luck!! Welcome to the world!

Hi Tom
Welcome to SRP. There are some extremely knowledgable people in KC. I would suggest contacting a local mentor for some hands-on instruction.

David is correct about the on-line part of this hobby. You will have to use them.

Thanks for confirming my fears�� I had hoped for at least one brick and mortar vendor. I have seen lots of reasonable advise here which was why I asked for advise.

I live about 45min East of KC, and to be honest, the only thing I've found over there are the Art of Shaving shops. I agree with you that they are nearly worthless when it comes to straights though. They seem to deal more with safety razors and soaps. I've been in there for fun a few times, and not once have I seen a straight, strop, etc.

However, there are some decent antique stores in the KC area where I've found an occasional straight worthy of purchase... though many times they are extremely overpriced given their condition.

If you'd ever like meet up, or have any questions, let me know. Due to diet restrictions in my family, we end up over there every week or two for groceries and I'd be more than happy to help you out a bit. You can also shoot me a PM anytime if you have questions, want to chat about razors, etc.

Hope you find what you're looking for.

When I was starting out I used SRD as well. I did not know anything about the various shave forums. I did however find a valuable source of knowledge in my local barber. Not one if these new fangled chain shops but an old time (though not that old) barber with the strop hanging from the chair. He still has guys mugs and brushes, sells a few of the more readily available soaps and taunts me when I go in with his collection of stones from his years of honing and shaving customers.

Try searching KC for a straight shave and you may not be able to buy anything but at least you can talk shop with people that know your interest

Your best bet is online. Just check out who you are buying from and what the product is right here on SRP.

SRD will be your best option for new products and sound advice.

Hey Tom, as mentioned there is a lot of knowledge here, and there is a lot of experienced honers nearby in Missouri. We just recently had a meetup and everyone was hanging out and honing razors and sharing knowledge. It was great. Stick around for a while and join us for the next one.