Thread: Mom buying son gift needs help

So recently my 20 year old son requested a straight razor for Christmas which is great, I have done many hours of research and have narrowed done what I would like to get for him. The problem is I'm finding different items on different sites and the shipping to Canada can be a nightmare. I wanted to buy one of Tony's strops but he has no apprentice in stock and then add $25 for shipping, I'm looking for an alternative strop, reasonable priced and good quality. Second any suggestions on alternative sites that have everything in one store and maybe price match. Vintage Blades has the razor I want shipping is free but no best badger brushes and the strops are expensive. Thanks in advance.

Razor Vintage*Blades*LLC*::*Dovo...

Brush Fendrihan.com | Edwin Jagger Best Badger Shaving Brush, Medium Ebony

Strops Illinois Razor Strop 2.5" x 23" Imperial Russia with Handle - Knifecenter.com

Did you see this set from vintage blades?

VintageBladesLLC::...

If you get it, make sure you pay for the Pre-honed option this makes the set ready for a beginner.

This is a great vendor and a reasonably priced set that will get you everything he needs for about what you seem willing to spend, all from one vendor so only one shipping cost.

Originally Posted by Wildtim

Did you see this set from vintage blades?

Vintage*Blades*LLC*::...

If you get it, make sure you pay for the Pre-honed option this makes the set ready for a beginner.

This is a great vendor and a reasonably priced set that will get you everything he needs for about what you seem willing to spend, all from one vendor so only one shipping cost.

I will most certainly be getting the razor Pre Honed, I contacted a local barber shop here that put me in touch with his guy that has offered to do it for $5.00 but I think I will go with it honed straight away from Vintage. I really love this razor and it comes smartly gift boxed in a blue case, it's the brush and strop that I just can't seem to find what I want on their site.

Well... I wish my Mom had the same spirit as you do! But no... instead of buying me straight razors and strops and hones she keeps on babbling on how I'll get my throat slit!
Now seriously... I honestly think that you just might have a look at the Classifieds here and check if the seller is a senior member of this forum. This will ensure 2 things that are very important: first of all, it will asure you that the razor you're buying is trully shave ready and second, that you will spend less on a good solid razor. You might be lucky and find a strop on the Classifieds as well.

This could be a nice strop: NEW Proforma Strop With Hardware - Straight Razor Place Classifieds
This could be a nice razor: Ibberson singing 5/8 nos - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

You could also buy a starter kit from some of the members here. I know that Kenrupp (member name here) sells starter kits with a nice razor and strop for an affordable price.
You could also check out this site: Introduction to razors Steven Dempster has very reasonable prices and shipping fees (even to Canada) and has one of the best costumer services I've had the pleasure to encounter.
I hope this was helpful. If anything else is needed you can PM any of the members here and you'll find everybody willing to help out.

Oh... and welcome to the forum, Mom! Hope your son joins us really soon!
And good hunting!

Originally Posted by Eights88

I will most certainly be getting the razor Pre Honed, I contacted a local barber shop here that put me in touch with his guy that has offered to do it for $5.00 but I think I will go with it honed straight away from Vintage. I really love this razor and it comes smartly gift boxed in a blue case, it's the brush and strop that I just can't seem to find what I want on their site.

They have this razor in one of there starter sets if that what you want.

VintageBladesLLC::...

I just don't think the Edwin Jagger brush or the Illinois strop is worth paying extra for. The Dovo strop is a well known brand, and the Vulflux brush is also handmade.

Thanks, yes i have been scanning the classifieds for over a week but can't find the right razor. I have been in contact with ken via email and he offers great pricing on beginner sets and responds to emails fast. I guess I just want this first razor I buy him to be special so I'm looking for a solid razor that makes him go WOW when he opens it but doesn't break my bank. I have also been on the introduction to razor site but once you convert to canadian dollars "ouch"!

Originally Posted by Eights88

Vintage Blades has the razor I want shipping is free...

I hope you understand that in the present context "free shipping" means you'll pay 25$ USD instead of 29.99$ USD to get the razor to your place.

Go to their site here

Under the Canadian flag click on the green "CLICK HERE" to see the rates.

I am very sorry, but I though you'd prefer to know. You should check with them before placing an order.

Good day,

McKie

Their shipping is free, the $25 is for brokerage fees, duties etc. My son had a Pea jacket shipped to him, he paid $45.00 for the shipping and then UPS knocked on the door and stated he had to pay $60.00 more for brokerage fees. When we buy from the US we have to pay shipping, Duty and then any relevant brokerage fees. If left up to the Shipping companies they set ridiculous brokerage rates. Vintage Razors is doing all for a flat rate of $ 25.00, no additional shipping no additional surprises. Thanks for the heads up though, shipping rates can be frustrating here in Canada.

Sorry I see you are from Montreal, my birth City. You don't need the lesson on shipping to Canada

Originally Posted by Eights88

Sorry I see you are from Montreal, my birth City. You don't need the lesson on shipping to Canada

We hear this refrain all the time. Are there no full-service, online shaving stores up north?

Seems like a business opportunity.

Originally Posted by shuredgefan

We hear this refrain all the time. Are there no full-service, online shaving stores up north?

Seems like a business opportunity.

We have Fendrihan and that's about it .... Alfred's offerings are growing more each month which is quite nice, especially when you want to try a new cream quickly. Still, much of the goodies have to come from the US.