Thread: Working man's shave: help with Fendrihan's order

I wish that the classifieds had a filter to show Canadian vendors.

How much luck have folks had shipping razors across the border? Is there a requirement that they be dull?

If it *is* feasible and economic to buy a US razor, the game changes substantially. I would *much* prefer to buy a used classic razor that is plain in appearance and of good and lasting quality.

Although I am a researcher by nature, I don't have the 1000 hours that I usually dedicate to my hobbies to become fluent before diving in. Lots that's for sale looks great, but not knowing the market it's hard to choose. For instance, what do people think of Torrey?

bushmills,

Torrey's are good workmanlike vintage razors. A respected brand. They aren't fancy, but they most certainly get the job done.

In point of fact, I would consider just about any of the razor brands you find in the SRP "Classifieds" to be quality razors. Check the SRP wiki for acceptable razor brands, then try to make your selection.

Good luck snagging that Torrey.

Here is a link to a description of a Torrey.

Torrey out of Worcester, Mass. U.S.A. - Detailed item view - Our Online Shop

First to address ordering razors from the US, I have ordered one before and was only dinged by customs for the sales tax. I have heard that they will sometimes not do this if the value is under 200 but that is just something I remember hearing. Like I said from my personal experience I think I paid 40 dollars on a 250 razor. With the Canadian dollar at par you may end up with a better bargain south of the border even if you end up paying customs.

As far as Fendrihan strops go I have a 3" latigo strop for them and absolutely love it. Good luck in your search.

Arock

your lucky i almost snagged that one earlier.

but went for one from strop-shop.co.uk instead.

Originally Posted by BigIan

your lucky i almost snagged that one earlier.

but went for one from strop-shop.co.uk instead.

Got it!

My journey begins.

Thanks all for the valuable guidance. Updates to follow.

FYI - there are no issues with shipping razors or equipment across the border. I live in Toronto, and have had ebay's sent here no problems.

I bought all my equipment separately, having not known about SRD at the time. My regret is that I had read more first, and found them. Now I know, and keep them bookmarked!

Also, "Floppyshoes", aka Dan Gauthier, lives in Montreal. He is the honemeister for Fendrihan in Mississauga. He also has a classified page for this restoration/sales, and honing services. His edges are very nice, and he is prompt in his return. An excellent service for beginners in Canada.

Good luck,
Maxi

Originally Posted by Maxi

FYI - there are no issues with shipping razors or equipment across the border. I live in Toronto, and have had ebay's sent here no problems.

I bought all my equipment separately, having not known about SRD at the time. My regret is that I had read more first, and found them. Now I know, and keep them bookmarked!

Also, "Floppyshoes", aka Dan Gauthier, lives in Montreal. He is the honemeister for Fendrihan in Mississauga. He also has a classified page for this restoration/sales, and honing services. His edges are very nice, and he is prompt in his return. An excellent service for beginners in Canada.

Good luck,
Maxi

Very good information - thanks!

The Torrey I ordered is shave-ready, but I'm sure I'll have it off to mr. Gauthier within the year.

I also found a site called Rasage Poulin last night. It's a Quebecker based in Calgary with a very interesting selection including "Canadian" branded razors made by Thiers-Issard. Strange that the only straight shaving supplies in Vancouver are ultra-boutiquey -- why is there no equivalent to Fendrihan's out here?

Originally Posted by bushmills

why is there no equivalent to Fendrihan's out here?

It's all mail-order these days so it really doesn't matter where the vendor is located.

Originally Posted by Desdinova

It's all mail-order these days so it really doesn't matter where the vendor is located.

It would be nice to see/smell some of the products before committing -- picking an aftershave scent by text description is a bit like picking a wife out of a catalog. The devil is in the details.

In other news, I tried the Proraso pre/post shave this morning. It's fantastic! The extra layer of glycerin next to the skin makes the razor glide like it's on ice, and the extra cooling is welcome as well.

It's funny: thanks to the extensive shaving theory I've learned from straight research, I'm now getting the most unbelievably close and comfortable cartridge shaves I've ever had from a cartridge razor. It's hard to believe that this is actually the worst form of shaving.

Originally Posted by bushmills

It would be nice to see/smell some of the products before committing -- picking an aftershave scent by text description is a bit like picking a wife out of a catalog. The devil is in the details.

In other news, I tried the Proraso pre/post shave this morning. It's fantastic! The extra layer of glycerin next to the skin makes the razor glide like it's on ice, and the extra cooling is welcome as well.

It's funny: thanks to the extensive shaving theory I've learned from straight research, I'm now getting the most unbelievably close and comfortable cartridge shaves I've ever had from a cartridge razor. It's hard to believe that this is actually the worst form of shaving.

Did you buy your razor? Don from Poco.