Hi Guys,

I have always been keen on using a straight razor just haven't got around to trying it. I recently bought a Dovo Shavette and have been shaving with it for about a month now. My first shave I thought I was doing ok but a month later I now realise how bad my first shave really was. I have put in hours of research before purchasing a real straight razor, just about every piece of beginner information told me I should start out with a full hollow ground 5/8 blade but being the stubborn man that I am I went for the razor that I really wanted.

I have just purchased a Thiers Issard Spartacus with a 6/8 blade, Festonne Spine, Dreadnought point and Ebony scales. I know what all you seasoned straight razor users are thinking- "look at this young Aussie getting a little too keen buying that as his first straight razor". But my plan is to slowly replace my Shavette with my Thiers Issard straight razor. As far as honing and stroping goes I still have a lot of research to do but I have spent most of my life sharpening hunting and skinning knives so I have a fair idea what I am in for.

Last but not least I see a lot of discussions on this forum about the types of steel used to make straight razors. Most of the information I see on here is fairly accurate, some information is definitely old wives tales..... I am a Project Manager for a company that makes machinery parts and I work with an engineer and a Draftsman all day everyday not to mention I literally have a Vickers Hardness Tester sitting right next to me in my office. I would not consider myself an expert when it comes to this topic but I do have a bit of experience, knowledge and access to a very knowledgeable Mechanical Engineer. So any questions about Straight Razor steel? I will be happy to help out where I can.

Thanks for letting me use this forum and happy shaving!

SamSpartacus