Thread: Disappointing start

I was really excited and bought my first straight a couple of weeks ago, a second hand Thiers Issard that looked practically new and has awesome bovine scales. Following the recommendations of this group, I took it to get honed and was surprised when he pointed out there was an ever-so-slight bend in the spine. I struggled to see it, but when he showed it to me closely it's now obvious to me. He was able to make it shave ready, but had to hone it slightly off to accommodate the spine.

Not it the start I was hoping for. I plan to give it a try tomorrow to see how it goes. No going back now since I can't afford another razor!

What's with all the bent razors I keep reading about? I hope it has been successfully honed. The strop will keep it shaving!

I've been wondering the same thing about bent razors. Seems quite a few have been popping up lately.

But to AZBronco: don't worry about it! If it's honed properly it will work just fine. The bevel may appear a bit wonky but it will still do the job.

Dunno, more than enough of my vintage razors have a warp/twist/bend to the spine. Makes no never mind if you know how to hone for that and they shave well. AZBronco, if it shaves and it should you are off to the races.

Bob

It's just an obstacle AZBronco,,, wetshaving is bigger than a warped spine,,, use this time to work on prep, keep using the creams, soaps & aftershaves with whatever razor you have at the moment. Consider a DE razor, they are everywhere & cheap to maintain. If you want a straight sooner than the wallet will allow,,, then trade something for it. We have a classified section full of deals & members looking for a bargain,,, maybe you have something, not shaving related, that another wants, send it to them & they will send you a good usable straight,,,
Where there's a will, there's a way,,, as they say,,,,,

Some variance is pretty much par for the course as soon as you buy anything other than brand new, and even then, you never know.

In terms of previously owned razors, whether 1 year old or 200 years old, it's pretty much a given that you'll have some aspect not pristine, and it's no big deal, goes with the territory and it's never affected the shave AFAIK...don't sweat it.

Don't get me started..........

It's always the razors fault or the hones fault or the dogs fault or some other bodies fault..............

Yowza!!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

What's with all the bent razors I keep reading about? I hope it has been successfully honed. The strop will keep it shaving!

Originally Posted by Hirlau

It's just an obstacle AZBronco,,, wetshaving is bigger than a warped spine,,, use this time to work on prep, keep using the creams, soaps & aftershaves with whatever razor you have at the moment. Consider a DE razor, they are everywhere & cheap to maintain. If you want a straight sooner than the wallet will allow,,, then trade something for it. We have a classified section full of deals & members looking for a bargain,,, maybe you have something, not shaving related, that another wants, send it to them & they will send you a good usable straight,,,
Where there's a will, there's a way,,, as they say,,,,,

Oh, I have more than my fair share if DE and SE razors. I've also got a shavette and this was my first real straight. I appreciate all the replies. The guy who honed it seemed to make a big deal about it, but then told me he was able to put a good edge on it. Sounds like you all have dealt with imperfections like this, so I'm not going to worry. I'll post how my first shave goes.

I had my first shave today and it was great! The edge was nice and sharp, I got to play with my new strop, and the shave was pretty good. I did two passes on the cheeks (WTG and XTG), even using my non-dominant hand on the right. I was comfortable doing that thanks to using a shavette in the past. I finished up the neck with my Ever Ready 1912 since I'm not ready to conquer the neck just yet. I also sport a goatee, but I likely would have skipped the chin and lip until I get a little more comfortable.

Overall, very happy with the experience!

See all that worrying for nothing. Glad it worked out