Thread: New guy posting...

No, you didn't get a low quality blade. But given the reports on TI quality control I personally would pay more for a second hand one, so that I know the blade is not warped, and the scales are fit properly. Of course in your case 'new' is a must, so your options were fairly limited to start with. You did very well, there are a number of rather inferior quality 'new' razors that would've been just a waste of money. The one you got should be good.

You don't have to send it for honing, but chances are it will not be sharp enough. In my mind there's no doubt that the little extra cost and time is more than worth the assurance that the edge is as good as it can be.

Trust me all this information is important, even if you don't find it too encouraging. It's better to be discouraged by us from shaving with a subpar edge, than be discouraged by the shave itself. Starting the right way is very important, especially since most people experience a fairly steep learning curve.

I should say "Thanks" for giving it to me straight so I can have an idea of what to expect. Will let y'all know how things work out for me. Supposing that I send out a blade to get honed by a private bladesmith, what kind of turn-around time can I expect?

I think it depends on how busy the person is. Most of these guys have regular jobs and do this as a hobby, others like Lynn I think have just huge volume even though it looks like he hones 10 razors simultaneously (one with each finger)
You can contact them and find out what's the expectation, but I believe all of them try to get the razors done within a week. Then you can add the post office time and have a fairly reasonable estimate.

Look in the classifieds under member services.

Originally Posted by TomBulls

I should say "Thanks" for giving it to me straight so I can have an idea of what to expect. Will let y'all know how things work out for me. Supposing that I send out a blade to get honed by a private bladesmith, what kind of turn-around time can I expect?

If you would get a shave ready razor from the classifieds it shouldn't take over 1 week maybe two and you would be shaving. Shave prep is very important with a straight so have that down before starting with the straight.

bj

Originally Posted by TomBulls

What I am really asking is-- Am I going to be REQUIRED to send this blade away to get honed by a private bladesmith BEFORE I start to shave, or is this going to be "just good enough" to use?

No, you are not REQUIRED to do anything. However, if your blade is not truly shave ready your face will let you know in no uncertain terms that you probably made a mistake by not doing so. The advice and recommendations given here are from knowledge gained by experience. You can purchase your own hones and perform the honing yourself, but now you have 2 skill sets to learn, shaving and honing. We strongly recommend sending your razor out for honing so you can focus on learning your skills with the razor, not trying to figure out if your razor edge is the problem or your technique.

Look through the classifieds under member services and write to that person. They will give you a time frame for their honing service. I have sent mine out for honing and have generally received them back within 2 weeks. In the grand scheme of shaving, those 2 weeks were a prudent investment. One big piece of advice is not to give it to your local knife sharpener to save time. Unless that person hones his/her own straight razors they will not know what type of edge to put on your razor and will likely botch the job.

Got it! The razor came in the mail yesterday. My 5/8 hollow ground Thiers-Issard blade. I am a little bit leary of using the pre-shave oil, shave cream, and post-shave balm that came complimentary with my order because it made my skin SO SOFT. For the first time in years it hurt to shave with my two-blade sensor excell. I am thinking of how to warm up my face to the idea of SR shaving. The only thing which immediately comes to mind is to shave with the two-blade (one pass with the grain) in the evenings, and then again with the SR to learn the technique and then shaving again in the morning if necessary. Does this sound like a decent approach?

-Thomas

Welcome Tom, and thank you for your sevice.

The advice most often given is to start by shaving the sideburn area and maybe the cheeks to start with. If you're concerned about your skin adjustment, just go with the grain to start. When you get more comfortable with the feel of the blade, expand to other areas of your face. The flatter the area, the easier it is to shave. Obviously, complete your shave with the twin blade while you learn. You may want to watch the various videos on youtube (I think Lynn's is on there too). They can help you develop technique.

We've had a few members stationed in Iraq, I don't know who is there now. I'm curious - I don't know where you are there or what the situation is like, but "less developed" or traditional societies always seem to have skilled barbers. Maybe there are some there who know how to hone a straight?

If you do send send out to a service, be sure it's one of the honemeisters here. Don't use someone who's "good at sharpening knives". Straights are different. You don't want someone damaging your nice new razor.

Jordan

1st- Thanks for serving. My good friend just got home safe, and I wish you the same!

2 Things not yet covered.- Stretching and Sharpness Testing

Stretching- read in the Wiki for full info- but your shave will be WAY more comfortable if you keep your skin taught at all times. This usually involves some combination of pulling with your off hand and weird facial expressions.

Sharpness testing- try your new blade on some arm or leg hair- just pass it through. It should cut the hair with little effort ABOVE the skin. I'm not talking magic here, but it'll catch upright hairs if it's shave ready and you'll find a bunch left on the blade. If your blade just pushes all the hair over- don't even try to shave with it, just send it out.

Good luck!

Semper Fi Thomas!

The TI is a good shaver so no worries there. Test the razors sharpness on arm hair as stated above. If it passes then give it a shot. If not send it out to get properly honed, it will be worth the time. As for storing it - after you shave dry it with a towel and then tissue paper. You can use a little oil (mineral not CL&P ) on the blade to keep moisture from getting to it.

Learning to straight shave takes practice. Everything from pre-shave face prep to post shave storage is important to straight shaving. Keep at it and all will be well.

Most importantly, keep your a$$ down and stay safe!

Tom (former Cpl with 1/5 )

No worries, mate! I am definitely NOT using CLP on my TI blade. I have an aerosol can of Remington Shaver Saver. Sterilizes the blade, and also protects against rust and other contaminants. Cleans off easily before use under hot water and a soft cloth.

Semper Fi!
-Tom