Thread: First razor set?!?

I'm going to buy a straight razor pretty soon. I found these 2 kits online here in canada both made by Thiers Issard but I have a few questions before ordering.
1. What kit would be best?

2. Will I be able to get the razor shave ready with what is included in the kit?

kit # 1 Thiers Issard Complete Straight Razor Set Black, Save $35

Kit # 2 Thiers-Issard Straight Razor Set w Double-Sided Box Strop, Save $22

Thanks.

I would say go with set 1, as it also has a brush, soap et al, which set 2 does not have.

Both come with the paste. This paste is applied to one side of the strop to use as touch ups when the razor starts to pull.

Both kits say the razor is pre-sharpened but I dont know what that means. Its probably worth touching base with the seller to see if the razors are hand sharpened by them, or just shipped as they come from the factory. If its from the factory, you'll probably need to send it to be honed as the paste alone wont be enough to get a razor truly shave ready.

The best way to tell is to test shave when you get the razor. The shave should be smooth, comfortable and with no pulling. If the razor pulls or doesnt cut, it needs to be honed.

Hope this helps and good luck!

I can't give you any advice on TI razors as I've never used one but I hear they are a very fine razor. Both sets include the round nose blades which is very good to start with. That's what I learned with and am so glad I did. I read so many posts from newbies that start out with a spike point and get cuts from them. The prices seem to be fair considering everything you get with the kit as I've seen TI's by themselves can be pretty pricey.

You could also go with Scott at Rasage Poulin here. He is a Canadian based vendor and a forum member and the kit is the same price. Personally I would opt for the Special Coiffure here and a hanging strop but that is just my personal preference.

What is the difference with the special coiffeur other than the half hallowed grind? what is carbonsong?

Thanks

Originally Posted by jesseblues

What is the difference with the special coiffeur other than the half hallowed grind? what is carbonsong?

Thanks

The half hollow is a stiffer grind than a full hollow and some find that easier to go through the tough parts. I have one of these razors and like it very much. I don't know what is meant by carbon song. The type of steel maybe ? If you ask Scott (Rasage Poulin) he could probably tell you.

Check with Kenrup (a member here). He sells great starter sets at attractive prices. Also, I HIGHLY recommend acquiring a copy of Lynn's CD. It has over 3 hours of great inormation on most all aspects of straight razors, including shaving with one. It is a very good investment...

If I had to pick one of those, I'd probably get #1 too, but here's the thing. I'm not sure about TI. Paddle strops are good for pasting, Hanging strops are good for everyday use and pasting. If your new, you really need to learn how to shave, and how to hold the blade, and most importantly, how to strop. You may want to practice on an old belt or something. It's very easy to cut into a new strop, Ken or Kenrup of Ruprazor, has practice strops.

Chances are, your first time out, you'll have trouble, and you may think the blade is not sharp enough, even if it is. Are those blade pre honed? If not, you'll be tempted to sharpen it. causing more problems, especially since it comes with paste rated at 10k. At least if it's pre honed, you'll know it's sharp enough, and your troulbe lies elsewhere, like your prep or techniuque. I'd look for ala carte' items. Get what you want. You need a Razor, I'd get a Solingen or Dovo before TI, but that's me. then you need a hanging strop, See Kenrup. a brush and mug or even a bowl from a local superstore will work. Pick up a puck of cheap shaving soap and get the feel for all this.

Read our beginners section here on the wiki, and feel free to ask questions....Our WIKI is excellent. Lynn's DVD is not a bad idea either, and Welcome to SRP....

I believe that from Fendrihan if it says pre-sharpened it means that the blade has been honed. I haven't ordered a razor from there myself, but they also have other razors listed where they specifically outline that they have not been honed.

Given that this set says that the blade is pre-sharpened, and there is no disclaimer anywhere about the blade not being honed, it most likely has been. I would still double check though just to be sure if you have your heart set on that set.

Originally Posted by Stubear

I would say go with set 1, as it also has a brush, soap et al, which set 2 does not have.

Both come with the paste. This paste is applied to one side of the strop to use as touch ups when the razor starts to pull.

Both kits say the razor is pre-sharpened but I dont know what that means. Its probably worth touching base with the seller to see if the razors are hand sharpened by them, or just shipped as they come from the factory. If its from the factory, you'll probably need to send it to be honed as the paste alone wont be enough to get a razor truly shave ready.

The best way to tell is to test shave when you get the razor. The shave should be smooth, comfortable and with no pulling. If the razor pulls or
doesnt cut, it needs to be honed.

Hope this helps and good luck!

++1 on this advice. I own a TI "Le Grelot" and it is a very nice razor.

I would also consider purchasing that same set from Scott at Rasage Poulin. If you write or call him he may be able to answer all your questions