New to the board and just had my first straight edge razor shave

[Ben2010]

Thank you very much for the responses! I was also told that the Thiers Issard is "shave ready" and I don't need to hone it right away. However, I've read some articles here that every razor needs a hone. Is Thiers the exception? Also, I have yet to get a strop. Do y'all have any recommendations?

[pitrik]

Thank you very much for the responses! I was also told that the Thiers Issard is "shave ready" and I don't need to hone it right away. However, I've read some articles here that every razor needs a hone. Is Thiers the exception? Also, I have yet to get a strop. Do y'all have any recommendations?

I think this really depends on where you bought your razor from. Now, from what I understand, Thiers Issard come pretty darned close right from the factory. A lot of the reputable sellers here (straight Razor designs, Vintage blades llc, classicedge.ca) will hone the razors before they send them to you, thus ensuring you get a wicked sharp edge. If you could let us know where you bought yours, that might help a little.

Patrick

[Ben2010]

I think this really depends on where you bought your razor from. Now, from what I understand, Thiers Issard come pretty darned close right from the factory. A lot of the reputable sellers here (straight Razor designs, Vintage blades llc, classicedge.ca) will hone the razors before they send them to you, thus ensuring you get a wicked sharp edge. If you could let us know where you bought yours, that might help a little.

Patrick

I got my Thiers Issard razor from the art of shaving store at San Francisco.

[EdG]

I have not yet used a TI. From what l have read, that brand is pretty close from the factory. Shave Ready is a personal preference thing. I bought my first razor from a well known seller who sent it honed. I did buy another razor with a factory edge to compare, and it was awful compared to my honed razor. If the shave is smooth and comfortable to YOU, that is all that is important I think.

That being said, not having a strop means you can not maintain the edge you do have. So you need one quick, as it will need to be stropped at least before every shave. I do it before and after, but that is another personal preference thing.

I bought my first (and second) from SRD. They have a banner on this site that will take you there. The strops are high quality and an awesome price. Any of the affiliated vendors here will get you quality, but I found the prices there excellent for the quality. After your first strop, you can move on to explore other more interesting options. To start, I would suggest just a 3 inch latigo hanging strop. You may or may not nick it a bunch when learning, but why risk spending a ton on an expensive leather you may damage?

You will get lots of advice here! Congrats on first shave (sounded good for first time), and welcome to the forum!