Thread: Brand new to straight razor shaving.

Hi everyone. I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm so new to straight razor shaving I haven't even done it yet.
I started with DE's two years ago and about six weeks back I bought a Parker SR1 to see if I'd like open blade shaving. It's been bloody but I have to say I like it. After reading a lot here and on other forums, I decided to spend a little more and ordered a Thiers Issard Evide Sonnant. It arrived Tuesday so I haven't tried it. I also ordered an inexpensive board Stropp and a balsa board coated with chromium oxide. I have no fabric as yet.
I bought these things from The Classic Edge out of Ontario, as I live on PEI, Canada. I really should be buying from Lynn Abrams, as I've watched so many of his videos that I feel like I know him! I might actually order one of the modular stropps . Any opinions on those?
I decided to join the club early, as I'm sure I will need veteran expertise early on once I put all those videos into practice.
Thanks for having me! I look forward to getting to know you all. Any thoughts/advice on my present gear would be much appreciated.

Jeremy

Welcome to SRP.
I got my first straight from The Classic Edge as well. They have it ATM for rehoning as I messed up the edge with my amateur stropping. If you can find someoen in PEI to help you jump at the chance. It made a world of difference for me.

Welcome to the forum Spud. The edge should good from Classic Edge so do not strop the razor before your first shave. Poor stropping can dull an edge as Alan has pointed out. Definitely do not use the Crox pasted stop right away either. Save that for when the edge is dull and only do very few strokes on it even then. There is plenty of info in the forum library Straight Razor Place Library - Straight Razor Place Library to get you off to a good start. I'd agree with Alan that the best way is to have some one on one face time with a member if there is on close enough to you. Hoprfully there is someone close enough to you that can help out that way. If you have to go it alone take you time there is no rush. Any question be sure and ask as the members here are very helpful.

Bob

Hello, SpudIsle! Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Welcome Jeremy, from Nova Scotia here

Originally Posted by BobH

Welcome to the forum Spud. The edge should good from Classic Edge so do not strop the razor before your first shave. Poor stropping can dull an edge as Alan has pointed out. Definitely do not use the Crox pasted stop right away either. Save that for when the edge is dull and only do very few strokes on it even then. There is plenty of info in the forum library Straight Razor Place Library - Straight Razor Place Library to get you off to a good start. I'd agree with Alan that the best way is to have some one on one face time with a member if there is on close enough to you. Hoprfully there is someone close enough to you that can help out that way. If you have to go it alone take you time there is no rush. Any question be sure and ask as the members here are very helpful.

Bob

Thanks to both of you guys for the welcome. PEI is a small place, Charlottetown a small town, so I'm doubtful I will ever meet anyone into this hobby. In the time I've been DE shaving I've known two people who use safety razors and neither are interested in straights.
I learn best by watching so hopefully all the videos will pay off. What are your thoughts on fabric, is it essential?

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Hello, SpudIsle! Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Thank you!

Originally Posted by ecormier

Welcome Jeremy, from Nova Scotia here

Thank you!

for now, the CE board strop is good to learn on, but you will want to get yourself something 'longer' later and at that time you can get a fabric/leather jobby

Phil's edges are to die for btw

Hi and welcome. You need a leather strop but fabric is optional and a personal preference thing. There are many people who only use leather although most would likely use linen and leather.