Thread: Just saying hi

Firstly, hello all, hope everyone is ok

I've been reading a lot about straight razors and decided I'm going to get involved. One of the things I read was to start with a razor that's not cheap, but obviously not stupidly expensive. I've got my eye on a Thiers Issard, Sheep and Wolf 5/8 razor and was wondering, from those with a lot of knowledge whether that would be a good first blade?
I know there are probably reams of posts regarding razors for beginners but my forum skills are pretty rubbish and I would like to get started this side of Christmas
Going to try and find a cheap(ish) strop to get started with. I've already seen a premium one but I'd rather not potentially shred a decent one while I'm learning.

Anyway. If you're still reading this, then thank you

First, welcome top SRP. Questions will be answered, often in depth, as you ask them.

Secondly, the Theirs is a good razor. As long as it has a round point, which is highly recommended for beginners. Square points tend to be like a weapon in the hands of the uninitiated. Also, check out the classifieds for a reasonably priced razor that would suit your needs.

As for a strop, you might find one in the classifieds also.

Lastly, it would help you to list where you are in your bio. A senior member or Mentor might be right down the street from you. They are more than willing to do a series of one on one meeting to help you get off the grouind in as solid a way as possible.

Thank you for the reply. I have now updated the location in my bio. (East Sussex in the UK)
As for the razor, it does indeed have a round point. I've also got my eye on a hone stone but also read that I can just strop the blade initially before (and after) use so probably won't worry about the stone for a while!

Thanks for the quick response. Don't worry about learning to home for at least a year. If you start with a razor that has been honed properly and you develop your stropping skills you need not worry about the honing part for that first year. For your information, celticcrusader, one of our Mentors, is in Wales and it would behoove you to start up a correspondence with him. Especially in regards to getting a reasonably priced first-time strop.

Razorfeld has given sound advice. And don't be afraid to ask questions; there are enough members passing through every day that answering repeat questions in depth doesn't weigh heavily on any of us . A great, friendly bunch we have here!

If celticcrusader is unable to help you out with an inexpensive strop, you might consider a "Poor Man's Strop" from Larry over at Whipped Dog. I haven't done businesses with him personally, but many satisfy their low budget/starter equipment needs with him.

Enjoy the journey! And take it slow.

Welcome to SRP, Solo! Thiers-Issard makes a great razor, so that might be a great first purchase, but you may prefer the slightly larger 6/8 size. As mentioned, if you are looking to keep your budget low for your initial entry, the Buy/Sell/Trade area is a great place to pick up nice razors that are affordably priced.

Good luck learning to shave and have fun while doing it. It's quite addictive for most of us here. Cheers!

Hello and welcome to SRP!
Have fun learning and enjoy the forum.

Pete <:-}

Welcome to the forum.

Hello, welcome on the forum. The sheep & wolf collection is magnificent. I recently went in an old-fashioned barber store in Antwerp that had 40 différents models. If sometimes you come this side of the Channel, it's worth visiting.

Welcome to the forum.

You won't go far wrong with a Thiers Issard razor. The important thing is to make sure that whatever you buy is shave ready. They will be factory sharp, but that is almost certainly not going to be a comfortable shave. If you get one that is shave ready you will not have to worry about a stone for a good few months (providing that you don't drop it or ruin the edge on the strop). If you do either of those things I would initially send it off for a professional hone. Once you have become accustomed to the strop and the razor and developed a comfort with them both that is the time to look at hones.

If the place you buy the razor from offers it shave ready they will likely have someone that will hone it for you if you run into any problems. I am also in the UK and there are a few places that offer this service over here.

Good luck and enjoy.

PS, if you do drop your razor do NOT try to catch it unless you are a professional juggler