Thread: New guy from Rhode Island

Hey everyone,

My name is Chris, and I am a DE wet-shaver looking to take the plunge into straight razor shaving. I recently received a Thiers-Issard razor (from AOS) as a gift, and I wanted to start using it. From the information in the archives here, it looks like I should get it honed. I'm eventually going to have it honed by a cutlery shop in the Boston area. In the meantime, I'll continue to read all of the information here. This looks like a great place!

-Chris

Welcome to the forums and the world of straight razor shaving.

Originally Posted by CJS

Hey everyone,

My name is Chris, and I am a DE wet-shaver looking to take the plunge into straight razor shaving. I recently received a Thiers-Issard razor (from AOS) as a gift, and I wanted to start using it. From the information in the archives here, it looks like I should get it honed. I'm eventually going to have it honed by a cutlery shop in the Boston area. In the meantime, I'll continue to read all of the information here. This looks like a great place!

-Chris

Hello Chris and welcome to SRP...

You're right...You most probably should get your TI honed before committing it to your face. There are any number of SRP members, some probably near to where you live, that will be more than happy to assist you in this area.

As for the cutlery shop idea...You may want to think twice about that. From what little I have already learned here at SRP since December, honing a razor is somewhat different than honing a knife. My first choice for honing a str8 razor would be your local, mature or older barber before taking your brand new TI to a cutlery shop.

Take care...

Hello, Chris:

Welcome to SRP. We are delighted to have you. Yes, do plenty of research in every corner of SRP, including the Wiki, before you embark on your straight razor adventure.

Thiers-Issard is a top line razor to give you a good start. I am not sure what model you have. And yes, it will probably need to be honed by a professional.

I caution you, however, that sharpening a straight razor is far different from sharpening a knife. Unless you're cutlery shop has a reputable and topnotch straight razor honing master, I would opt for a first class one at SRP.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please post them and you'll have your answer from a cast of experts.

Regards,

Obie

As for the cutlery shop idea...You may want to think twice about that. From what little I have already learned here at SRP since December, honing a razor is somewhat different than honing a knife. My first choice for honing a str8 razor would be your local, mature or older barber before taking your brand new TI to a cutlery shop

Thanks for the tips, gents. Stoddard's (the shop I thought about going to) was the only place around me that offered a honing service for straight razors. I'll definitely take your advice though.

Hi, I'm in the Boston area and have a TI from AOS as well. I called Stoddards regarding their razor sharpening services. I got the impression that the gentleman had been sharpening straights for a while, that said, I'm a total noob myself. I would love to hear what some of the more experienced meber in the area have to say. If anyone knows a better place to go to that would be amazing!
-Ben

Maybe one of the honemeisters could send a razor to them and give an opinion.

For the OP, I also recommend checking the member services section of the classifieds here. The last thing you want is a razor that isn't shave ready.

Welcome to SRP! Nice to have you here

Welcome to Straight Razor Place!

I found this regarding Stoddard's sharpening at Badger and Blade... Maybe it helps

Boston folks, regarding Stoddards - Badger & Blade

Oh and Welcome to SRP...I'm new too and I'm absolutely hooked. Good luck and many excellent shaves!