Thread: Noob in Houston

Howdy!
I wanted to try straight razor shaving so I could stop putting disposable cartridges into landfills.
I just got a new Thiers-Issard 6/8 "Super Gnome" as a gift, and an SRD strop so I could replace the leather when I nicked it.
I just tried my first shave on my sideburns and came out unscathed, but I did nick the strop a little on the edges. Stropping seems like it's going to be the trickiest part for me.
I'm looking forward to getting better at this and getting comfortable doing my whole face.
Thanks for the help! I've already taken advantage of lots of your advice here. I look forward to finding more.
sgc

Hello, sgcrawf:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. Getting nicks in the strop early on often happen with new straight razor shavers.

From what you describe, your strop cuts are minor. Practice with a dull butter knife on the strop.

Make sure you read everything you find in the Wiki on straight razor shaving. Also, you'll find many videos on straight razor shaving.

Whatever you do, throw the clock away and focus on skill. It takes time, but you'll get there. Also, post any questions you might have.

Regards,
Obie

Hey sgcrawf, welcome to the world of str8 shaving!

sgcrawf,

Welcome to SRP...It looks like you are well on your way. Congrats!

Don't worry too much about those minor nicks on the edge of your strop. They happen. Just don't gouge or cut your strop. Take Obie's advice to heart and practice your stropping technique with a butter knife. Hold your strop taut at approx. waist level. Go slow at first when stropping and practice rolling the blade on its spine with your fingertips. As you skill develops, you will be able to increase the speed with which you strop your razor, but do so only slightly. There's no need to rush.

BTW...You can remove those minor nicks in your strop with some fine grit sandpaper so that it looks good as new.

Take care--and smooth shaving.

Welcome to SRP. Sounds like you have some nice gear...All good advice from the other members. You can also practice your stropping technique on an old belt...It's all in the wrist. Start slow, speed comes with practice....so, take your time and be methodical about it.