Thread: Greetings to all from excited newbie

Just wanted to say hi to everyone and thank all those who make this site such a wealth of knowledge for newbies like myself. I have always been intrigued by straight razors for a long time and a few days ago I ordered a new Thiers-Issard Sheffield Silver Steel, Red Stamina, 5/8. Unfortunately that was before I found this site or I probably would have purchased a used one out of the classifies here, saved myself some money and got a "shave ready" razor. But alas I was too excited and did not do extensive research. I figure I'm probably gonna have to send it off to be properly honed as soon as I do get it. I also purchased soap from bond of Taylor street, an Illonois Russian strop, and the cheapest badger hair brush I could find. Any feedback on anything I'm lacking or mistakes/good choices I've made so far would be appriciated.

Welcome! That is an excellent razor. Let us know where your at and someone might be able to help you out.

As somewhat of an aside, if you would like you can send the razor to me and I will gladly hone it for you, to get you started.

Sending a razor out to be honed is emotionally difficult, but in reality is quite simple and inexpensive. Just pack it up sensibly.

You might even be able to get a decent first shave if you strop the razor up significantly before your first shave. It happens sometimes. You'll always do better with a well honed blade of course. But I'm sure your anxious to atleast try it. Just don't ever move the blade sideways.

Another "home" option is to strop the razor up on newspaper. You might attain something close to shave ready that way. The problem is that some blades come from the factory appropiately close to shave ready and some come, essentially, dull. It's a little bit of a crap shoot.

Welcome to SRP! nice to have you join us... Well, I must say Thiers-Issard is known to be good so you did fine. I am not sure where you purchased it I assume it was classic shaving.... From what I can tell the razor you purchased is not shave ready it will need to be sent of for honing. You can find many who can do this for you on the classifieds for a reasonable price.

Richard

Welcome.........Keep reading and keep asking. The senior folks here will answer and provide information.

Welcome, and I wish you the best of luck as you get started on your journey here.

Read the wiki and don't be afraid to ask questions. In my 1-2 months on here I've gotten wonderful advice and assistance from the members. If you're really anxious to get started, and know you'll have to send your new TI out for a hone, you could always pick up an inexpensive razor from classifieds here (plus that way you have a second for rotation and to see the differences in the various razors). The other alternative is, depending on where you're located, if you send me a PM, I might have a spare I would be willing to loan you while you wait for your new pride and joy to be honed...

Hello, thehekler:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. Your Thiers-Issard is a fine razor and will serve you well. From here on take your time honing your skill as a straight razor shaver. What's more, wet shaving with the straight razor is a parade of wonderful rituals. Enjoy them all. Once you have your razor professionally honed, then you're ready to go. Congratulations, and welcome to the world of gentleman shavers.

Regards,
Obie

Welcome to SRP.

You will find this a wonderful place to get advice, exchange ideas and pretty much hang out and talk about anything.

Good choice on the Thiers Issard ...great shavers once they get a good edge. Also, your decision to send it to Lynn is a good one. As someone starting out, you want to have a shave ready razor to judge and hone your technique so to speak.

As Obie said...this hobby is riddled with wonderful rituals and is rather technique heavy. Sometime in the future, I would also encourage you to invest in a cheap ($40 or so), but good razor and a couple of honing stones and practice your sharpening/honing skills on this cheap razor, rather than your more expensive str8 (and yes, all sorts of Acquisition Disorders or ADs will set in at some point ). Check the classifieds and threads, Wiki for info on what to do, what to get, etc...

Also, don't be surprised if at some point soon, you find yourself wanting a better brush...it's one of those things that makes a big difference in your shaving experience.

You're in for a nice treat. Hang out, and more importantly...Have fun. Good to have you here.

Just wanted to thank everyone for the quick responses, and good advice. This really does seem to be a great community and I cannot wait till I am knowledgable enough to "pay it foward" and help others. That said to answer some of the questions: AFDavis11, I live in central New Jersey. RKP, yes I did purchase the razor from classicshaving I assume they are a reputable dealer after seeing their link and seeing them mentioned serveral times on this site. Many of the other items I ordered from theknifecenter which is a site that I have not seen mentioned hear and was wondering if anyone had any experiance with them as they seemed to have good prices on many items altough now I am stuck waiting as some are on backorder. Also AFDavis11 how do you hone with newspaper I've seen this mentioned I'm passing a few times here but no real explanation is that better for a rougher hone then the linen or leather strop or just to be used a a cheap substitute? I also purchased an old DE razor from a member here which I know won't be the same but hopefully will be able to sate my hunger for a clean shave if I have to send me str8 off to be honed. I waswondering is a properly honed str8 markedly sharper then a new quality DE disposable blade? Thanks for the help guys I guess I'll pass tge time watching videos until I can actually hold my razor

Originally Posted by thehekler

Just wanted to thank everyone for the quick responses, and good advice. This really does seem to be a great community and I cannot wait till I am knowledgable enough to "pay it foward" and help others. That said to answer some of the questions: AFDavis11, I live in central New Jersey. RKP, yes I did purchase the razor from classicshaving I assume they are a reputable dealer after seeing their link and seeing them mentioned serveral times on this site. Many of the other items I ordered from theknifecenter which is a site that I have not seen mentioned hear and was wondering if anyone had any experiance with them as they seemed to have good prices on many items altough now I am stuck waiting as some are on backorder. Also AFDavis11 how do you hone with newspaper I've seen this mentioned I'm passing a few times here but no real explanation is that better for a rougher hone then the linen or leather strop or just to be used a a cheap substitute? I also purchased an old DE razor from a member here which I know won't be the same but hopefully will be able to sate my hunger for a clean shave if I have to send me str8 off to be honed. I waswondering is a properly honed str8 markedly sharper then a new quality DE disposable blade? Thanks for the help guys I guess I'll pass tge time watching videos until I can actually hold my razor

If I remember correctly, I did deal with the KnifeCenter once...I bought my dad a Thiers Issard for his birthday, which he likes very much and a Thiers Issard display case for me. Very good customer service...They were very helpful with my questions