Thread: Tough test...I'd give it a pass!

Hello there,
I recently purchased a beautiful str8 razor after getting a request from my wife to help her...um....cut her hair! On her head of course! Get your head out of the gutter.
Up to very recently, a str8 razor was something my dad USED to use, and seemed to have been relegated to wherever old things go when no longer useful. It was news to me that a str8 is actually a desired hair cutting tool.
So in order to reduce her 'split ends', she wanted me to use a razor to cut the ends of her hair.

So I started researching. (it's what I do)
And pretty soon, I was more than curious as to whether I could use one myself for..shaving. I have two old razors from my father somewhere..and while I like hunting for hidden treasure, who knows what kind of condition they would be so there was no other option than to purchase something new.
So a purchase was made for a stunning razor from Scott at Rasage Poulin.
I like the design and considering it may be a heirloom to be passed down, it seemed like a great product.

A few weeks have passed since it came into my hands. I knew I needed to research just 'how' to shave, and I knew my first time would be a slow session.
And just to really test this system out, I didn't shave for 7 days. That is perfectly normal for me. Normally my Mach3 tackles a weeks growth and the blades have to be sharp for that. I took my brand new TI razor and stropped it according to the instructions that came with the strop. I didn't look at the blade edge with a microscope or magnifying glass. I just figured it must be sharp since a new razor should be ready to go..shouldn't it?

Anyhow, a long story short: today was the day. And apart from a few small nicks, I can honestly say I'm impressed. I have a few rough patches but it isn't that far off from my normal 'new blade' Mach3. Time and practice, skin conditioning and technique 'honing' should reduce the nickage and get the skin a little more smooth.
I couldn't relax when I was shaving my neck..EVERY move was controlled and calculated..(small phobia regarding my neck area!) but in the end, what I took away from the experience was that it was very much a learnable skill. And to top it off, I actually enjoyed the experience.

Now the real learning begins. I have a lot to read on this forum. I know how to use the search function too!

Anyhow, I'm happy forums like this exist send a thanks out to everyone who has imparted wisdom, experience and tips for the benefit of learners like me.
cheers,
2Stroke.

Welcome to the dark side.

I'd be inclined to search for that"hidden treasure" you mentioned. They might be worth having restored...Or they might not be in too bad a condition. You won't know until you find them.
Welcome to the forum, and I hope your shaves get better and better from here on in.


Mick

Not everyone has such a good start . Congrats & welcome.

Originally Posted by 2StrokeBloke

. I just figured it must be sharp since a new razor should be ready to go..shouldn't it?

Welcome and no, they usually aren't. If your razor came in a factory sealed box it most probably is not "shave ready".
There is a reason why online shops such as straight razor designs hone each brandnew razor before shipping them to their customers...
even though Thiers Issard or Dovo are supposed to be great razors, they usually aren't shave ready when they leave the factory (maybe the really expensive ones are).

I do not mean to be negative nancy and spoil the fun for you, what I am essentially trying to say is that one of the most important aspects of straight razor shaving is acquiring a concept or an idea of how sharp a straight razor truly needs to be. brand new razors usually don't meet this criterion.

Long story short: have fun, don't hesitate to ask around, don't listen to people like me (i'm a newbie myself), make sure your razors are always as sharp as possible and stuff...

best of luck to your endeavours.