Thread: First Shave - Massacre

Bought a new Thiers Issard off ebay and tried it out today for my first straight razor shave. I don't have a brush or pre-shave supplies yet, but I couldn't wait to try it out. Scared the kids and made the wife chuckle, looked like a low budget horror flick by the time I finished. Can't wait to try it again tomorrow.

Welcome to the path of learning paved with blood. I too have left a bloody path behind.
The kids will forget and the wife will still smile when you strut like a rooster after the first bloodless shave.
Just remember to take your time start with the cheeks. learn a little at a time. don't try to go to fast.
It took me 10 weeks before I would go against the grain.

For what it is worth,You may want to wait until you can get a brush and soap. I am by no meaning of the word even a novice yet.
What I have learned is seek out someone that can hone your razor. Sometimes shave ready on ebay does not always mean it was honed by a master (I learned this the hard way)
Watch you tube on how to strop. A very good way to learn to strop is to find a sallies beauty supply and pick up a shavette razor. With out the blade in it practice stropping. This will teach you muscle memory as well as help save a strop from the coming nicks.

I am sure if you posted you needed someone to hone your razor you would be very surprised.

It is great you are here and I hope to see you around.
Good luck and enjoy the path

Kevin

+1 On Making Sure It Is Honed And Shave Ready! Makes A Big Difference!

i would recommend getting your razor honed up by a pro, if you check the classifieds section here there are plenty of guys would hone razors for a small fee. if you post about where you are located it would be easier to find if there is anyone in your area who could possible help you out with any problems you may need help with

-dan-

Originally Posted by kcmedic2189

Bought a new Thiers Issard off ebay and tried it out today for my first straight razor shave. I don't have a brush or pre-shave supplies yet, but I couldn't wait to try it out. Scared the kids and made the wife chuckle, looked like a low budget horror flick by the time I finished. Can't wait to try it again tomorrow.

We've all been there and done that. It gets better, I promise. Just remember:
1. Styptic pencils are cheap
2. If the razor slips out of your hands or falls off the counter resist the instinct to grab it at all costs
3. Chicks dig scars
4. When it's all said and done, you'll be one of the very, very, elite group of modern men in the world that can comfortably and bloodlessly use a straight razor.

Thanks for the advise. An SRP Honemeister lives close by and I've already discussed getting the razors to him when they arrive. I had originally bid on a Vintage Double Duck and won, but it hasn't arrived yet. I didn't think I would win the Thiers-Issard, it just happened to arrive first and appears to be in new/mint condition. A small strop came with the razor and, based off the videos, my technique is ok for a newbie, but I ordered a better strop anyway. Now I just need to get a decent brush and experiment with some different shave oil, soap, etc.

Throw the strop in the garbage if it looks like a cheap belt and order a good one ASAP one with linen and at least 2 1/2 " wide with a good 24" of length for stropping. Welcome aboard


Matt

I just started recently too. I only nicked myself a little, but my wife was making me swear that I would not do it without her around. She had her phone in hand ready to call 911. Her confidence put me at ease lol.

I got one of the filly stops, man what a difference. might want to look into it.

Originally Posted by Chevhead

+1 On Making Sure It Is Honed And Shave Ready! Makes A Big Difference!

This.

Welcome to the club.