Thread: First post, First straight razor, First question!

Hey everyone!

Short story: A couple years ago I decided enough was enough and my face deserved better than a cartridge razor. Burns, bumps, and ingrowns were bumming me out. I decided I wanted to move to a safety razor with the ultimate goal of going straight razor. The day I bought my safety razor (an Edwin Jagger DE89Lbl) I happened to come across a beautiful straight razor. I decided, without any research, to buy it and make it my goal.

Two years later (two weeks ago) I decided I was comfortable enough with the safety razor to make the plunge and busted out my Thiers Issard Spartacus and give it a go. It took me 25 minutes of caution and concentration to get through my shave. No nicks or cuts, but it wasn't very close (I don't expect it to be for a very long time until I get the angle and muscle memory down). All I know is that I'm hooked and looking to dive beard first into the world of straight razors! (It's taking all of my will power not to go out and buy a honing stone and stuff!)

Onto my question! With a thick-haired beard and sensitive skin, did I get a "bad" first straight razor? I say bad as in not the right type/style/size for a beginner. I honestly don't know if this is a "good" or "great" blade in comparison to what's out there, but that would be interesting to know too. After research today I found out that this might be a half-hallow 6/8"? It's 6/8" on the inside and goes to about 7/8" at the end of the blade.

I know performance (outside of practice) can hinge on the products you use, so here's my routine:

1. Get out of shower
2. Hot water to the face
3. Apply Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream using a Parker Safety Razor 100% Pure Badger Bristle Shaving Brush
   
   1. I'll note that I don't lather in a cup, although I do have a cup to put my brush in for when I need to re-lather
   
   
4. Shave with grain
5. Shave against grain
6. Hot water to remove any lingering cream
7. Cold water to close the pores
8. Bath & Body Works C.O. Bigelow No.1401 Bay Rum After-Shave Balm

I do have a strop (a Fromm Razor Strop 2 1/2" X 23") and I've been trying to get that down (my first time was today as my last shave was the worst out of my three times thus far as far as closeness). Thanks for the help and here's some photos of my precious!!



Edit: sorry for the attachments, it was rotating the images and couldn't figure out how to remove them!