Thread: Purchasing my first TI and strop.

Anyone have a suggestion to investing on a Thiers Issard. I am looking at Thiers-Issard Straight Razors but definitely open to other suggestions.

I need to upgrade from my disposable razors.

Also is there any set that includes a strop or should I buy that separate?
My knowledge of strops are still acquiring.

I agree with JimmyHAD, in that it's often better to go with a quality but less expensive razor to start. My first was a Dovo and I'm still with it. And remember, often you are paying more for fancy scales while the blade is exactly the same on less exotic models.

I agree with the guys above, start cheaper than TI. Dovos are very good razors. My personal recommendation is one of the shoulderless 6/8s with a thumb notch--the ergonomics are perfect for me (glove size large) and the shoulderless blade is a little easier to strop.

TIs are made of some of the hardest steel currently used in razors. While it holds an edge longer, it also will take longer to respond to stropping. In that way, it will give you a less typical experience than a Dovo or other German blade. Also, TIs are often criticized for having overthick and poorly balanced scales. I found that to be true with the one I handled... and did not buy.

Best wishes, welcome to SRP, and happy shopping!

p.s. you don't need to agonize too much about making the perfect purchase for your first razor. There will be others...

You can't go wrong with an entry model dovo such as the best quality. It is a nice half hollow that is very ergonomic and easy to strop. I also find the quality control on dovo's has improved tremendously over the years.

If you really prefer to get a TI, then the "special coiffeur" is a good choice.

Whatever you get, make sure you buy from a vendor who will ensure that your razor is truly shave ready.

As many have already said, the price differences are often due to more bling ( fancier scales, gold, spine work etc..)

Originally Posted by doctormigz

Anyone have a suggestion to investing on a Thiers Issard. I am looking at Thiers-Issard Straight Razors but definitely open to other suggestions.

I need to upgrade from my disposable razors.

Also is there any set that includes a strop or should I buy that separate?
My knowledge of strops are still acquiring.

I don't think you can go wrong as long as you stick with a mainstream brand such as the ones suggested in this thread. With these, you get a quality razor at every price point.

A razor/strop combo deal is cheaper than a la carte. If you need both, why not save a few bucks?

Get a 3" wide strop so you don't have to learn the X pattern while stropping your razor. With 3" you just have to move the blade back and forth.

I would definitely get one shave ready.

TI's are great razors. It is my understanding that CS does not hone their TI razors as they consider them 'shave ready.' Sometimes TI razors can be very difficult to hone so sending it out to a pro would be a good option. I think you can select shave ready option at CS if you want. As far as a strop, CS carries some good ones as well as other on-line shop. Since this is your first straight you might want to practice stopping with something other than your new razor, something dull. Finally, TI sometimes have quality issues so inspect your razor upon arrival, if in doubt post some pics here and some body will chime in.

wow, amazing how fast folks responded

I would agree with most here,while I like my TI very much,it is the hardest razor I own to dial in,so maybe a dovo, or something else might be easier on you,if you decide on a TI get a pro to hone it the first time.JMHO