New to the board and just had my first straight edge razor shave

[Ben2010]

Hi everyone,

I just registered and wanted to introduce myself. I got my thiers issard razor today and just did (or at least tried) my first straight razor shave on my own.

I beard is course and I had not shaved for several days. I did three passes (along, across and against the grain) and was not able to pick everything up. Needless to say, I also nicked myself a few times.

My concern is this: is it normal to not get a close shave on the first try. I know that there is a steep learning curve with this but want to make sure I am at least on the right track.

Thanks,

Ben2010

[Hirlau]

Welcome, take your time on this journey. It took me over a week before I could shave my entire face.

Enjoy the journey, that's the goal.

[pinklather]

Hi Ben. Bravo for choosing quality.

You bet its normal. There's skill involved, some of which gets subtle, most of which takes practice. Its the norm. Doing 3 passes on the first shave isn't that common. Many don't even do the whole shave at first. You'll spend some time trying all kinds of crazy stretches and strokes, learning what direction of strectch & stroke cleans what area fully. Blade angle, absence of pressure. It doesn't all come on the first shave. But it *does* come, and it sounds like you have a good start.

FYI. I'm called pinklather 'cause "a few nicks" was rather true for me also. It was... colorful. This is fairly important: do NOT shave over the nicks until they've healed - or they won't heal. I used to lather up and remove lather w/ a finger over the nick so I could see where it was and see what NOT to shave. Another tip from Lynn was to put a dab of neosporin on the nick. Its not just the antiseptic, but the 'inactive ingredients' read like a 'who's who' of great things for skin.

Your start is good, Ben. I wish I could have gotten it all down the first shave too, but that's not how its gonna work. You have lots of help and support here. Make use of it by asking questions. If my hacked up face & 5 destroyed stops can learn - you can learn faster. Enjoy the learning. 'Hope to hear more from you.

[Ben2010]

Thank you very much for the responses! I was also told that the Thiers Issard is "shave ready" and I don't need to hone it right away. However, I've read some articles here that every razor needs a hone. Is Thiers the exception? Also, I have yet to get a strop. Do y'all have any recommendations?

[pitrik]

Thank you very much for the responses! I was also told that the Thiers Issard is "shave ready" and I don't need to hone it right away. However, I've read some articles here that every razor needs a hone. Is Thiers the exception? Also, I have yet to get a strop. Do y'all have any recommendations?

I think this really depends on where you bought your razor from. Now, from what I understand, Thiers Issard come pretty darned close right from the factory. A lot of the reputable sellers here (straight Razor designs, Vintage blades llc, classicedge.ca) will hone the razors before they send them to you, thus ensuring you get a wicked sharp edge. If you could let us know where you bought yours, that might help a little.

Patrick

[Ben2010]

I think this really depends on where you bought your razor from. Now, from what I understand, Thiers Issard come pretty darned close right from the factory. A lot of the reputable sellers here (straight Razor designs, Vintage blades llc, classicedge.ca) will hone the razors before they send them to you, thus ensuring you get a wicked sharp edge. If you could let us know where you bought yours, that might help a little.

Patrick

I got my Thiers Issard razor from the art of shaving store at San Francisco.

[EdG]

I have not yet used a TI. From what l have read, that brand is pretty close from the factory. Shave Ready is a personal preference thing. I bought my first razor from a well known seller who sent it honed. I did buy another razor with a factory edge to compare, and it was awful compared to my honed razor. If the shave is smooth and comfortable to YOU, that is all that is important I think.

That being said, not having a strop means you can not maintain the edge you do have. So you need one quick, as it will need to be stropped at least before every shave. I do it before and after, but that is another personal preference thing.

I bought my first (and second) from SRD. They have a banner on this site that will take you there. The strops are high quality and an awesome price. Any of the affiliated vendors here will get you quality, but I found the prices there excellent for the quality. After your first strop, you can move on to explore other more interesting options. To start, I would suggest just a 3 inch latigo hanging strop. You may or may not nick it a bunch when learning, but why risk spending a ton on an expensive leather you may damage?

You will get lots of advice here! Congrats on first shave (sounded good for first time), and welcome to the forum!