Thread: Question about a Thiers Issard Le Grelot

I'm interested in the Thiers Issard Le Grelot Straight Razor 6/8", Ebony Wood Handle here:

Thiers Issard Le Grelot Straight Razor 6/8", Ebony Wood Handle | Fendrihan Shaving Store

My question is: what is the difference (if any) between a Thiers Issard Le Grelot with the "Le Grelot" trademark on the tang versus the "Thiers Issard" trademark?

I'm waiting for a response from Fendrihan, but I thought I'd ask here as well.

Thiers Issard bought the company Le Grelot, and they used the remaining razor blanks to make razors. That said a razor with Le grelot trademark and Thiers Issard would be that it was made from a blank from Le Grelot. The one pictures in the link you provided doesnt seem to me to be one of them.

A Thiers Issard, Le Grelot would look like this one.

Welcome to SRP. As Martin said, TI bought Le Grelot and ran through the remaining blade blanks harvested when they took over the company. I am not sure but I would bet that the TI stamped razors, referred to as Le Grolet, are either blanks that weren't stamped, or maybe the style of blade that LG made. Not sure though.

I have a P.Hospital Le Grelot and a new TI Spartacus. I can say that you won't be disappointed in either one.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

...are either blanks that weren't stamped, or maybe the style of blade that LG made. Not sure though.

Therein lies the crux of my dilemma. I've been lurking for a while and I've learned enough to know that you cannot go wrong with a TI. There's another TI that I have my eye on and I was trying to provide justification to push me in one direction or another. I tend to fall victim to paralysis by analysis. I'll see what Fendrihan says and report back.

Regardless, thanks for the welcome.

From: Fendrihan.com Customer Service

Hello,

The blade is a Le Grelot.
Le Grelot name is owned by Thiers Issard.
The blade is not a historical Le Grelot, with the aforementioned name on
it. That stock of blades has been exhausted about 2 years ago.

All Le Grelot are new forgings now.

Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,
John M.

For the record, here is the other TI that I have my eyes on:

Thiers Issard Sheep and Wolf Straight Razor 6/8", Walnut Handle

I believe the one that you are looking at is brand new production as it says in the description that it is full hollow ground singing razor. I believe the original P. Hospital Le Grelot razors were a heavier than full hollow grind. Somebody with more knowledge of this brand of razor might be able to clarify that. I have to say that the one linked to is a very nice looking razor, it would tempt me.

Bob

There you go. A day late and a dollar short in my answer.

Originally Posted by cxhamilton

From: Fendrihan.com Customer Service

Hello,

The blade is a Le Grelot.
Le Grelot name is owned by Thiers Issard.
The blade is not a historical Le Grelot, with the aforementioned name on
it. That stock of blades has been exhausted about 2 years ago.

All Le Grelot are new forgings now.

Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,
John M.

So howcome the blade doesnt say Le Grelot?

Originally Posted by BobH

I believe the one that you are looking at is brand new production as it says in the description that it is full hollow ground singing razor. I believe the original P. Hospital Le Grelot razors were a heavier than full hollow grind. Somebody with more knowledge of this brand of razor might be able to clarify that. I have to say that the one linked to is a very nice looking razor, it would tempt me.

Bob

There you go. A day late and a dollar short in my answer.

My P. Hospital is definitely a heavier grind than full hollow. Don't ask me to classify it or verify that this was standard on all Le Grelots but it has more heft to it than a standard full hollow. I really like a heavier grind even if its just a little extra. To me, the shaves seem smoother. And the TI Spartacus that I have is classified as half hollow. Both are wonderful razors.

Based on John's comments: I'm assuming that this is a new TI with a Le Grelot "style" blade that is based on the original Le Grelot stamped blades that TI acquired.