Thiers Issard 889 Sheep and Wolf
I was hoping to purchase a Thiers Issard razor from SRD and get it honed by Lynn. However, after showing TI razors as unavailable for many weeks, the TI razors recently have been removed from the SRD web site.
I had read varying reports about the quality of TI razors. Thus, I was a little wary of purchasing a TI.
Initially, I was looking at the TI 889 Bison with Red Stamina scales, since that was listed on the SRD web site. However, when I went to the Smallflower/Mertz Apothecary web site, they offered a variety of TI razors. I selected the TI 889 Sheep and Wolf with snakewood scales. That was a little more expensive than the Bison, and the most expensive razor in my current collection.
Although Smallflower has recently started to offer honing services (free on new razors), I did not want to delay the purchase 1-3 weeks to wait for honing. I had read that TI razors come "almost shave ready" from the factory; I figured I could touch up the edge myself if needed.
Upon receiving my razor two days later, I opened the package and was quite pleased. The mirror polished blade gleamed. The snakewood scales were quite handsome. The blade centered perfectly between the scales when closing. This was one beautiful razor.
I quickly whipped up a lather and tried shaving with the new blade. While not a smooth as my Boker Silver Steel extra hollow as honed by Lynn, the factory edge was acceptable. I improved the edge a little by stropping on paste, but I felt no need to take it to the hones. Overall, I was quite pleased with my purchase.
Now to figure out what to add to my collection next. I currently have Aust, Boker Silver Steel, Dovo Bismark, Hart Steel, Thiers Issard 889, and Rasoir Sabre Le Grelot razors, along with vintage Wostenholm and Shumate razors. I do not know whether to go with another razor from one of these manufacturers, or try yet another manufacturer. Isn't RAD great?
I tend to prefer 6/8" or 7/8" blades. I find 5/8" a little narrow. I do not have a 8/8" as I consider that too wide. I also tend to prefer full hollow or extra hollow grinds. My experience with the Hart quarter ground was disappointing (See my post if you are interested in details.)
Any recommendations?