Thread: Theirs Issard

Does anyone know what Theirs Issard does with seconds (razors that are not perfect)? Do they mark them in some way and sell them at a reduced price of do they destroy them? I have seen some lately that look like the profile is not perfect at heel.

There's many posts by members describing the troubles they have getting the edge right on a TI. So maybe seconds get sold as good ones.

TI’s are beautiful. Nice mirror finishing and etchings with fancy scales. If you get a good specimen they can be great. Alas, I have seen my fair share of wide and uneven bevels on some, including a very expensive Oak Wing I once bought several years ago. Fortunately the seller refunded me. Not sure how the quality of TI is these days, but I consider them more of a display item than a razor I would want to shave with.

To be fair, quality control issues exist with all factory made razors, including custom razors. Which is why I won’t buy a razor unless I see pictures of the one that is actually going to be sent to me. I have even seen serious grinding mistakes on sealed NOS vintage razors from reputable makers.

Thanks. I was talking about the profile from tang around heel to edge. It should be a graceful curve but lately I have seen some that are a double curve.

I have one, which I bought new and unseen about five years ago. Easy enough to correct (which I did) and it's now a great razor but the buyer shouldn't have to do this. I've not heard of others until now and all other T.I.s I've seen don't have this - so I'm guessing it is/was the 'style' of one particular grinder (?)

Thank you. Someone showed the razor they ordered and I thought it had a chip near the heel. We went back and forth and he posted photos of several razors all similar. Just struck me as not a normal profile. I just did not want to see the person get a razor that was not first quality. As we know T.I. razors are not cheap. He was confident in the seller so I did not go any further. So long as he was happy with his purchase that is all that matters.

Thanks again

Originally Posted by bouschie

Does anyone know what Theirs Issard does with seconds (razors that are not perfect)? Do they mark them in some way and sell them at a reduced price of do they destroy them? I have seen some lately that look like the profile is not perfect at heel.

IME, they sell them, lol. /H

Lynn Abrams, who has honed a lot of razors, once told me that TI workmanship is questionable. Furthermore, workmanship on their more expensive models is not necessarily any better than than on the least expensive models.

I do like the TI Carbonsong steel. It is difficult to hone, but holds its edge well.

The grinding is frequently uneven. I have two 11/16 quarter hollows that are perfect. I have two 7/8 near full hollows that the bevels are wavy and wide, at least on one side. The rest of the workmanship is fine. I also like the C-135 steel, hard but takes and holds a fine edge.

Thank you all for your responses. It only supports what I was thinking. I have honed quite a few T.I. razors for people. Sounds were uneven. Had to polish out water spots or rust. That's why I prefer vintage English razors. Can't beat the steel. I refresh my 8 razor rotation only once a year. I try to talk newbies out of purchasing a new razor to start because they are overpriced. Don't care if they buy from me or another member but I tell them to buy vintage shave ready. Less expensive and better quality.