Thiers-Issard Le Grelot

I recently purchased this razor:
http://www.shavemyface.com/gallery/a...1/_AGM1478.jpg
From what I had read I did not think it would be "shave ready"; however, after a good stropping it shaves very well.

When I look at the edge with a 30x loupe, the bevel on the "front" of the razor (the side you see in the picture) is twice as wide as the "back". Is this normal, or appropriate?

When this razor needs to be honed should I attempt to make the bevels symetrical? And if so how would I do this? I'm assuming solitary strokes on the "back" shallow/steep side.

I'm a total novice, so I'm sorry if this is a stupid question.

Do not worry about the differences in the width of the bevel. It is of no consequence.
The next honing may change that but maybe not.


Just my $.02,:)

I agree with Randy - as long as it shaves very well, let it be.

I just sharpened a new one of these. It sounds like it is from the same lot. It took a while for me to figure it out. The grind on one side is a bit different than the other. I new I wouldn't get an exact even edge on both sides and in the end just went with getting the blade shave ready. Once I accepted the nature of the blade it sharpened up nicely. That will teach me to have preconceived ideas of how a razor is manufactured.

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Originally Posted by CraigJ

Once I accepted the nature of the blade it sharpened up nicely. That will teach me to have preconceived ideas of how a razor is manufactured.

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In fact, all straight razors are essentially handmade and are not industrial products.

Your very lucky that it came shave ready. Those can be a bear to hone.

Although the description has been removed from the English Shaving Company (Edwin Jagger) website, I remember reading that these razors had been honed and stropped by a pro after they left Thiers Issard. Mine came almost shave ready as well.

Al raz,

If it requires a 30x loupe to see, I doubt that it is anything significant.

Those razors are very nice. Good choice!

I just got my first straight from Thiers-Issard and it was sharpened before it left and sharp it is, no doubt. I bought it from classicshaving.com.

No help from me but man thats some beautiful blade !

Funny, mine came the same way - the bevel was noticeably wider on one blade face than the other. It didn't come shave ready (for *me*, anyway), and I blamed the bevel being mismatched between the sides. So, I obsessed and reset the bevel on it, unnecessarily from what I read now from experienced honers here. Knowing that will save me some effort and fuss in the future, thanks.

All that said, now that it's dialed in, these are really fantastic razors and I hope they get more. Can't recommend them enough, especially at the price they were selling. Thanks to RayG and I few others, I bought one just as a backup for a vintage Le Grelot I have. I have to admit it's at least the equal of it, for me anyway. The dimensions, weight, and grind are nearly identical. I actually prefer the slightly thicker tang with both top and bottom jimps on the Thiers Issard version to my old Le Grelot. The shave is eerily similar, and they both take and hold a great edge (with a little effort...). Very hollow ground but stiff, with a fat spine.

I guess they're both actually vintage Le Grelots, come to think of it. :hmmm:

Nice razor and 1st class photo!
I have a Thiers 6/8 with similar uneven bevels. It hasn't been a problem.

Mine has an uneven bevel too. I've sharpened mine a bit more than when it arrived too.
Amazing razor for the money - and it's French:D

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Your very lucky that it came shave ready. Those can be a bear to hone.

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This model is the full hollow version and hones up quite easily. The 1/4 hollow is the honing challenge. However, they are both great shavers when the honing is done though a different shaving experience. I am happy to say I have both as well as some vintage Grelots.
Sadly, the Grelots are out of production and those being sold are the remaining NOS inventory. Jagger is no longer offering these on their site. I believe the owner said on a post a short time ago he can no longer get them and is looking for other offerings.

May I ask where you got the razor? I have had some problems with this razor, I sent one back as it was warped and another just now due to pitting and other marks. Too bad as I really love this razor..But I hope the third one will be perfect.

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Originally Posted by Rawaz

May I ask where you got the razor? I have had some problems with this razor, I sent one back as it was warped and another just now due to pitting and other marks. Too bad as I really love this razor..But I hope the third one will be perfect.

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I bought my Jagger from The English Shaving Company brings you an extensive range of handmade Edwin Jagger razors, shaving brushes, shaving accessories, shaving creams and aftershaves. who no longer list the razor. The 1/4 hollow is a B&B LE. I have been fortunate in that my razors have been delivered in good condition.