Thread: Further thoughts on the Le Grelot

Gentlemen,

I have read several reviews from you on Thiers-Issard's Le Grelot. The razor receives an overall positive response.

I am considering the Le Grelot with the red Stamina wood scales. From what I gather, the razor would match well the dense jungle that occupies my Hollywood face. It seems to have good balance, and it is solid. The 6/8" blade, however, blows a cool wind down my spine. I only have one 6/8", the Dovo Renaissance, and I seem to do well with that. My preference is for the 5/8" blade.

Would you kindly offer more opinions on this razor to help me make up my mind whether the Le Grelot would work for me? Of course, that means taking under consideration my general preference for the 5/8" blade size and the density of my beard. I also have small hands, and my thumbs, especially on the left hand, seem to have taken a beating through the years — I use both hands.

Many thanks for your expertise.

Regards,

Obie

My first straight razor was a 1/4 grind Le Grelot. It is an utterly fantastic shaver. Unfortunately, they are no longer available in the 1/4 grind. However, the reviews of the 3/4 - full hollow grind Le Grelots are also very positive.

As to size, I found the 6/8 size very good. I am not a large guy by any stretch (5'7", 160lbs) and find it a very easy razor to use. If you have a course dense beard, the le Grelot is a nice heavy razor that mows stubble silently and easily -- even the lighter grind of the 3/4 - full hollows.

I really think you have nothing to fear from the size of this razor. They are very good and the hollower grinds will not long be available, either.

There's my 2 cents, anyway....

Good luck.

s.

I have the 1/4 grind and its a super shaver. Of course I use all sizes so the 6/8s to me is a middle size and the added heft over a 5/8s I find to be more enjoyable.

Dear Obie,

I also own the 6/8ths 1/4 hollow. It is a no brainer to hone (thanks to 0livia for putting a perfect edge on it!), and works very well as a shaver. Blunt, uninspring, but very efficient. As for size, I'll be selling my 5/8ths shortly to fund purchases of 7/8ths and 8/8ths. Goes with the territory, I guess.

Do keep us posted on your progress.

Best wishes,
Robin

I hate these threads. I MISSED one, because I'm stupid. Now I'll never get another chance...GAAHHH!

Gentlemen,

Thank you all for your thoughts. As always, you are most gracious with your knowledge — and that is another mark of being a gentleman.

Regards,

Obie

The razor is just great.
I have a 5/8 Dovo Spike point, and the LeGrelot is much better. The heftiness is a definite plus for me. The 6/8 size is not at all a big change from 5/8 for me.

I own and use two "bells" and they are among my favorites. One is a quarter hollow finished by TI, the other a full hollow blade rescaled by Max. Keep in mind that Le Grelot was a competitor of TI and TI purchased their inventory. TI might finish many of the current Le Grelot blanks for sale at vendors, but did not forge them. There are many, many Le Grelot razors that have never passed through TI's hands. Take a peek at the French razor club for lots of examples of French razors.

I also started with 5/8ths blades, but over the past few years I have found my preference moving upward to 13/16ths. I'm very comfortable with the 6/8ths to 7/8ths range, but 13/16ths is my sweet spot. I'm considering selling all but a very few razors that are 11/16ths and under as I only use three of them with any frequency. I need to cut back anyway.

I doubt my personal evolution toward larger blades is unique. I think you would do well with a 6/8ths, and one of the models with the thumb notch in particular. My hands are small as well, and I really don't feel that makes much difference.

Originally Posted by JimR

I hate these threads. I MISSED one, because I'm stupid. Now I'll never get another chance...GAAHHH!

Like we used to say in the mineral collecting business, if the location was all mined out you could always use the Silver Rock Pick to pry loose some speciments. Eventually you will be able to get one...for the right price of course.

Quite honestly, I would go for a Dorko 300 rather than the Le Grelot. More bangs for the buck, and the shave is pretty much the same.

Yes, I am in love with that Dorko.