Thread: Different Le Grelot 3/4 Grinds?

Originally Posted by Fbones24

I will do this, but I would like to get an objective opinion from someone who might have knowledge about it. I'm sure they are all good shavers, but just would like to know what the stamps/numbers mean if anything?

Disclaimers: My opinion is objective in sense that I have several Le Grelots, all from different sources, so I have no vendor bias. My opinion is not objective, in the sense that I really like every Le Grelot I've tried. My opinion also honestly isn't terribly informed, because I have no published data such as vintage catalogs or factory production records that I'm basing this on.

I have 5 Le Grelots, all are 6/8ths, all but two with different markings, and all but two are identical. My first really good razor was a vintage 1931 Le Grelot I picked up almost two years ago, and I try to get them any time I can when available at decent prices, which is increasingly rare.

Since Le Grelot stopped making razors many years ago, and I've seen no hard documentation on them, it's possible that your question on model numbers has no definitive answer anymore. Maybe an email to Thiers Issard might return some info, but I kind of doubt it.

The 1931 Le Grelot is marked with a model number of 71, bought off eBay. Other than not having top jimping, it is identical to two more recent "Edwin Jagger" marked Le Grelots I have, with a model number of 52, with top and bottom jims. The "Jagger" Le Grelots are identical to a gorgeous ram's horn Le Grelot I was lucky enough to win at the 2010 Razorcon, courtesy of Classic Shaving. It has a model number of 193. As near as I can tell (with digital calipers), all are dimensionally nearly identical, and all are identically excellent shavers, exact same feel. All are full hollow or 3/4 hollow, depending on your opinion.

I also have a Le Grelot 1/4 grind I bought from Martin at Rasurpur. It has a thumb notch, and no model number at all. As good a shaver as it is, I actually prefer the more hollowed Le Grelots (I prefer more hollow razors in general, with few exceptions).

So, the hollow 6/8ths Le Grelots I have are all basically identical (model #s 71, 52, and 193), and all are superb shavers. I wish I could tell you what the model numbers mean, I don't know. They may not even be model numbers, but production run numbers or something. I don't know. I think all Le Grelots are great razors, at or near the top of the heap. They remind me of Thiers Issard in their stiffness and excellent sticky sharp edges, but I think they are smoother shavers on the skin than the Thiers Issards (my subective opinion...)