Thread: Thiers Issard Hollow Ground Fully Warranted ID PLEASE

So I got this Straight Razor this past Christmas for myself off of ebay. i paid a little less than 140 for it. it seems to be in great shape except for the water stains it has.. i dont know if its a vintage that was restored or if it was just polished because the thiers issard seems to be stamped wrong. the ad didnt really have much description so i dont even know what kind of wood the scales are..there is an eagle stamped on it with the words "Hollow Ground Fully Warranted" it also came with a cool little leather case PLEASE HELP (btw how can i remove the water spots)

I'll let others talk about the water spots but a couple things:
1. Dang, nice scales, dude.
2. Can I recommend keeping it out of the leather? It's cool, but moisture and razors / wood scales don't go well. Leather will absorb any moisture and keep that interior humid. Maybe its stainless, and maybe the scales are sealed well, but not sure if I'd chance it myself. Just my opinion.

Originally Posted by Krodor

I'll let others talk about the water spots but a couple things:
1. Dang, nice scales, dude.
2. Can I recommend keeping it out of the leather? It's cool, but moisture and razors / wood scales don't go well. Leather will absorb any moisture and keep that interior humid. Maybe its stainless, and maybe the scales are sealed well, but not sure if I'd chance it myself. Just my opinion.

thanks! do you think i got a good deal?

Originally Posted by vvti714

thanks! do you think i got a good deal?

I'm still a noob at this, and a cheapskate, so I'm an antique store guy and haven't hit the TI echelon of cost. I'm not certified to answer that question most I've ever paid was 35 bucks, and that was using a gift certificate :P

Krodor

If the blade doesn't have gold wash, "Flitz" or some other gentle metal polish should remove the water spots. Put some on a Q-tip, and rub gently.

Charles

Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

If the blade doesn't have gold wash, "Flitz" or some other gentle metal polish should remove the water spots. Put some on a Q-tip, and rub gently.

Charles

i tried it it didnt work, what other options are there?

Nice blade... I know in recent times the eagle insignia is only available in the united states through knifecenter.com theirs issard is in the habit of allowing different vendors exclusive rights to different trademarks. I believe knifecenter has been around since the mid 90's so if it's a new razor it was probably originally purchased through them. If it is vintage your guess is as good as mine as to where it came from, just looking at the pics my guess would be it's at least some what vintage 1970's or earlier, that's my opinion based on nothing except it's condition and the fact I haven't seen that model before. $140 for a TI with a worked back is a pretty good deal in my book but I would want it cleaned up even if it meant losing the etching. As far as the stamp I wouldn't worry about the stamp as it looks within the range of acceptable quality control standards.

Originally Posted by thehekler

Nice blade... I know in recent times the eagle insignia is only available in the united states through knifecenter.com theirs issard is in the habit of allowing different vendors exclusive rights to different trademarks. I believe knifecenter has been around since the mid 90's so if it's a new razor it was probably originally purchased through them. If it is vintage your guess is as good as mine as to where it came from, just looking at the pics my guess would be it's at least some what vintage 1970's or earlier, that's my opinion based on nothing except it's condition and the fact I haven't seen that model before. $140 for a TI with a worked back is a pretty good deal in my book but I would want it cleaned up even if it meant losing the etching. As far as the stamp I wouldn't worry about the stamp as it looks within the range of acceptable quality control standards.

thanks alot for the help!

Originally Posted by vvti714

i tried it it didnt work, what other options are there?

CrOxide "honing compound" (or 0.5 micron CrOxide powder mixed with mineral oil) will put a mirror finish on steel; it should be aggressive enough to remove a water spot. "Jeweller's rouge" (0.1 micron FeOxide paste) would also work, slowly.

3M makes "microabrasive sheets" down to 0.5 micron -- essentially, very fine sandpaper. One of those would work. And there are "micro-mesh cloth" kits:

Micro-Mesh Finishing Kit

If the razor has a mirror finish, I'd be very, very careful. If it has a matte finish, or some patina, you'll have more room for error.

Charles

PS -- I've never done a full restoration; my vintage razors mostly look like they're old. But the line between "acceptable" and "not acceptable" is different for each of us.