Thread: Why are these different?

Hi. I'm new to straight razors and loving it. I'm addicted. I've got 2 Dovos and another on the way. Both of my Dovos are professionally honed by the same person and I definitely notice a difference between the two. One is stainless, the other is carbon steel Art of Shaving Branded. The stainless gives me a noticeably better and more comfortable shave, but that's a whole other topic.

Anyway, I've been looking around at Thiers-Issard, mostly to get a feel of blade differences. At knifecenter.com there are 2 that seem to be identical, but have significant differences in price. The description doesn't give much information. I'm sending them an email, but if anyone here knows the difference I 'd be quite interested to know. The description of the J81 seems to imply that it is a limited forge and is extra heavy, but I don't quite understand.


J81 for $259
Thiers-Issard Eagle Brand Straight Razor 5/8" Blade Red Staminawo…

J85 for $185
Thiers-Issard Eagle Brand Straight Razor 5/8" blade Red Staminawo…

Thanks