Thiers-Issard question

Hi everybody, I want to try out the Thiers-Issard brand of razors. I've narrowed it down to the "Special Corffeur" or the "Spartacus". They both are 6/8", made out of C135 "Carbonsong" steel (whatever that is), and have the same scales. The only difference I see between them is the Makers Mark is stamped in a slightly different location. So I'm assuming they are like other brands and just put different "paint jobs" on their razors?

P.S. Aren't you glad I didn't ask if they were better than Dovos or Bokers? ;)

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Originally Posted by rcavazos1922

P.S. Aren't you glad I didn't ask if they were better than Dovos or Bokers? ;)

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Why are they??
I also like the look of the Spartacus.

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Originally Posted by GrimReaper

Why are they??
I also like the look of the Spartacus.

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I was making a joke. It's like asking which is better Coke or Pepsi? I like the Spartacus too but it costs $25 more.

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Originally Posted by rcavazos1922

I was making a joke. It's like asking which is better Coke or Pepsi? I like the Spartacus too but it costs $25 more.

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I wasn't and one MUST be better than the other!!

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Originally Posted by rcavazos1922

Hi everybody, I want to try out the Thiers-Issard brand of razors. I've narrowed it down to the "Special Corffeur" or the "Spartacus". They both are 6/8", made out of C135 "Carbonsong" steel (whatever that is), and have the same scales. The only difference I see between them is the Makers Mark is stamped in a slightly different location. So I'm assuming they are like other brands and just put different "paint jobs" on their razors?

P.S. Aren't you glad I didn't ask if they were better than Dovos or Bokers? ;)

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For what it's worth, I just ordered the TI 6/8 "Special Coiffeur" as a bit of a Christmas present to myself. I was also looking at the Spartacus. I went with the "Special" because I couldn't really detect a huge difference between them, besides what you also noticed. Seeing as how the steel and grind are the same on both models, I think the quality of the shave will be the same. The Spartacus does have a slightly more intricate engraving on the blade, but thats about it.
Nick

Usually when steel is identical, difference in price comes down to aesthetics. Scale material, gold washes, spine work, type of point.
So in this case where steel is the same I'd go for the one that keeps the eye if the $$ difference does not matter.

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Originally Posted by rcavazos1922

I was making a joke. It's like asking which is better Coke or Pepsi? I like the Spartacus too but it costs $25 more.

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When I ordered my Revisor I got the Plain Jane 6/8 #6-0001 it was 85 Euros. Well I’m glad I did as my razor is a wonderful shaver, I don’t have to worry about losing the etching or any gold plating if I buff it some day and I saved some money!

I’ve posted elsewhere that the factory edge was surprisingly nice but after a good honing session it really came alive!

My thanks to Glen and Lynn for the honing videos as they were a great help!!

Special coiffeur is the entry level, the name is coming from the fact that professional barbers are looking at the essential features of the razor and don't care about polishing and estethics. The spartacus blade is available in many different grinds, shapes and finishing levels, (much) better than the other.
I think that it's worthwhile to have a TI because IMO it's a brand with a very special steel.
THOUGH the blade geometry is often an issue. Only 2 of my 6 TIs have a perfect bevel and honing the others asks for special care.
I always say that TI either you love or you hate it.

Wow, if only 2 out of 6 were built right I would not even consider taking a chance on a TI. Today with all the advances in manufacturing and metallurgy there really is no excuse for out of spec blades. I can and to tolerate that on 100+ year old razors but not on new ones. Sorry I am shocked that it could be that way.

Bob

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Originally Posted by BobH

Wow, if only 2 out of 6 were built right I would not even consider taking a chance on a TI. Today with all the advances in manufacturing and metallurgy there really is no excuse for out of spec blades. I can and to tolerate that on 100+ year old razors but not on new ones. Sorry I am shocked that it could be that way.

Bob

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I was thinking the same thing! Maybe if you hone them without tape you can wear down the spine enough to fix the bevel? I'm just guessing, I'm still learning :)

Theirs-Issard can be quite confusing with the descriptions of the blades they offer as they seem to vary from one vendor to the other.

I purchased two special coiffeurs, one in 5/8 and the other in 6/8. The vendor described it as a half hollow. They are good shavers, both have an unusually wide bevel. They blade is stiff and is very noisy ( burned toast) so I am not so sure about the half hollow description really.

Between the two, I prefer the 5/8.

Attachment 116318
A photo of my most loved TI, 7/8 full hollow.
Look at the irregular bevel, itr's a pain to hone but a great shaver.
OK, that's the worst bevel I have too.