Thread: Thiers Issard (problem)

I bought one of their first "new steel" razors and those were really a bear to hone when new. The newer ones are better however it's still hard steel and takes some more finesse with the hones and you need the right hones to make life simpler with these.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I bought one of their first "new steel" razors and those were really a bear to hone when new. The newer ones are better however it's still hard steel and takes some more finesse with the hones and you need the right hones to make life simpler with these.

+1

I have had the same problem. My problem was increased by the tendency of the steel in the particular razor I have to microchip at high grit level while honing.

Regards,
Neil

I think the biggest problem with these is the final grinding. In most cases the front side bevel is wider than the back indicating a burr was created and then taken off. In addition, there is usually uneven flattening of the spine which does not the same on both sides. When you first start to hone these newer ones, you will notice you have created a double bevel with or without tape. I have found the key to them is to really establish a good bevel and once you do that, the rest is pretty smooth sailing and you end up with a nice shaver.

Have fun.

Originally Posted by Lynn

I think the biggest problem with these is the final grinding. In most cases the front side bevel is wider than the back indicating a burr was created and then taken off. In addition, there is usually uneven flattening of the spine which does not the same on both sides. When you first start to hone these newer ones, you will notice you have created a double bevel with or without tape. I have found the key to them is to really establish a good bevel and once you do that, the rest is pretty smooth sailing and you end up with a nice shaver.

Have fun.

+1 - again!

Out of six or so TIs that I have recently honed, four had this uneven spine - two to such an extent that the bevels were really uneven. One had a rather large 'bulge' on one side of the spine near the tang end - looked a bit unsightly once ground off. One even had to be taped after straightening the spine.

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by Lynn

I think the biggest problem with these is the final grinding. In most cases the front side bevel is wider than the back indicating a burr was created and then taken off. In addition, there is usually uneven flattening of the spine which does not the same on both sides. When you first start to hone these newer ones, you will notice you have created a double bevel with or without tape. I have found the key to them is to really establish a good bevel and once you do that, the rest is pretty smooth sailing and you end up with a nice shaver.

Have fun.

It seems my case: the front bevel is wider than the back, also the spine surfaces are not the same.

On my older TI's I don't remember this problem occurring. But these days I look at any new TI I buy (2 recently) as if I myself am still at the factory and need to 'grind' a proper and even bevel before shipping it out. Taking that view helps me to frame my plan of attack on getting the new TI dialed in. One trick that is commonly discussed is using the black permanent marker. This really helps when you get a new TI to see what you need to do to correct the bevel and get it the way you want it.

PS; I don't actually take the thing to a grinder, lol. It just spends more time on the Chosera 1K and I pay a bit more attention to the edge at this stage than I do with others. Almost like I'm bringing home an eBay special. But, I should say that I absolutely love their new steel and feel that it stands out to the other carbon steels out there in its ability to take and hold a good edge.