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The only time I know of an insert to shave first and do not strop is on a hand honed
razor by the seller not the maker.
Yes give it a hard look...
Enjoy it... their steel is quite good no matter...

The Thiers Issard razors are darn fine razors....
Depending on the razor and the date it left the factory it might be dull as a butter knife
or it could be a wonderful shaver. Lots of makers used...