My dear Justacat,

Perhaps that would be a question for the experts on this forum. I cannot compare the 5/8" Thiers-Issard you mention to the 6/8" Le Grelot, the 8/8" Friodur, or the Greaves, Barber and Dorko. I don't own any of them except the Thiers-Issard 5/8" snake wood, which is close to yours.

I do own the new version of the Boker "Edelweiss" and cannot comment on how it would compare the those of the past, since I don't own any of them either. The Boker I own, however, is one of the best shavers I have. I think it's a fabulous razor, and lovely in the white bone scales.

If I were to choose for shaving quality between my Boker "Edelweiss" 5/8" and my Thiers-Issard "Le Bijou" 5/8" with snake wood scales, I would take the Boker. For me, it's a much better shaver, although the Thiers-Issard is a good shaver, too.

As for the Dovos, I own several now, including a "Bergisher Lowe." The best of the shavers is the 6/8" "Renaissance." It's not only a gorgeous razor, but it's a great shavers. I own one 6/8" Wacker, and though a beautiful razor, it has proved to be a disappointment as a shaver.

My best shaver, and the most beautiful, I might add, is the 6/8"-7/8" Thiers-Issard "Spartacus" with white bone scales. I love this razor. It's royalty among the shavers I own. Sometimes I open it up and just look at it for it's beauty.

I must say, more and more, with my heavy beard, I lean toward the 6/8" razors. With some exceptions, they seem to shave better for me.

Regards,
Obie