Thread: Need more info with this Thiers Issard vintage straight razor

Hi there,

I joined this forum hoping to get some more info re this vintage Thiers Issard & Fils razor (it's not on your database). It has "Qualite Superieur" etched on the blade and on the tang is etched " 69 THIERS ISSARD & FILS A THIERS (FRANCE)". On the spine is a row of flowers with 4 leaves design. I have read TI is one of better known & superb quality European straight razor makers along with Dovo, Boker etc.

Like to know its approximate age, full hollow?, carbon steel?, how does this model stack up to other TIs?, probably needs to be honed to be shave ready? Photos are attached. The seller does not know anything about it and depending on my info gathered, may make an offer or bid on it. It is for a possible gift to my nephew who is using a German straight razor now. Any advice is fully appreciated! Much thanks to all who can share their knowledge of TIs.

Welcome aboard,,,,,,,

It's a nice looking razor with a great reputation.
Our straight razor database is not the optimal source for information on this razor. Use the "Advanced" search button at the top right, Not the "Google Custom search " box above. The advanced search will take you to an input box where you can load the information on this razor & it will then display any conversation/threads where this type of razor has ever been discussed.

Also research these links;

Straight Razor Manufacturers and Dates of Operation

STRAZORS.com - all about classic razors - Home page

If you seller knows nothing about it, then he obviously does not maintain razors, thus it's not shave ready.

Good luck & thank you for sharing your razor with us.

Because the makers mark is etched and not stamped it is likely a very recent razor. I have no idea when TI started making their marks in that format. i would not classify it as a vintage razor but it is from a current and reputable maker. I have a recent razor from the same maker, but different model and it is a very nice razor.
Almost forgot. It is carbon steel.

Yes, TI is one of the better known current razor makers. There are plenty of lesser known vintage razor makers that made excellent razors also. I believe it is an older marking on the tang compared to the current one. It also has the older style pinning and not the current nail head type. The scales look to me to be an older style.

Can't tell what the grind is as there is no head on view of the blade. Likely is carbon steel as I have no seen any stainless steel TIs not that there are none, just I haven't seen any. No way to till from photos if it is or isn't shave ready.

Bob

I had one very similar to that. Not sure of the vintage but the patina on mine led me to believe that it was ~30 yrs old.

It is a very good blade and has a uniqueness that your nephew should appreciate.

We don't perform $$$ valuations here but that is not a 'cheap' razor.

Thank you so much Hirlau for the welcome and additional info! So far nothing on the item yet, but will continue on my research. Have a wonderful day!

Originally Posted by RezDog

Because the makers mark is etched and not stamped it is likely a very recent razor. I have no idea when TI started making their marks in that format. i would not classify it as a vintage razor but it is from a current and reputable maker. I have a recent razor from the same maker, but different model and it is a very nice razor.
Almost forgot. It is carbon steel.

Thank you so much for your input but now that you mentioned stamp, I cannot say for sure its etched on the blade as I have not seen the razor in person.

Originally Posted by BobH

Yes, TI is one of the better known current razor makers. There are plenty of lesser known vintage razor makers that made excellent razors also. I believe it is an older marking on the tang compared to the current one. It also has the older style pinning and not the current nail head type. The scales look to me to be an older style.

Can't tell what the grind is as there is no head on view of the blade. Likely is carbon steel as I have no seen any stainless steel TIs not that there are none, just I haven't seen any. No way to till from photos if it is or isn't shave ready.

Bob

Thank you very much BobH, I do agree with you its more likely vintage (but how old can't tell). I actually emailed TI website in France asking if they can help me identify it, will have to see if they will actually reply back.
The Thiers-Issard & Fils name was started in 1910 so its not before then. Interesting to dive into the history of TI. Will keep you guys informed when I find out more.

Nice looking razor, spine work looks very nice, the company mark is etched on the blade, as far as dating the razor I would say that its from the 1950's 60's. In the razor world that seems young but it doesn't take anything from its high quality, probably better then some new one you can get today.

Originally Posted by Martin103

Nice looking razor, spine work looks very nice, the company mark is etched on the blade, as far as dating the razor I would say that its from the 1950's 60's. In the razor world that seems young but it doesn't take anything from its high quality, probably better then some new one you can get today.

Thank you Martin103, appreciate your feedback very much.