Hi everyone,
I am hoping this is the right place to post it. I've been considering getting a SE for quite a while now but never ended up pulling the plug. I've also been reading many posts on this forum that have been slowly edging me towards finally making the call.
I am now ready to purchase my first SE razor and wanted to get advice on the model. Based on the models I've looked at so far, I decided that I want a Thiers Issard. Not something I can logically explain, just like their look and history. I live in Australia and unfortunately (like with everything), local shops are overpriced and do not provide honing services upon purchase. Hence, I decided that I'll just order the SE from overseas and get the rest of the supplies locally. I tried looking on TI official website but I must be a bit blind because for the life of me I cannot find a way to view the price/purchase them. However, I found some models below I like (and have a handle that is not made out of plastic - big factor for me) from a website that also offers to hone them for you when you buy them:
1. Thiers Issard 275 1196 Evide Sonnant Extra French Straight Razor | Carbon Steel | 6/8 Size | Extra Full Hollow Ground | Round Point | Ebony Wood Handle | Made in France – The Superior Shave - https://thesuperiorshave.com/product/thiers-issard-evide-sonnant-extra-68-ebony/ (or this one with a different handle - Thiers Issard 275 1196 Evide Sonnant Extra French Straight Razor | Carbon Steel | 6/8 Size | Extra Full Hollow Ground | Round Point | Bocote Wood Handle | Made in France – The Superior Shave - https://thesuperiorshave.com/product/thiers-issard-evide-sonnant-extra-68-bocote/)
2. Thiers Issard 889 Spartacus French Straight Razor | Carbon Steel | 7/8 Size | Extra Full Hollow Ground | Square Point | Ebony Wood Handle | Thumb Notch Tang Style, No Stabilizer at Shoulder | Made in France – The Superior Shave - https://thesuperiorshave.com/product/thiers-issard-spartacus-78-ebony/
3. Thiers Issard 889 Sheffield Silver Steel Wolf and Sheep French Straight Razor | Carbon Steel | 6/8 Size | Extra Full Hollow Ground | French Point | Ram’s Horn Handle | Made in France Thiers-Issard – The Superior Shave - https://thesuperiorshave.com/product/thiers-issard-889-sheffield-silver-steel-wolf-sheep-straight-razor/
4. Thiers Issard 889 Bijou de France French Straight Razor | Carbon Steel | 6/8 Size | Extra Full Hollow Ground | Round Point | Dark Cow Horn Handle | Made in France – The Superior Shave - https://thesuperiorshave.com/product/thiers-issard-889-bijoudefrance-horn/
Now, I know they are all different 'style', however they are all not small (I did not want to get a 3/8) and are full hollow. My common sense is telling me to get 1 or 4 as they have a round point, which makes it safer. However, the non-logical side of my brain prefers 2 and 3.
Would appreciate all advice - I have a feeling I might be missing something...
I am hoping this is the right place to post it. I've been considering getting a SE for quite a while now but never ended up pulling the plug. I've also been reading many posts on this forum that have been slowly edging me towards finally making the call.
I am now ready to purchase my first SE razor and wanted to get advice on the model. Based on the models I've looked at so far, I decided that I want a Thiers Issard. Not something I can logically explain, just like their look and history. I live in Australia and unfortunately (like with everything), local shops are overpriced and do not provide honing services upon purchase. Hence, I decided that I'll just order the SE from overseas and get the rest of the supplies locally. I tried looking on TI official website but I must be a bit blind because for the life of me I cannot find a way to view the price/purchase them. However, I found some models below I like (and have a handle that is not made out of plastic - big factor for me) from a website that also offers to hone them for you when you buy them:
1. Thiers Issard 275 1196 Evide Sonnant Extra French Straight Razor | Carbon Steel | 6/8 Size | Extra Full Hollow Ground | Round Point | Ebony Wood Handle | Made in France – The Superior Shave - https://thesuperiorshave.com/product/thiers-issard-evide-sonnant-extra-68-ebony/ (or this one with a different handle - Thiers Issard 275 1196 Evide Sonnant Extra French Straight Razor | Carbon Steel | 6/8 Size | Extra Full Hollow Ground | Round Point | Bocote Wood Handle | Made in France – The Superior Shave - https://thesuperiorshave.com/product/thiers-issard-evide-sonnant-extra-68-bocote/)
2. Thiers Issard 889 Spartacus French Straight Razor | Carbon Steel | 7/8 Size | Extra Full Hollow Ground | Square Point | Ebony Wood Handle | Thumb Notch Tang Style, No Stabilizer at Shoulder | Made in France – The Superior Shave - https://thesuperiorshave.com/product/thiers-issard-spartacus-78-ebony/
3. Thiers Issard 889 Sheffield Silver Steel Wolf and Sheep French Straight Razor | Carbon Steel | 6/8 Size | Extra Full Hollow Ground | French Point | Ram’s Horn Handle | Made in France Thiers-Issard – The Superior Shave - https://thesuperiorshave.com/product/thiers-issard-889-sheffield-silver-steel-wolf-sheep-straight-razor/
4. Thiers Issard 889 Bijou de France French Straight Razor | Carbon Steel | 6/8 Size | Extra Full Hollow Ground | Round Point | Dark Cow Horn Handle | Made in France – The Superior Shave - https://thesuperiorshave.com/product/thiers-issard-889-bijoudefrance-horn/
Now, I know they are all different 'style', however they are all not small (I did not want to get a 3/8) and are full hollow. My common sense is telling me to get 1 or 4 as they have a round point, which makes it safer. However, the non-logical side of my brain prefers 2 and 3.
Would appreciate all advice - I have a feeling I might be missing something...