Thiers Issard Cow Horn Straight Razor 6/8"
- 6/8 inch blade width, single carbon steel blade
- 5-1/2 inch handle in genuine black cow horn
- Lead-hardened carbon steel, quenched in water
- Hand forged and hand sharpened in France
- Made the same way since 1884
- Blade turns brown with use, per the maker
Updated 20 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A traditional French straight razor for someone ready to learn the craft and maintain a carbon steel edge. The listing includes no strop or hone, and the blade darkens over time.
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ASIN: B07QXKZ6L3Model: 18LXCCategory: Straight Razors
Overview
A lead-hardened carbon steel blade does the work here: each one is hand forged, plunged into boiling lead, quenched in water, then hand sharpened to a true razor edge. The blade is paired with a genuine black cow horn handle, and the maker says the method has never changed.
A carbon steel edge that stays sharp longer and lasts a lifetime is what the maker promises, and the hardening process is the reason. Straight shaving takes practice and upkeep, and carbon steel changes color with use. Anyone expecting a set-and-forget tool should consider the learning curve first.
Who it's for
Traditional wet shavers who already own a strop, or plan to buy one, get a hand-made French blade with a natural horn handle. Beginners who want a quick routine with no learning curve should stay with cartridge or safety razors.
Pros and cons
- Hand forged, lead-hardened carbon steel blade
- Edge stays sharp longer, per the maker
- Genuine cow horn handle
- Made in France by a long-running maker
- Blade darkens to brown with use
- No strop or hone included
- Grind and point style not listed
Performance notes
Shave quality comes down to the edge, and the lead hardening process is what the maker credits for holding sharpness longer. Carbon steel also changes color with use, which the maker notes as normal. Results depend on the user's stropping habits and blade angle as much as on the steel.
Specifications
| Brand | Thiers-Issard |
|---|---|
| Model | 18LXC |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Age Range Description | Adult |
| Construction & materials | |
| Blade Material | Carbon Steel |
| Material Type | Carbon Steel |
| Handle Material | Black Cow Horn |
| Color | Brown |
| Included components | |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Package Type Name | Box |
| Other details | |
| Skin Type | All |
| Number Of Blades | 1 |
| Manual Shaving Razor Type | Straight Razor |
| Number Of Items | 1 |
| Style | Rustic |
| Other Special Features Of The Product | Durability, Rust Resistant |
Frequently asked questions
What does 6/8 mean on a Thiers-Issard straight razor?
It is the blade width, listed as 6/8 inch. The cow horn handle is listed at 5-1/2 inches long.
Why does the Thiers-Issard blade turn brown?
The maker notes that the blades turn brown with use. The listing presents it as expected behaviour of the carbon steel rather than as a fault.
Does the Thiers-Issard cow horn razor come with a strop?
The listing describes one razor in a box and names no strop, hone or case.
Is the Thiers-Issard straight razor sharp out of the box?
The description says each blade is hand sharpened to a true razor edge. It does not mention any honing needed on arrival.