Thread: What about TI's?

I'm saving some money to buy a TI (haven't decided on the model yet). But after browsing these forums I've noticed that almost all discussion about razors have to do with vintage ones, is there a particular reason for this? What about new TI's and other similar brands, aren't they any good?

I just talked to the people at Classicshaving.com and they said that the new steel might be comming soon on the out of stock items so if your thinking of a TI you might want to wait... That's why I got a Dovo. The TI is next.

it seems that lately some of the quality control at TI is missing so that is one reason... i own 6 limited edition ones and are wonderful, i have a standard silver steel which is ever so slightly warped but it is a great shaver.

Likewise i have 4 vintage Dovo's and only one current model a Renaissance which is a great shaver without any material or workmanship flaws, but the older models just seem nicer.

the other difference is that most if not all the current production model razors are round points where with the vintage razors you can get a huge variety of point, grind and size. And if you are willing to do some work they are a lot cheaper... if somebody else does the work they are often still cheaper than the new models.

There is certainly nothing wrong with a nice new TI or Dovo. There is something about a brand spanking new razor, a feeling you don't get when you buy a vintage. I think the main issue is the cost of the new ones. You can buy a classic vintage razor for much less money if you avoid the really sought after brands and you can get a variety of grinds, sizes and shapes which is harder to do with new ones.

We always like to compare the old with the new and for my money the older razors were just better unless you start talking about the new customs. But then again quality control and workmanship is lacking in most mass produced items these days and razors just reflect that fact.

As far as the new steel in the TI's I'm not sure I'm sold on that. I have a silverwing LE and it isn't one of my favorite razors. It shaves fine but I just don't like its characteristics.

No, My name's not Alfred E Neuman, But I did just order a new 6/8 TI Super Gnome. Now I need to wait and worry that it's not up to snuff. I guess I'll find out Monday or Tuesday.
Ken,
Singing the "Worried Man's Blues"....

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

But then again quality control and workmanship is lacking in most mass produced items these days and razors just reflect that fact.

Does this include the quality of the blade too or just things like scales and assembly.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

It shaves fine but I just don't like its characteristics.

Any chance you can be more specific?

If i would buy a TI despite your warnings Is there a specific model you or someone else here would recommend.
Because i live in Sweden, the online store of choice would be http://www.rasurpur.de/english/

All razors run the risk of having imperfections from the manufacturer, It seems recently that TI has had more of these, but They all have their share.
Be it warped blades, crooked pins or any other variety of problems.

As for characteristics, All razors have a personality. Some are harder than others, some feel smoother.
The new steel in TI's silver wing is a super high carbon, and is tempered extra hard. This means it will hold an edge for a very long time, but it also tends to feel stiffer and probably harsher on the skin. I've encountered similar problems with Wacker razors.
Once you understand the characteristics of the razor, and it's steel, you can compensate by adjusting your honing.

With Wacker razors I adjust to the extra hardness and coarse feeling by stropping them on newspaper when I finish the blades. 150-200 passes will leave a wacker smooth as butter.
And will probably also sort a new TI.

It took me a long time to get my TI, I made several attempts, and just had bad luck. Now that I have one, I will not sell or trade it for anything. they are fine razors, exceptionally smooth shavers, and very worth the risk.

Any of the TI's on that site will serve you well, although the new ones may feel coarse or too sharp. You can smooth the edge on newspaper, so don't let that discourage you.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

There is certainly nothing wrong with a nice new TI or Dovo. There is something about a brand spanking new razor, a feeling you don't get when you buy a vintage.

Agreed, it's totally different. I like to think that the razor takes it's personality over time and a fresh one is like your own child!

The stong point about the TI's are in the blades. The weak points tend to be in the pins and overall workmanship and cosmetics. At one time Dovo's were really well made but people have been saying lately they are slipping too. I haven't bought one in a while so I can't personally say about Dovo.

As far as the Silverwings go my issue with them is I just don't like the way they feel. Mind you they take a super edge and feel very nice in hand but I find they feel very heavy in the shave dept. I like a razor to perform so when I move it down my face it just glides down nice and smooth and light. The Silverwing just feels heavy and rough. Its really just a personal thing. It gives a great shave and a comfortable shave. Its also not an easy razor to hone. You have to really experiment with it. Its very different.

Originally Posted by tomiso

Does this include the quality of the blade too or just things like scales and assembly.

Any chance you can be more specific?

If i would buy a TI despite your warnings Is there a specific model you or someone else here would recommend.
Because i live in Sweden, the online store of choice would be http://www.rasurpur.de/english/

Tomiso, if you email Martin, he will respond quickly. He is a great help. I have 2 TI's from rasurpur...the Silverwing and the sculpted back 6/8 with red stamina scales...Both razors are simply outstanding shavers. The Silverwing is from the new steel, and the sculpted back is from the old steel.
I also own 2 other TI's made from the old steel. The silverwing is in a class above the other TI's that I own...or I'll say, the other TI's go to a 10 on the scale, and the Silverwing goes to 11....if that makes any sense....Oh, and lie Bigspendr said, the shave is a little heavy, but I like that.

Good luck. TI's are reallly good razors, IMHO.