Thread: NOS Escher vs Thuringian

I want to know if anyone has bought one of those NOS Escher's from Timber Tools. I emailed the gentleman there, but he really didn't answer my questions. His Eschers, are about 300 bucks for a 5x2 or something like that. He has Thuringian's, a 10x3 for under 100 bucks. What's the diff. Are these really Escher's. he didn't even tell me aprox what grit they are. I mean if it does the same thing a Chinese 12k does, why would i spend 250 more dollars, After all, it's not a Vintage Escher, no labels.
He told me he's sold 1000 of them, so some of you have to be out there. Would my face or razor know the difference after a hone off a NOS Escher vs say, a Chinese 12k? or Thuringian for that matter.
I want one of those NOS Escher's but I'm worried I'm wasting my money. Should I hold out for a Vintage? Help me before I do something stupid, that I'll regret.....

I haven't looked at that website for well over a year. I find it surprising the claim they make now that they have Escher and Thuringian stones. It was my perhaps mistaken understanding that the Escher stone was a brand name and the Thuringian name was of the region, so all Eschers were Thuringians but not all Thuringians were Eschers. I could be completely wrong about this but if I am not, then it is completely wrong for Timber Tools to claiming to be cutting new Escher stones.

Of course, this has no impact on the quality of the stone. You can only know that by trial or recommendation. They sure are asking a lot of money for this suspect piece of rock.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I haven't looked at that website for well over a year. I find it surprising the claim they make now that they have Escher and Thuringian stones. It was my perhaps mistaken understanding that the Escher stone was a brand name and the Thuringian name was of the region, so all Eschers were Thuringians but not all Thuringians were Eschers. I could be completely wrong about this but if I am not, then it is completely wrong for Timber Tools to claiming to be cutting new Escher stones.

Of course, this has no impact on the quality of the stone. You can only know that by trial or recommendation. They sure are asking a lot of money for this suspect piece of rock.

+1 That is my impression as well.

They are MST Thuringian hones: picture and sizes are the same as advertised on the MST site. MST never claimed they are Eschers. Tony Miller imported them some time ago, he may chime in.

I bought one from Timber Tools. I thought I was buying an escher but was mistaken. It is a thuringian stone that is much softer and faster than my chinese 12k. I bought the biggest one they carry w/slurry stone. I love mine, but I also love my chinese 12k.

There is a thread out there that discusses the escher/ timber tool thuringian dispute at length. It was also my impression that all eschers are thuringian stones but not all thuringian stones are eschers.

Hope this helps

Originally Posted by Utopian

I haven't looked at that website for well over a year. I find it surprising the claim they make now that they have Escher and Thuringian stones. It was my perhaps mistaken understanding that the Escher stone was a brand name and the Thuringian name was of the region, so all Eschers were Thuringians but not all Thuringians were Eschers. I could be completely wrong about this but if I am not, then it is completely wrong for Timber Tools to claiming to be cutting new Escher stones.

Of course, this has no impact on the quality of the stone. You can only know that by trial or recommendation. They sure are asking a lot of money for this suspect piece of rock.

You are dead on about the price. I questioned that, I asked him how he can charge so much for that stone, no labels. He said, he's had 3000 inquiries, and 1000 sales, which I find hard to believe at 290.00 USD. I couldn't get a straight answer out of him.

Guys, You need to go on the Timber Tools site. I realize he's sold Thuringian's before. He now sells "Eschers' Seperately, and they are sold as "Eschers"
This is my point, If he sold so many, and they're are really for straight razor use, why does no one know it.

1,000 sales at $290 a pop. I'm in the wrong business.

Tell me about? Jimmy, check out "timber tools dot com, tell me what you think....

Well all I can tell you is I have one of Kee's Thuringians and I have a vintage Escher i bought from Tony Miller and though the Thuringian is a fine stone it ain't no Escher. The result I get with the Escher surpasses the Coticule.

Originally Posted by zib

Tell me about? Jimmy, check out "timber tools dot com, tell me what you think....

I have been to his website and read his articles describing coticules and Thuringan/Eschers although I have never bought anything from him. I don't agree with his contention that there is no point in going to an Escher after a coticule. I have many times and IME it improves the edge. I agree with thebigspendur about that and for me the Escher leaves a more refined edge.