Thread: MIA for 7 years...TPE?

I've been MIA for about 7 years here, but have continued occasional use of my straights as life allows. I got the urge to play around with some new straights and started exploring. Things sure have changed as far as prices, locations to purchase, and we even have some American manufacturers up and running! Very cool! I'm very excited to go visit a local straight shop: Maggard's!

I've been poking around the last couple days and checking out all the changes. One thing stuck out to me. What's the deal with TPE Razors. There is not a single review on any forum. The only review I have found is on Reddit (hardly a reliable source but the only one I can find), and is not positive. I recall purchasing hones from him, but he seems to have gone MIA from the forums shortly after his razors came out? I'm just rather shocked by the absence of information considering hundred year old razors from obscure manufactures are often reviewed in detail here. I would think a former active member's razor would have elicited some response here, even if it's just a warning like the Gold Dollar warning. I see a couple posts including questions about them, but no details or responses. This is repeated through several forums. I'm tempted to give him the benefit of the doubt due to his history on the site and purchase one. I see where a couple new people have purchased one based upon his history here, but there was never a follow up review. Any help would be appreciated, even in a PM.

It's been easy to find info on Grimm, Portland, and Hart and understand what to expect of these companies. I just can't find any info about TPE...

Originally Posted by bpatton

...snip...

I've been poking around the last couple days and checking out all the changes. One thing stuck out to me. What's the deal with TPE Razors. There is not a single review on any forum. The only review I have found is on Reddit (hardly a reliable source but the only one I can find), and is not positive. I recall purchasing hones from him, but he seems to have gone MIA from the forums shortly after his razors came out? ...snip...
It's been easy to find info on Grimm, Portland, and Hart and understand what to expect of these companies. I just can't find any info about TPE...

I cannot say. Google the name TPE Razors... I would suggest comparing the site photos with some of the common Chinese brands.

I haven't actually heard of anyone purchasing a straight from TPE. I actually had to google the term and found that I had perused the web store a ways back but had forgotten about it. Sorry I can't be more help.

If there are no reviews then those are either not produced in numbers where enough people had a chance to acquire one for some reviews to pop, or the razor was not quality enough for high demand and the operation died down.
There are plenty of talented US makers that produce some amazing custom blades.

Why don't you just ask Howard any questions you have. He is easily contacted through his online shop or here. You are doing a lot of speculating about things that Howard could easily clear up.

Iz6 -- I prefer to find reviews of products from people unassociated with them. I've simply been doing research to find out if I want to purchase one. I can only imagine that asking the guy that makes the razors will result in a positive review. For example he writes on his site "We believe we’ve created a razor that will be a pleasure to use and to maintain." I have spoken to Howard before, and ordered things through him, but not for several years. I also recall many people using his honing service and complimenting his hones. Which is why I say I am tempted to give him the benefit of the doubt.

I'm just wondering why there are no reviews of Howard's razors here, where he was an active member for so long. I was hoping to have several people tell me how great they are and plunk down the money right away...

bpatton: Sent you a PM on a recent experience with this vendor, hope it helps you.

FrankC

Hey, TPE razors! Welcome!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Hey, TPE razors! Welcome!

^huh?

At this point, I think I am going to choose to avoid the razor. Still interested in any reviews/comments if anyone wants to chime in.

I've never heard of a TPE straight.