Interested in thiers issard 6/8 bison but have questions to those who own it

Hi.
I might be interested in buying this razor but there are some things I would like to ask questions on since I am a beginner. I would like to ask some questions to the many experienced users on here. Thank you very much in advance. Is red stamina considered fake wood and does it feel like wood or plastic-like? I am looking for scales that feel natural like my Dovo Forestal. Is the blade shorter than most other 6/8 razors and is the razor balanced? Also, not just on this razor but on others as well, if I wipe off the gold wash on razors like the dovo forestal and this, will there be an etching on the blade left over still? Lastly, I heard thiers issard changed their metal recently for a better high carbon blade. Is that true and if so will this model have them? Thanks again guys.

Stamina wood is a laminate. Some look nice and some look a little artificial. Depends on dye penetration.

There is etching under the gold but sometimes the gold is used to put another shape or design in addition to the etching. If you lose the gold wash you will lose that aspect of the design. Depends on the razor.

I find TI well balanced depending on the model. Some of the 7/8 have an extra spur on the shank which can be annoying.

Btw. Sometimes TI come with wonky bevels and some hone wear on spine. They still lie flat on the hone and shave well.

If all the cosmetics are important have your dealer see if he can send a pic of the one he is sending or ask him to cherry pick one for you.

All modern are C135. Pretty abrasion resistant and may take longer to hone but give you a great long lasting edge.

Hope this helps as as always YMMV

Thank you very much for your help. I'm not really familiar with wood laminates but would you suggest it for a person who likes natural materials or should I consider possibly something else? Is the scales slippery as well like laminated paper?

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Originally Posted by Ponypox

Thank you very much for your help. I'm not really familiar with wood laminates but would you suggest it for a person who likes natural materials or should I consider possibly something else? Is the scales slippery as well like laminated paper?

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They look nice but hard to determine your likes. I have not found them more slippery than other scale materials. Never factored that into my scale choice since I never handle the scales when shaving.

Thank you for your help.

I've always felt TI Stamina scales are pretty cheap looking. I consider them the equivalent of plain plastic scales.

TI makes a nice razor but they are known for QC issues. I avoid gold wash because in a workhorse razor the gold can be hard to maintain.

Don't think of the scales as a handle because they aren't. They are a cover for the edge when not in use that folds out of the way. To that end, the lighter the scales the less likely they are to upset the balance and handling of the razor. Also, be careful when stropping to control the razor with the tang only and avoid putting any pressure on the scales - this is a sure fire way to crack or even break your scales at the pivot pin.

I have owned two TI razors. I will never buy one again unless it is a vintage model. We had a funny discussion in my building Physics class last week about European countries based on what they are known for good/bad. Turns out France was the worst for technology. After hearing this I laughed to myself because I instantly thought of my razor. If you don't mind a huge bevel, and a potentially warped razor then go for something else.

Portland Razor co might offer the sort of razor for you.

They are a bit more custom than most companies, and they offer 2 solid wood scale options as well at the same price point as the TI.

They offer cheaper 6/8 designs but for the same budget as the TI you can have the 7/8 and 8/8 options and real walnut or maple.

The only problem is the turn around time on getting an order shipped with them since the razors are made to order, and have 11-12 weeks construction lead times.

Portland Razor Co. | Straight Razors and Strops — The Strix

When I first looked at straight razors, I wanted a ralf aust. In fact the first razor I bought was from SRD and was their 5/8 olive wood round. I was completely excited and was rather let down when I got it. This is just from my experience and I absolutely would like for ralf aust to be my favorite razors. My favorite razor Ive seen someone use right now is actually a ralf aust 6/8 olivewood razor with classic handle and round point. Anyways, I took it out and the scale near the pivot stuck out too much for me, the grain that I was drooling over the picture looked bare and someone I knew said it felt like a "popsicle stick". I didn't want to admit it because I wanted to like it but I had to agree. The scales felt really light and felt like bare sanded wood to me. The round point seemed too round and the balance felt totally razor heavy. I remember the scales feeling loose as it would open easily by itself and I was confused if that was normal for straight razors. All in all I recorded it intending for it to be a video I can show to my kids maybe about my first straight razor and total excitement. However, when I look back at the video, I can totally see me hiding my total dissapointment when I took it out and held it on camera. I returned it and since then I've developed a nervousness about buying straight razors I couldn't see. I would love to give them another chance but I'm too scared to try. Today I was considering a ralf aust before this post but am scared off by my first experience.

Also thanks for your replies. Now I guess I'm put off from buying the red stamina and thiers issards in general, lol.

Haven't heard one bad thing about the RA, what I would get if I was in the market for a new razor.

I know. I hear everyone say good things from their experience so I would like to put it to me expecting too much from my first straight. I just watched my unboxing of it and I was opening it very excited pulling it out. My reaction was "Ohhhhhhh myyyyyyy... *pause and wide smile fades to confusion* ookay?" It just didn't seem like the one I looked at the picture and felt different than what I expected.

The other alternative is a razor from the classifieds here. There are some nice ones on there now for a lot less than the cost of new.

Grazor, do you own a couple of ralf aust razors? Is it normal for them to feel blade heavy or really light scales? Also, are the wooden scales suppose to feel like sanded wood?

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Originally Posted by Ponypox

Grazor, do you own a couple of ralf just razors? Is it normal for them to feel blade heavy or really light scales? Also, are the wooden scales suppose to feel like sanded wood?

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No, all my razors are vintage. There are many good reviews here if you use the search function. Wood scales will vary depending on the type of wood. I think RA make one with horn scales, they have a bit more weight and a nice feel to them. I don't think you would be disappointed with them.

Ok. Thanks again.

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Originally Posted by Ponypox

Thank you very much for your help. I'm not really familiar with wood laminates but would you suggest it for a person who likes natural materials or should I consider possibly something else? Is the scales slippery as well like laminated paper?

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I have a TI with green stamina scales and to me, they look like a high quality hard wood, like cocobolo.

Also, don't be put off of TI because of the bevels. You eventually get over it and each of their reazors shave very well. I too was bothered with flaws on both of my TI 7/8 razors that I spent $400+ each on, but now I'm fine with them and enjoy them just the same as a perfect razor. I think the flaws actually add to the old-style artisan, charm that TI excudes.

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Originally Posted by ShaveWares

Also, don't be put off of TI because of the bevels. You eventually get over it and each of their reazors shave very well. I too was bothered with flaws on both of my TI 7/8 razors that I spent $400+ each on, but now I'm fine with them and enjoy them just the same as a perfect razor. I think the flaws actually add to the old-style artisan, charm that TI excudes.

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You hit the nail on the head, but have it backwards IMO. Any 400+ razor should be perfect. It should be shave ready. It should have no flaws. When they do, you have two options. Send it back, or learn to love it. I love mine, but would never buy one again or recommend one to someone else.

No offense, so don't take any, but being new , it's kinda hard for you to know what a razors fit and finish should be. Myself I personally don't like wood scales , but if you were to buy a Livi razor with Olive wood scales, that's just how they finish out. And it would be hard to find a lot of fault in his razors. I,m not saying you didn't get a less than perfect razor just please remember your reference. The edge is what matters the rest is window dressing. If it came with a bad grind or cracked scales or any number of defects, razors are not perfect by any means, most are ground by hand, which means little imperfections. Even a 1500 dollar Zowada can have them. Try your RA and chances are it's a great razor. Being disappointed I can't help you with that, your expectations might not suit the way your wanting to learn how to shave. If I,m wrong , ok ,, I just thought that YMMV! So how about pictures of the offending razor, and did you return it? Tc

If you want to be completely sure of acquiring a great razor, call Brian Brown about one of his BRW razors. You cannot go wrong

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Originally Posted by Phoenix51

If you want to be completely sure of acquiring a great razor, call Brian Brown about one of his BRW razors. You cannot go wrong

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Good idea, I can't complain about mine! Fit and finish of his razors along with a very slick grind , makes a fine razor. And if your looking for small even bevels that's what you get with BB. TC

+1 on what Prodigy commented. I spent big $$$ on a TI several years ago and as others have already commented on, the bevel was a bit wonky. Once that was fixed it's an OK razor. I was disappointed with the scales when I first received it. However that being said it is in my weekly rotation but I would never buy another one. One of these days I would like to buy a RA. If I may politely suggest as others have done, there are lots of great razors in the classified section and it might be a great place to start. At least you know the blade is coming from a forum member. Be careful and cautious when going to the Bay.
Here is a really good thread to read through as an EBay cautionary posted by Joed.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/aucti...bay-101-a.html

A lot of subjectivity in selecting a razor. I would also suggest at the least a 6/8" blade. When I was first started I found that it was the best width for me to learn with. Also, Dovo makes some very fine razors at a very reasonable price. In fact my first straight was a Dovo Inox SS and it is one of my favorite blades. Kinda plain, but it shaves awesome. Good luck and don't be discouraged. Every shave is an opportunity to learn.

Just a thought here...

The width and evenness of the bevel are purely cosmetic. They don't affect the shave at all. But, it is a symptom of less than ideal workmanship, and a willingness to overlook it on the corporate level. But, if T-I continues to sell razors at premium prices with all their faults, where is the incentive to change?

I've got one modern T-I that is perfect in every way... But, I will not tempt fate and try for another!

I spent the $400 on a 6/8ths Sparticus and after 2 years a finally got it beat. I reworked it 3 times.
I also bought the Bison 6/8ths on a misprint add 2 years ago for a $100. So I have the razor your looking at.
The scales are clear amber plastic with streaking. The blade is shorter and the French didnt give me 3/4 inch of width.
Hard steel. Its Etch not stamp so over time its gone.
That said . If you get it and tame it . It will be a solid shaver for life. TI's arent junk at all. Quality materials increase price and Quality control with regards to spines and bevels have been a problemAttachment 229914Attachment 229915Attachment 229916Attachment 229917Attachment 229918Attachment 229919Attachment 229920
Now thats its dialed in and I went to school on this blade I have to keep it.
Look at my join date and my first pictures. Dates prove I did what you are thinking about.
just saying

Well you found a solid dealer that will stand behind the product. Good job. No it wont hurt a strop. No its not to pointy. Well yes to all your questions. See ,, well first welcome.
Depending on what you havent learned yet is that anything is possible when your new. Because I did it.
You should look for a mentor First.
2) Go to the library, and the search box at the top of this page.
3)Go to the main page and look for meets and get togethers.
People here will guide you. Watch the videos and listen to the sounds and watch the pressure of the mans hands, and his tension or lack there of.
I cant say for sure. I believe if you buy from SRD they offer one free honing. double check me to be sure. Lets start there and we the folks here will work with you to find what you like, and what likes your face. Sound reasonable? Good razor

Nice choice. What a beauty.

I have owned quite a few TI razors over the years & I never had one pass through my hands that didn't have any quality issues.
They were all great shavers when they were dialed in
but I moved them all along as I found razors that were a better fit for me.
If you aren't worried about manufacturer faults ,sorry character then go for it.
My own opinion is that Thiers should make the effort to craft their razors better.
Cheers Paul

Still looking for a razor?? You simply will NOT do better than this. Today only!! Don't dawdle..really!!

BRW razors and Shaving Brushes For Sale - Brian Brown Custom Razors

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Originally Posted by Phoenix51

Still looking for a razor?? You simply will NOT do better than this. Today only!! Don't dawdle..really!!

BRW razors and Shaving Brushes For Sale - Brian Brown Custom Razors

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What he said......

I checked it out. It looks nice and expensive but I kind of have my eye set on the ralf aust snakewood French I think. I might just ask someone to round out the tip a little so it isn't so dangerous. Thanks for letting me know though. I appreciate it.

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Originally Posted by Ponypox

I checked it out. It looks nice and expensive but I kind of have my eye set on the ralf aust snakewood French I think. I might just ask someone to round out the tip a little so it isn't so dangerous. Thanks for letting me know though. I appreciate it.

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You can round the tip yourself.
Lesson one. put just the tip on top of your thumbnail. and move it back and forth once. and check the sharpness. distance of travel just the tip. 2-3mm. Couple of passes should take off enough of the sharp. Or shave with it once. WTG ..downstroke only. you might find you like the tip. Dulling a razor will happen soon enough. Always triage a razor before operation on it, or with it.