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

[Ponypox]

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.

[CrownCork]

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

[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?

[CrownCork]

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?

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.

[Ponypox]

Thank you for your help.

[thebigspendur]

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.

[ShaveWares]

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?

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

[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.

[prodigy]

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.

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.

[sqzbxr]

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.