TIs and Classic Shaving, can someone help?

Okay guys,

I have been dying to get my hands on not only a 7/8 but also a TI. So, in order to please my RAD, I have decided to go ahead and combine my two "wants" into one nice razor. But, I am running into indecision. It is a toss up between a TI Kingwood 7/8 Spike Point, a TI Black horn 7/8 point unknown and a TI Olivewood 7/8 point unknown.

Classic Shaving is one of two online sites I have found that sell them here in the US. I love the company:D and have ordered a few things from them. But I have found that their descriptions on some razors are inconclusive. Both the TI 7/8 Blond horn and Kingwood say "Spike Point" and the picture would back that up. Also, many razors that appear to have a round point plainly say "round point." But, what about the 7/8 in Black Horn and the 7/8 in Olivewood?:thinking: The pictures look as though they are round points but they say neither. It also seems that they use the same pictures for razor models regardless of size. Example- Take a look at the 5/8 Olivewood and the 7/8 Olivewood. It is the exact same picture but the 5/8 says roundpoint and the 7/8 none.

I emailed them to ask what point the 7/8 Olivewood has and they responded with a "thank your for the inquiry but the razor is out of stock." The 7/8 Olivewood does not show out of stock and perhaps they were confusing it with the 5/8 Olivewood which shows out of stock.

So, does anyone out there know for a fact what type of point the 7/8 Olivewood and 7/8 Black horn have? I know the point is more of a visual preference but I would prefer a spike point. Also, does anyone know when round points came about?

Anything you could offer would help me out. Thanks guys.

Kyle

Their phone number is listed under contact us. I have found them to be very helpful on the phone and knowledgeable.

They are a bit hard to get a hold of, but the 7/8ths blonde horn that I got from them, and had to send back due to defects, was a round point.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...f/S5300361.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...f/S5300363.jpg

I have heard about a few TI defects, are they common? What was wrong with the Blonde Horn 7/8? Thanks,

Kyle

They gave me an RMA for a TI 6/8 Stamina razor my wife gave me six months ago as a gift. It wouldn't take an edge. They said they would exchange it. They answered first time. But I called during business hours.

The TI they sent me had a pit in the blade.
I've heard way too many stories about crooked pins, and poor workmanship with the TI's

As for Classic Shaving, they've been a bit slow for my tastes... I ordered on 12/30/07 They sent my razor 01/02/08 , and it was lost by the post office, So I contacted Classicshaving, and the post office. They said they would ship a new one. On 1/16/08 I emailed them and asked about my razor. They were out of stock on one of the items in my order, and were waiting to ship. (Thanks for letting me know) So they finally Ship, and on the 18th I get my nice new pitted TI Razor. It's Friday just after lunch, so I tried to call them, busy signal. So I E-mailed them, They didn't get back to me until Tuesday. Wednesday I shipped it back to them (UPS with tracking 1z88102e0360115163) They got it this Friday, and I'm waiting to see how long it takes them to give me a refund.

Granted the time line is less than a month, but Had I known it was going to be such a hassle, I could have driven down there, and picked out a razor in person...

Hmmm, I may have to skip the TI all together and get a 7/8 Wacker Jungmeister. Thanks,

Kyle

TI seems to have acquired a reputation for letting some less than merchantable razors slide through their quality control(?) system, but regardless of that, the mercant dealing the razor is selling a product in a factory "sealed" container. If the merchant is willing to take the product back once the buyer complains that it is defective, the system is working. The buyer's real beef is with the manufacturer, who, unfortunately is on another continent and doesn't speak his language.

The problem will likely continue so long as the demand for razors may be exceeding supply and with TI there is an apparent change in the manufacturing process which adds more wrinkles to be smoothed out along with the old wrinkles.

So, good luck, they all can't be bad...

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Originally Posted by Bruce

TI<snip>The buyer's real beef is with the manufacturer, who, unfortunately is on another continent and doesn't speak his language.

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The folks at TI understand English just fine.

I have about 20 TI's in my personal collection. I don't think any manufacturer or product is ever totally defect free across the board, especially when made by hand. I am more than satisfied with every one of my TI's and have recommended them for years. As a matter of fact, one of my very favorite razors is the TI Egyptian. I like the razor so much that I have two of them. The ones with a problem considering the thousands they sell world wide are the exception rather than the rule.

I have never know Classic Shavings service to be anything other than outstanding.

Have fun guys,

Lynn

I've ordered from them several times, with no problems...
This case was mostly bad luck.
If you want a TI, I would suggest calling in your order to classicshaving, and asking them to inspect it before shipping.

That was actually one of my gripes though, Bruce mentioned "factory sealed"... the one sent to me had clearly been opened before shipping. The box had been opened, and someone had crossed out black and hand written blonde under it.
also it was poorly wrapped in the paper. Someone had handled the razor before it was shipped to me...
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...f/S5300361.jpg

Here's a recent vintage TI razor. It's about six months old. I got it this week from another SRP member. The finish of both the blade and scales. blade fit and quality are excellent. It has a bit more heft than my DOVO's which I like. On the first use, I had a BBS shave. It has snakewood(mimosa) scales.

Good luck

That is a gorgeous razor!

TI's are beautiful razors, that's for sure, I never got to shave with mine, but it was very well balanced, and had a good feel to it.
I may very well consider getting another TI in the future, but if I do, I want to go and inspect it at the store or factory when I get it... (preferably when the dollar is stronger)


Road trip!!!

I'd talk with Classicshaving and tell them the kind of point you want and ask them to actually open the razor and look at it to be sure. (Generally, I suspect they'll just read the label on the box rather than open every one! Makes sense ... )

I'm not sure if it's Classicshaving or someone else, but I've heard stories of business(es) not taking straights back (unless actually faulty), for hygene reasons ... so trying to get a refund once you see that it's the wrong style may be difficult.

I don't think this would be a problem with classicshaving.com, they were very good when I contacted them... But I do agree, if you want a specific point or grind, you are better off making a phone call and asking them first if they have it, and second ask them to inspect the razor for you.
I've had several dealings with them, and I'm sure they would be happy to work with you to get you into the right razor.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mike_ratliff

The TI they sent me had a pit in the blade.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mike_ratliff

I've heard way too many stories about crooked pins, and poor workmanship with the TI's

As for Classic Shaving, they've been a bit slow for my tastes... I ordered on 12/30/07 They sent my razor 01/02/08 , and it was lost by the post office, So I contacted Classicshaving, and the post office. They said they would ship a new one. On 1/16/08 I emailed them and asked about my razor. They were out of stock on one of the items in my order, and were waiting to ship. (Thanks for letting me know) So they finally Ship, and on the 18th I get my nice new pitted TI Razor. It's Friday just after lunch, so I tried to call them, busy signal. So I E-mailed them, They didn't get back to me until Tuesday. Wednesday I shipped it back to them (UPS with tracking 1z88102e0360115163) They got it this Friday, and I'm waiting to see how long it takes them to give me a refund.

Granted the time line is less than a month, but Had I known it was going to be such a hassle, I could have driven down there, and picked out a razor in person...

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EDIT: It took several E-mails and 3 seperate refunds, but Classic shaving did make things right. It was a hassle, and it may be a while before I order from them... But I can't knock them.

Disregard my last comment...
When classic shaving gets things right (which i'm sure they do most of the time) They do great...
But when things get messed up, :gth well lets just say it ain't pretty...

they got my razor, and called me to ask me to tell them how much I paid for shipping so they could refund that as well... and here's the break down...

My order...
Thiers-Issard Sheffield Silver Steel, Blond Horn, 7/8
Code: TI1021
Price: 224.49
Quantity: 1
Subtotal: 224.49

Lynn Abrams "World of Straight Razor Shaving"
Code: LA10001
Price: 19.99
Quantity: 1
Subtotal: 19.99

Classic "Contemporary" Covered Shaving Bowl
Code: MA60XX
Price: 12.99
Quantity: 1
Subtotal: 12.99
Shaving Soap Scent Choices:: Jasmine
Mug Color Choices:: 02 Ebony Black

---------------------------------------------------------------
Order Subtotal: 257.47
Taxes: 19.95
Shipping: 10.15
Total: 287.57



I sent the razor back and they refunded $234.49

but here's the problem
If you look at my order (#1574870)
you will see they charged me $224.49 plus tax or $241.89
They said they would refund the cost of the razor and what I paid to ship it back to them.
I paid UPS $10.47 to ship the defective razor back.
for a total of $252.36
although this is not a huge discrepancy, If you include the cost of return shipping I ended up paying them $63.55 for Lynn's DVD and an $11 shaving mug... (I didn't get the mug I ordered, I was sent their classic shaving mug $10.99 instead... which I'm fine with.)

I have sent them another E-mail asking them to reassess their figures, but I seriously think this will be my last purchase from them.
I would understand this partial refund if I had simply changed my mind, or if the return was for any reason other than a defective item. But as the item arrived damaged, I would expect them to refund what I actually paid for it... instead it looks like I'm getting the wrong end of the stick.

EDIT: It took several E-mails and 3 seperate refunds, but Classic shaving did make things right. It was a hassle, and it may be a while before I order from them... But I can't knock them.


apparently their satisfaction guarantee doesn't count...

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Satisfaction Guarantee -
If you're not satisfied neither are we! We will do whatever it takes that is reasonably possible to assure your Total Satisfaction. We realize that between your local community and the Internet there are lots of places where you can shop. We appreciate the fact that you chose us, and we value you as a customer. We completely understand that satisfied customers are what keep businesses in business.
Our Customer Service Policy is simple and straightforward - Do The Right Thing.

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