I got my first TI ( a new 5/8 Sicilian Olivewood scales from classicshaving.com) - also my first straight razor ever - last week as a gift from my girlfriend. I'm a complete newb in terms of straight razors, so I have nothing to compare it to, but she paid around $180 for it, and IMO the craftsmanship could be a notch better. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful razor, the scales are great, the blade is great. . . but I notice some 'laziness' on the gold engraving on the blade, and the pins seem a little banged up.

At any rate, I love the thing, even if it is slightly flawed. It seems to shave good enough for me, but again, I have nothing to compare it to. . . I'm just happy I haven't sliced anything off my face yet