SRP TI Limited Ed.

Hello all,

So the SRP Limited Ed. TI I purchased from ClassicShaving.com arrived this afternoon. This one in-particular, #179, is... well, quite the disappointment. The scales on both sides are damaged near the hinge pin, the blade itself has one huge spot where the craftsman just "missed" when polishing, and to top it all off... the blade has a pronounced frown!

All for the bargain price of @ $165... I have seldom felt so let down.

So I wrote them an email and told them the deal and they have offered to refund/replace the razor, as well as refund the cost of shipping back to them... good business and all, but I'm kinda wondering if I should just cut my losses now and move on.

Has it been the experience of other members here that TI has such shoty workmanship? I mean I have heard of some QA problems... and the "drunk monkey" they have pinning blades on certain days... but jeez... it can't really be that bad?

Can it?

Thoughts???

I've heard sometimes the guys at TI would pin the things together in some odd places, but this seems a little off....I'd send it back, especially if it has a frown:(

Sorry to hear about your razor, though. Hope your next one is much better.

I thnk a TI is my next purchase, but the way it sounds I'll be buying from another member, and not new...

And I can't understand why these dealers don't have someone experienced check outbound shipments. The box this came in was not sealed in any way, shape, or form. How hard would it have been to take a peek to see if the razor was even up to being shipped?

They're wasting nothing more than the patron's time, and their own money on return shipping.

:shrug: ?

Was considering a TI for my next venture but I think I'll go with my previous hunch and stick with a shiny new DORKO.

Where did that naked lady dorko that Izlat sold ever get to?? .... :(

I'd love to see this one. All the other ones in this run have been nice. This razor actually has a smile, so to hear one has a frown is interesting.

Thanks,

Lynn

Newbie here.

Could someone please explain smile and frown for me? From the way it sounds, it's a curve to the bevel of the blade, or the blade itself. Is this right?

Save disappointment... Buy German! :D

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Originally Posted by Lynn

I'd love to see this one. All the other ones in this run have been nice. This razor actually has a smile, so to hear one has a frown is interesting.

Thanks,

Lynn

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Lynn,

I will bring it with me on Sunday.

Joshua

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Originally Posted by kasperitis

Save disappointment... Buy German! :D

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I agree!!!
Check out Heribert Wacker razors at shavingshop.com! All have that same handmade quality and the ones I have purchased have arrived flawless.

Kyle

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Originally Posted by kasperitis

Save disappointment... Buy German! :D

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This razor was made specifically for us and it a very nice razor and a very good shaver. I would not discount it. If there is a bad one out of the 250 made, I'm sure it will be replaced. I have # 1 and have also honed up a bunch of these.

Lynn

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Originally Posted by kasperitis

Save disappointment... Buy German! :D

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Funny you should say that as I go by the same motto. There's is something about the germans for sure, they know how to make a good product no matter what that product is.

Cars are probably the best example.

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Originally Posted by Lynn

This razor was made specifically for us and it a very nice razor and a very good shaver. I would not discount it. If there is a bad one out of the 250 made, I'm sure it will be replaced. I have # 1 and have also honed up a bunch of these.

Lynn

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I was being a bit facetious (is that the right word?). I'm sure TI makes a good razor..if they didn't, SRP wouldn't have had a custom run of them!

It was probably a one-off mistake somewhere. You shouldn't be hesitant at all to get the replacement instead of the refund.

With all of that said, I generally like the look and price point of the Dovo's over the TI's. But that's a 100% personal preference.

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Originally Posted by poona

Funny you should say that as I go by the same motto. There's is something about the germans for sure, they know how to make a good product no matter what that product is.

Cars are probably the best example.

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I wasn't trying to make this a Kraut vs. Frog thread. Just trying to inject some humor into an otherwise unfortunate happenstance. I would actually have purchased one of those razors myself if the funds permitted me to....stupid vehicular maintenance. Who needs new tires?!

Okay, im on my own then lol

I too recently returned a TI razor to that same dealer. The photo on the website for this particular razor showed a spike point - even said it in the description. When I got the razor, the first thing I noticed was that it was not a spike but a round point. I also noticed that the pin holding the blade on was installed at a very sharp angle - it was not 90 degrees to the blade. Plus the horn scales were not shaped the same - one was significantly wider than the other. It looked very poorly made.

I have to say that the dealer's customer service was very good. They refunded the money and paid me back for postage each way. I would definitely purchase from them again in the future.

Classic Shaving is a first rate company. It's unfortunate that Thiers Issard does not have a better inspection/quality control process prior to wrapping, boxing, and shipping. The vendor sells the razor as received and should not have to open each somewhat sealed package to ascertain merchantability.

I have a SRP TI which I got when I started with this apparently simple and innocent str8 game. Lynn honed it for me and things were swell. Apparently old #144 carried with it some slow starting but apparently quite virulent acquistions disorder pathogens 'cuz boys, I got it bad. And I blame it all on that one razor. I still shave with it too. Some never learn, hmmm?

I have SRP limited #174. I got kick out of the etching on the back. The last two digits of the year are missing. So it looks Lynn started this forum in the year 20. That's even before Al Gore invented the Internet. I recently sent back the TI 1040 6/8 Silver Steel Red Stamina. The blade would not get a good shaving edge. It would kind of shave but not at all well. After 6 weeks I was informed that they are replacing it. The SRP shaves like a champ but it's not my best. It's a GERMAN blade that has that honor.

My TILE No 161 was the first Ti Ive owned & I must say that You just got a bad one .Dont write this blade off as mine has a smile & is a really good shaver. Better luck with the replacement .Paul

Lynn honed mine. :D I haven't even taken off the oil that Lynn put on it.. I opened it up a couple of times just to look at it..

I think I should take a shave just to make sure it's shave ready..:w

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Originally Posted by Lynn

This razor was made specifically for us and it a very nice razor and a very good shaver. I would not discount it. If there is a bad one out of the 250 made, I'm sure it will be replaced. I have # 1 and have also honed up a bunch of these.

Lynn

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http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...N/SSC_0133.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...N/SSC_0132.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...N/SSC_0131.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...N/SSC_0130.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...N/SSC_0129.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...N/SSC_0128.jpg

There certainly have been cosmetic issues with TI as far as pins go and some scale issues but the blades have always been near perfect. I have two of the SRP razors and they are perfect. The fact the razor came unsealed is troubling and if it has a frown that is especially troubling.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

There certainly have been cosmetic issues with TI as far as pins go and some scale issues but the blades have always been near perfect.

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Those days are long past. Of my TI's only one of them had a blade that didn't have major problems on arrival. And that's not counting the ones I sent back as completely unworkable. The TIPTLE had a slight frown, the Egyptian Palmwood and worked-back thumbnotch Eagle both have bent blades, and the Egyptian Palmwood has a severe bend in the shank (but they bent the scales to match haha). The Wheat Berry has an "S" curve in the blade - I don't think that one will ever shave, and I'm about to junk the blade and use the scales on a nice-looking Korn. Ironically, the only perfect TI was my TISRP.

If only I didn't love the way TI's shave once they're fixed...

My SRP TI #85 is pretty much flawless, and a great shaver to boot :D

I would just ask them to exchange it if your unhappy.......

#149 is up and running in my rotation. No issues at all. This is my first and only "New" razor so it's hard to judge. Compared to my fixed up vintage blades it's just fine.

Would I buy another TI? Not sure really, I haven't seen any that float my boat. New, standard production razors don't seem that good a value to me. When a vintage ebite special and some elbow grease turn out fantastic shaves for alot less.

Mine is #23 . It is pinned fine but the blade is quite warped and it was far from shaving sharp when I recieved it. I major righty must have ground it.

I've been such a fan of Ray and classic shaving and the fact that I was part of the group buy that I never enertained the thought of returning mine.

It is just fussy to get to a great shaving edge. I have gotten it there with great care before.

Ironically I hae been working with it today. It is my only troublesome razor due to the warpage.

'm hoping for another group razor from a large firm as the recent Maestro Livi is just slightly over my spending limit. Plus the limit of thirty makes it unatainable for many faithful members. I found this project somewhat exclusionary to many proud and faithful members of this group. MikeB

Damm that's a shame I hope you get a good one if you decide to go that route and not just get refunded and move on but I can understand why you would rather not risk the hassle.

I don't know how true it is but I undertand there is not too many left of these.

I got # 136 it was one of my first new straights, mine is really a great shaver. I am glad the scales look and feel considerably better in person then in photos I actually like them now and fit and finish on this TI for mine anyhow is perfect, however I got a few other TI's and on some that the gold finish is coming off and another whose pins need tightened but all mine have good blades.

Classic shaving is great to deal with, I did have to return another razor and they are great, as far as them inspecting them I did have them look for a special razor for me as I knew the older stock would have a certain scale I wanted and the new model did not, they did but in doing so I spoke to some very nice and helpful ladies who while great in customer support are no authorities on razors at all, I suspect most of there shipping dept would not know too much either and given the amount of products they ship for the most part they are dependent on the manufacturer making quality items.

I spoke with Will the other day and he said he had plenty in stock.

Was it a pink naked lady? If so, I got it.

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Originally Posted by poona

Was considering a TI for my next venture but I think I'll go with my previous hunch and stick with a shiny new DORKO.

Where did that naked lady dorko that Izlat sold ever get to?? .... :(

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That sounds like a bummer!:( All of the TI's I have or that have been sent to me for honing have had a very good blade. The SRP LE can be a bit fussy to hone but once its there is can take your face off!:) I have #76,77 and 78.

OK it's stories like these that have caused me now twice to not hit the submit order button at classic shave for a new TI retro razor...
Just the other day I loaded up the order had everything in there and was ready to press PLAY for $179 plus shipping and talked myself out of it because of all the QC problems I keep hearing about...It would throughly disappointed me to receive a brand new CRAP razor...
At least when I get a crap razor on e-bay I know that's what I'm getting, and I know, I have a full weeks worth of work, getting that old piece of "history" back into working condition...
Unfortunately for TI I found an NOS Craftsman 3 hours from the end of it's auction, and it is winging it's way to me now...
I also have a problem not supporting one of the last razor companies in the world today..... BUT!!!!!

Friday I finally received an exchanged TI 6/8 Silver Steel Stamina. My wife gave me the original last July. It looked good but it would not shave. I had Lynn hone it and it didn't shave. I finally sent it back to Classic Shaving and after a month I got the new one. I was very pleased when I opened the package, anticipating the current horrors of QC, and found it looking like it should. The box was sealed. When I unwrapped the razor, I noticed immediately that the finish was much better then the original. I was heading out to my shop to hone it when I decided to test the edge. Now, I have never received a new razor that was supposed to be shave ready that was. However, to my great surprise this one was! The edge was perfect. On Saturday, I stropped it up and shaved with it. It was great. I finally got a TI that lived up to its heritage.

I thought I'd better pass this along as I have been voicing my disappointment in TI as of late.

[

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Originally Posted by randydance062449

That sounds like a bummer!:( All of the TI's I have or that have been sent to me for honing have had a very good blade. The SRP LE can be a bit fussy to hone but once its there is can take your face off!:) I have #76,77 and 78.

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Randy,
Did you find the TI LE blades warped or fussy in what way?

Mine came far from shave ready. Took much effort to sharpen. I've found that I've overhoned this several times. I've got a good edge on it a few times and am currently working on it again. MikeB

Not warped at all. Just a bit of a challenge to get sharp but I did the honing in multiple sessions and several shave tests.
The steel was a bit harder than I expected.

One razor did have a flaw in the stamping and the wood finish could have been better but the steel and the shave are excellent. Frankly, I do not expect perfection from a production razor nor a handmade razor. A piece of steel that comes from a CNC machine does not interest me at all.

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Originally Posted by sdsquarepoint

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Randy,
Did you find the TI LE blades warped or fussy in what way?

Mine came far from shave ready. Took much effort to sharpen. I've found that I've overhoned this several times. I've got a good edge on it a few times and am currently working on it again. MikeB

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TI's are a lot like 1911 pistols,not worth a S*** out of the box,but make pretty nice customs with a little(some a lot)of rework
Greetings from sunny Belize where the fishing is great,come on down still plenty of room on the boat.Best regards gary

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Originally Posted by Traveller

TI's are a lot like 1911 pistols,not worth a S*** out of the box,but make pretty nice customs with a little(some a lot)of rework
Greetings from sunny Belize where the fishing is great,come on down still plenty of room on the boat.Best regards gary

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HAHA I used to be the Armourer for my Co... 1911's lived on my bench :p but once you got them fitted :D :D :D

I finally got my first TI :D
I picked it up in an antique/junk shop in Sonora California
It looks brand new... Some kind of light colored wood that looks almost like pine, and a slight smile. the pins are perfectly straight. My only gripe would be a slightly odd grind. It's 13/16 at the toe, and just over 7/8 at the heel. :shrug:
It took a lot of work to put an edge on it, that's probably why I was able to get it so cheap. $125 I've ordered some horn scales for it, and once I get it rescaled, I'll post pictures.
Once I got it honed up, it shaved like a dream.

Don't rule out TI just because of a few problems other people had... My experience with ClassicShaving was in all a good one. Just inspect your razor when you get it. I would tell anyone to do that, regardless of maker. If you get a razor that isn't to your liking, classic will do everything they can to make it right.
I passed on quite a few TI's because of minor issues... I looked through TheArtofShaving's entire stock in SanFrancisco and didn't buy because they didn't have the right razor for me... In the end it was well worth the effort, I now have my TI, and I'm lovin it. It's smoother than any of the Dovos I've used, and will hold it's own with most of my vintage razors... I can't wait till I can compare it to a Williams or Livi :D

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:tu

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Originally Posted by kasperitis

...With all of that said, I generally like the look and price point of the Dovo's over the TI's. But that's a 100% personal preference.

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Agreed it is personal preference but, my experience is just the opposite. I vastly prefer the shaves I get from my TIs.

Ken