Thread: Can we talk about this TI?

I received this TI Super Gnome as a replacement for a defective Super Gnome (long story). It seems to be a rather interesting odd duck for a few reasons. For those that are familiar with the TI razors, please view the pics then read below:









Here are the facts:

• This Super Gnome blade is made from the new TI Carbon Song C135 carbon steel. Current Super Gnomes are not made using the "C135" and to my knowledge they never were. In an email of May 2008 to me from a David Loft at TI: "We have made you specially a razor in the new C135 Carbonsong Silverwing steel and we hope that this will please you.".
• The traditional pointed end TI scales house this blade as you can see. Current Super Gnomes have rounded scales.
• This razor has an "M" or "W" stamped on the back of the tang.
• It measures exactly 6/8 width from edge to top of the spine taking a full width measurement as opposed to an edge to top of grinding (not including the spine). Current Super Gnomes are available in either 5/8 or 6/8, but the Silverwings seem only to be available in 5/8 (were they ever available in 6/8?).
• I would consider this to be a half hollow grind (Super Gnomes are 1/2 hollows) or at most a 3/4. Very stiff blade. Also, if it is an RC 64-65 in hardness, then it's the hardest steel razor I own hands down. I'm still refining the edge although to date I've honed it to shave without irritation at this point. Refining this edge alternating between .5 mic diamond and .5 mic chrome ox shows the number of passes at even 10 times the number of passes usually required for the typical carbon steel razor.
• When viewing the screened "Super "Gnome" Extra" text in the hollow, faintly, almost imperceptibly so, the words "Hollow Ground" were screened on just above the words Super Gnome.
• The shape of the blade and tang seem identical to the Silverwing.

An odd duck to be sure then. A hefty SOLID razor to hold, a beauty to strop and I believe after fine tuning will hold an edge for a long time. Viewing under 40x magnification does not show microchipping to the edge. I have an RC 62 razor made from ATS34 stainless that could be nicknamed "Chippy".

Any thoughts or help as to how this razor came to be?

Thanks guys.

Chris L

Interesting. I wonder if they had a kind of experimental blade that they didn't have any other use for, and sent it on? Like a "concept razor" that didn'T catch on?

It's a fine looking blade, and I'd love to give it a try...

Chris i have sharpen couple of them . But you are saying this one is different steel. i can say about old ones. Very hard steel i mean it. but when you finally done it will keep that edge forever.

A really cool score Chris. It seems to me that TI is a small enough operation to 'think outside the box'. Witness the 7 day set with Ivory handles that they made here on special order for Chimensch. I know that Steve said if an individual wanted to order something special like a one off that TI was receptive if the customer was willing to wait and pay more $$. I've got a silver wing as well as one other of the newer TIs with the new steel and they are great. You made out like a bandit Chris.

I think it is just like any of the other 'New Production' TI's.

My Le Canadien is just like that with a different marking though, but otherwise the same.

Mine is in my top three shavers and I love the feel of it over my Fili and my Les Croix. The super wide tang feels wonderful in the hand and the slight smile of the blade is perfect. If mine were damaged I would get another in a flash.

Enjoy it.

It definitely looks like one of the Le Canadien razors. That's the most likely candidate for similarity. On Rasage Poulin they refer to the Le Canadien as a "singing" razor. That's where I'm thrown. I would classify the extra hollow razors I have as "singing" razors. Very pronounced belly and an extremely flexible edge. This Super Gnome is very stiff; like the first Super Gnome, a 1/2 hollow that I returned. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with stiffer grinds.

Chris L

The lettering on the tang has to do with the batch it came from when they made it. I've honed many of the new forging and don't find them particularly harder or more difficult to hone. They do take a very nice edge. Congrats Chris on a fine razor.

I don't know much about them Chris but will admit that they are nice. It's not too ornate it exude simple yet elegant look to it. I'm glad they made you one-of-kind razor with beautiful scale to boot :beer:

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

A really cool score Chris. It seems to me that TI is a small enough operation to 'think outside the box'. Witness the 7 day set with Ivory handles that they made here on special order for Chimensch. I know that Steve said if an individual wanted to order something special like a one off that TI was receptive if the customer was willing to wait and pay more $$. I've got a silver wing as well as one other of the newer TIs with the new steel and they are great. You made out like a bandit Chris.

It may be legal ivory in France but if they ship these razors to Italy they are violating the international ban on ivory trade!

TI as I understand it, went through several iterations of harder steel razors and grinds before they settled on the new ones. These for their lower end hone up and shave well.

Nice!

Lynn