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