Thread: TI Silverwing

I have always like the look of the Silverwings and have lusted after a blade with the new steel. Full hollows, to date, are not my weapon of choice because they are just to flexible in the standard carbon blades. I really tend toward 1/2 or 1/4 hollow because of the add stiffness.

I suspect that the added hardness translates to a stiffer blade. Is this true? I really would like some of the "new forgings" but naturally I hate putting out big coin for a razor that I am sure is an excellent razor, but just not for me.


Richard

If you like stiff they have stiffness in spades.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Kees mentioning the 'test razor' reminded me of one that Tony Miller was selling a year or two ago. IIRC it was a Silverwing marked prototype and it was a different steel than whatever they finally ended up with. I'm not sure what the story was but they apparently produced some in more than the one steel to see how they worked out.

I spoke to David Loft about this issue. The steel TI used for the prototypes is the same they use for all their new razors. THe only diffecence between the test and production Silverwings is the heat treatment and the grind. Initially there were some problems with the heat treatment. He also wrote that TI use the same steel for all their razors: C 135 Carbonsong.

Note: this does not apply to the TI "Historical" razors, these are made with older steels.

Originally Posted by riooso

I have always like the look of the Silverwings and have lusted after a blade with the new steel. Full hollows, to date, are not my weapon of choice because they are just to flexible in the standard carbon blades. I really tend toward 1/2 or 1/4 hollow because of the add stiffness.

I suspect that the added hardness translates to a stiffer blade. Is this true? I really would like some of the "new forgings" but naturally I hate putting out big coin for a razor that I am sure is an excellent razor, but just not for me.


Richard

I don't know if the new steel adds to the stiffness but since they are 5/8 I believe they are stiff enough. I'm not sure how much difference there is in terms of flex between the 5/8 and 6/8 but IME I don't feel flex in the Silverwing. I have a vintage Henckles full hollow in 8/8 that has noticeable flex. Also a Puma 'High Class' in 6/8 that I can feel flex as I shave.

It makes sense to me that since they can only grind the blades so thin a 5/8 will have less flex than it's larger cousins. Even though they call it a full hollow it seems to me that TIs are not ground as thin as vintage ducks, Brummels, Pumas, FWE and Fillys etc. That is my impression based on the feel, I haven't measured them with a micrometer. Just IMO.

Originally Posted by riooso

I have always like the look of the Silverwings and have lusted after a blade with the new steel.

There's only a few Silverwings left with cocobolo scales at the retailers', TI have sold the 300 they planned to make. There's still plenty of ram's horn Silverwings left.

New to the forums but just wanted to throw in my two cents. Yes, this mother is spendy. However, the overall weight, fit, feel, shape, size, blade, handles, etc. etc. etc. are all quite impressive. I had for some reason or other had it in my mind that i was going to stick to stainless blades. (Dovo MOP, and Dovo Stainless) They both were nice shavers. The MOP i felt was excellent. The stainless was my backup and never cared for it as much as the MOP. I digress...the Silverwing is without equal and makes the Dovo MOP pale in comparison. I know that i don't have nearly the experience in straight shaving as most of our season members here but the Silverwing shaves so smoothly and is a joy to handle and care for. Trust me, i dropped $$$ on a yellow belgian coticule just so that i can be sure to keep the finest edge on this baby for years of enjoyment.

We're talking about driving a Rolls Royce versus a Cadillac here. Yes you can get from point A to point B in either of them...but seriously...who turns their head to look at a Cadillac? It's worth it!

Originally Posted by Pastmaster04

New to the forums but just wanted to throw in my two cents. Yes, this mother is spendy. However, the overall weight, fit, feel, shape, size, blade, handles, etc. etc. etc. are all quite impressive. I had for some reason or other had it in my mind that i was going to stick to stainless blades. (Dovo MOP, and Dovo Stainless) They both were nice shaves. The MOP i felt was excellent. The stainless was my backup and never cared for it. I digress...the Silverwing is without equal and makes the Dovo MOP pale in comparison. I know that i don't have nearly the experience in straight shaving as most of our season members here but the Silverwing shaves so smoothly and is a joy to handle and care for. Trust me, i dropped $$$ on a yellow belgian coticule just so that i can be sure to keep the finest edge on this baby for years of enjoyment.

We're talking about driving a Rolls Royce versus a Cadillac here. Yes you can get from point A to point B in either of them...but seriously...who turns their head to look at a Cadillac? It's worth it!

Welcome to SRP. I haven't had the Dovo MOP to compare with the TI SW but I agree that the Silverwings are truly wonderful shavers.

I have a Dovo MOP and a Silverwing and find the Dovo to give a superior shave. Shave closeness is about the same but the comfort and feedback is far better with the Dovo. Of course they are different grinds but still.