Thread: TI Le Grelot: Snakewood, Ram, Blond Horn, Ironwood?

I'm looking to get a second straightrazor for my birthday.

My first and only razor for the past three years has been a Dovo Best Quality with black plastic scales (the blade looks more French Nose than Round). I've more or less decided on a TI Le Grelot, but am torn between Snakewood, Ram, Blond Horn, Ironwood.

Any scales to avoid because of potential for water damage, or slippery grip? Any that work especially well for razors? In the wood versions, is the wood stabilized?

I'll be using this with my group-buy Thater.

Thanks!

I think the TI rams horn scales are some of the best I've ever seen. That would be my choice.

Originally Posted by johnmrson

I think the TI rams horn scales are some of the best I've ever seen. That would be my choice.

I definitely agree with this statement, however, I have not seen the TI ironwood scales in person. The rams horn scales are each very unique and I have liked each one. The Le Grelot will be a very nice second razor for you. Enjoy!!!

BTW Happy Birthday to you, Robb

I'm a fan of both snakewood and ironwood. If this is a new razor you're buying I would imagine the wood and horn have all been finished/treated/sealed correctly to resist water and corrosion.

My Ironwood Grelot




I was tempted to go with the blond horn but am very happy with my Ironwood TI.

I have an ironwood TI and it's just beautiful. do a search for Le grelot ironwood and you should find a pic

Originally Posted by johnmrson

I think the TI rams horn scales are some of the best I've ever seen. That would be my choice.

OK, that tipped the balance for me and I ordered the ram scales today! I can't wait for them to arrive, or rather, I can't wait for my birthday to arrive so I can open the package.

Realistically I would be delighted with any of the scales I mentioned above. But I wondered if either the ram horn or the blond cow horn would be more prone to warping or getting weird with moisture. Since nobody mentioned those types of problems here, I assume all the materials are properly stabilized.

Rightly or wrongly, I seem to see more wood scales than horn, so I figure I should jump on the ram horn now while good quality is available. I can get some wood scales later.

Thanks all for your help!

Originally Posted by Jacketch

My Ironwood Grelot




I was tempted to go with the blond horn but am very happy with my Ironwood TI.

Beautiful photos of a beautiful matched set. Thanks for posting.

I think any of the choices you mention would be great. I would buy the one that most appeals to you visually. You really can't go wrong. IMO, TI LGs are great shavers.

I have two 6/8 TI Le Grelots in Red Stamina and love them. If I could only keep one of my 35 razors, it would be a TI LG.

Happy Shaving!

Originally Posted by RobbW

... I wondered if either the ram horn or the blond cow horn would be more prone to warping or getting weird with moisture. Since nobody mentioned those types of problems here, I assume all the materials are properly stabilized. ...

It all boils down to how the material was prepared. There are tons of examples of scale material that has survived over 200 yrs. With proper care what ever you select should survive as long if the preparation of the material was done well. Do note that there have been reports that TI has had some quality issues w/ fit and finish of scale materials. I am only speaking of what I have read and one example I saw in person. Good luck with your selection.