Less Expensive TIs?

Anyone have any experience with the less expensive TI razors?

I'm particularly interested in hearing your thoughts on either the "le Gnome" series of 1/2 hollow razors and "Evide Sonnant" full hollow razors.

The info at Classicshaving indicates that they are made of "finest quality high carbon steel" vs. Sheffield silver steel.

Assuming that the quality of steel on these blades is good, they seem like good values - the 1/2 hollows in particular for those with heavier beards who are looking for a heavier grind in a newer razor.

Thanks guys.

Not sure if this helps,
But I'm pretty sure I remember seeing that Chris Moss over on SMF likes the TI gnomes...(super gnomes? I don't often peruse the TI's so much except when I'm feeling very rich...)
might want to ask him.
John P.

That's the reason I'm asking - I don't feel like spending a lot of coin on "everyday" razors so I was wondering how the TI's that retail for less than $100 stack up.

They are competent shavers. Nothing fancy mind you but they will give a good shave.

What I'm really after is whether you get a better performing razor when you move up to the Sheffield - as opposed to a better looking razor.

I shave regularly with my TI "Evide Sonnant", and I love the blade, the easy honing, and the softness of the shave (more soft than my more expensive Dovo for example). Concluding: Blade is excellent, Heft could have been built better/proper.

michel

What I would tell you is that there are many variables that translate into a good shave or degree of good shave. You can buy an Eboy special for $30.00 which will shave better than a $200 TI so it will depend on the sample you get and how good you are at honing. I would say that you can get as good a shave with that as with a far more expensive TI. For more money you get sheffield steel, heavier blade, fancier scales. Does that translate into a better shave? From a technical viewpoint probably not. From an aesthetic viewpoint yes it does. Also consider closeness of shave as different than degree of comfort of shave. two razors might shave just as closely but after shaving with one you'd never know you had a razor on your face and the other you will know it. That maybe a function of razor quality or honing-those variables again.

I would say that if your just after a razor that does its job and you have a budget you will not be disappointed with the lesser TI. Its great bang for your buck.

Remember a yugo will get you to your destination in the same time as a Mercedes.

Thanks - its not a matter of whether I can afford to spend $150 for a fancier TI, the question is whether I can spend 1/2 that much and get a TI that shaves just as well.

I know the lower end TI's aren't as pretty, but I'm looking for shave quality. While I like a nice-looking razor as much as the next guy, the reality is that appearances don't have any impact whatsoever on the quality of the shave.

To rephrase your car analogy, the question is whether a base model Mercedes drives as nice as the same model that's been tarted up with an appearance package.

I'm particularly interested in the le Gnome razors as I like 1/2 hollow grinds.

I'm really close to pulling the trigger on a 6/8 Gnome myself. I just have to make sure I don't get busted by the wife for the two razors already on the way from Altima. :) Maybe next month. :(

Suzuki, if you get one, please be sure to let us know how it goes.

Jordan

Some of my best shavers are Eboy specials with plain black celluloid scales and plane blades with no gold leaf or decoration on them.

Personally I think people make too much of the grind. To me going from double to full gives no real difference and as you go to half and quarter you get more of a wedge feel to them. Its a matter of what you prefer feedback in a razor or a snowplow. I realize people here believe what to me is an urban myth that a big huge wedge is necessary for a heavy beard but believe me a 4/8s will shave just as close and comfortable as an 8/8s meatchopper (I hope Josh doesn't read this).

But to get back to your original question I do believe you will be very happy with the TI you are interested in. Like I said a little less feedback because of the grind but the shave quality will be right up there and if it isn't, well, don't buy a yugo or a stripped mercedes.

Just posted a link in the Action (vs. Auction :rolleyes: ) forum - cheap BIN on a TI

Cheers
Ivo

Thanks Ivo - shipping is often quite high - another vendor from france wanted to charge me 21 euros to ship a 10 euro razor!

I'm actually looking for a 6/8 Gnome as I like the heavier grinds - I also already have a TI 6/8 hollow in sheffield - great shaver.

For someone in the EC, this looks like it might be a good deal.

For the record, you can ask / suggest / reason / argue with Euro sellers.

I had one ask me for EUR 15, then I told her it's too much and she did 5.70. Which is not that high... Sure, she didn't lose money on shipment :rolleyes: I got my item pretty fast...

Unlike another one, which I still have to receive, paying more for shipment, afair... 40 DAYS :rant: :rant: :rant:

Cheers
Ivo

Tried that - wouldn't budge - my revenge was that the item didn't sell!

I have a personal policy of not buying from anyone who charges anything above actual costs of shipping and a small amount for packaging.

FYI, someone's bid on the razor so the BIN option has disappeared.

Just to test the cheaper TIs again (of which I own many) I shaved today with a Le Dandy 5/8. Great shave, no issues at all. I in no way felt that I gave up anything over using my best TIs (again, of which I own many) (in fact I own 1 Filarmonica and 14 TIs).

Tony

Thanks Tony - very helpful.

I really like my 6/8 Sheffield steel and want to know if I can get a TI that shaves as well for $80 vs. $160.

While I like a fancy razor as much as the next guy, I'm not particularly impressed with the wood scales on my TI.

As an aside, given your preference for TI's why don't you stock them on your site?

Hahahahahaha Tony, guess we're even on the TI's but I have one more coming. Just bought the Frameback. I have honed hundreds of the lower end TI's and only had one that was a little stubborn. Nice shavers all.

Lynn

Suzuki,
The only thing between me and TI is supply. Been talking with them for 2 years and if they can ever produce more than the current demand you'll see them on my site.

Lynn, I have the Frameback to and it's really nice. I think you honed mine for me once.


Tony

Tony - I figured it must be a supply thing.

Lynn - thanks for your input - you've said the less expensive TIs are "nice shavers" - how do they compare with the Sheffield steel blades.

For example, how does the shave with an Evide Sonant compare to the same size blade in Sheffield?

Thanks.

The steel should be the same. The blanks that they use are Sheffield steel that they lead-harden at the end of the production process.