Thread: 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.