TiGlide SE Razor

Has anyone been following this razor or seen a prototype in hand? It's over on Kickstarter right now. It's nothing new as far as function goes I don't think, but I like the look and it apparently takes half DE blades.

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It came in yesterday and I'm pleasantly surprised on the feel, quality and overall looks. It actually looks and feels better in person. Weight is balanced very nicely along the whole length of the razor with a midpoint balance of about halfway between the razor head and bottom of the handle. Very powerful magnetscthat hold the top cap in place with razor post studs that hold the blade in place. I think the post for blade positioning could be slightly more pronounced but, it gets the job done. One just has to place it and put it up against those post stops, once there the blade is held firmly in place and is tightened down securely with the top cap closing screw.

How was the shave? Much, much better than I was hoping for. Extremely smooth and easy on the skin but, the whiskers were removed with almost a wiping effect as audible feedback is quite muted and the razor head with its fixed head geometry is planted firmly on the skin. Slight drag because of the wider contact area but, it was an extremely easy yet efficient three pass shave. No irritation or disturbance of any kind anywhere on my face or neck. I didn't use the supplied razor bladed that was pre-installed in the razor as I binned it and used a Gillette Perma-Sharp half blade for the initial shave. Proved to be an excellent choice in the TiGlide S1.

I'm very impressed on the quality of the product and more so on the quality of shave it provided on its maiden shave voyage. More shaves to follow to see how it fairs long-term.

 

Glad you like it. I didn't back it. What's the blade selection like?

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Oh, I didn't back it either but, I did sign up for their news releases and got on their subscriber list for any new products, releases or offers. It's the main reason why I acquired the S1 as they sent me a couple of codes that brought the costs down significantly (nearly 40% off retail). It seems that Titaner with their sales of the TiGlide S1 probably didn't achieve the sales numbers they were looking for and perhaps the holiday sales season also contributed to the substantial discount. Blade selection wise is not to shabby at all. I have the Gillette Perma-Sharp, Treet Platinum, Lord Platinum and a couple others that are half blades. But, these 3 in particular work very well for me in the single edge segment that requires half de blades.

 

very cool..

 

I do have to admit amigo, it does share an angular & futuristic resemblance to it. Not the prettiest thing either…..

 

enjoy.

 

Just got through my third shave with the S1 and it has been nothing but, impressively good shaves that have been comfortable, easy to use, excellent feel on the skin and surprisingly efficient. There is very little gap with just a modicum of blade reveal but, it’s cutting ability is very, very good. The angle of attack is pretty much set as the design of the head pretty much sets the tone on how one will proceed but, it’s not uncomfortable in the least and is quite intuitive to be honest. I seriously did not think that this razor would bring the goods but, Titaner obviously have done their homework and have put forth a very capable razor. The Perma-Sharp blade has worked exceptionally well in this razor with this third shave the blade wa starting to feel a bit tuggy but, I usually get 3-4 shaves from a full Perma-Sharp so, I’ll take it as par for the course. I’m liking the performance of this razor so far. A few more shaves and a couple different blades to go through to round out my thoughts on this offering.

 

Thanks for the update. I'm on the fence on this one but you're selling me. So a good daily driver?

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As a daily yes, no question that it would do that task very well. It will also work with 2-3 days growth without skipping a beat as well. Here’s the thing. The feel in hand which comes from the design of the handle itself, harkens more to the feeling of how a cartridge razor would feel if that makes sense to you. In other words, you get a similar feel to an injector like type razor say the PAL Injector or even more so to the Gillette Twinjector razor. However, the TiGlide S1 offers a more fluid feel and warmer touch on the skin than those aforementioned razors. The Ti alloy make up of the S1 for me is perhaps arguably, the best alloy that can be used for a shaving implement with Brass a very close second or equal in terms of feel on skin and comfort. With of course the Brass the much heavier metal by a significant margin. If an individual is not comfortable with the longer handle aesthetic of the S1 that gives the impression of holding a cartridge style razor, the TiGlide is going to be a bit awkward to those that enjoy the traditional feel of a DE handled razor and what it encompasses in the overall feel in hand. Some individuals can make the adjustment but, for those that are set in their ways of a more traditional feeling razor, the S1 might not be their cup of tea. Personally, I thought the length of the handle with its modular and deeply angled head would be something that I would find either time consuming to adjust too or just be completely off as a shaving tool. Contrary though to that belief, it has been an impressive shaver and tool to hold and use. The angle of the head is pretty much set and is intuitive once one gets a few strokes in as it really becomes more natural in hand and effect as one goes through the motions with the S1. As I’ve become more accustomed to the S1, the razor with its inherent design cues has felt more natural and second nature in use. Another thing is the audible effect or in the TiGlide S1’s case, the lack of it. It’s a very quiet razor and it almost gives the effect of wiping the whiskers off of ones face rather that actually hearing the cutting from a traditional DE, SE or injector type razor. If you like the “music” of whiskers being cut and use that as an audible tool during your shave exercise, take that into consideration as your shaves will be substantially quieter and you won’t be able to use the sound of cutting as an aid in your shaves. You do hear a slightly muffled sound but, the S1’s design mute’s that sound substantially. I adapted to that less audible effect rather quickly and it does not impede my ability or sensation that I lack feedback to acquire and administer an effective shave. That’s just me though and for you I can’t predict one way or the other. If you like a more traditional feeling experience, this razor will not give you that aura of the classic safety razor experience. But, if you like to experiment and enjoy trying something new that is different yet quite easy to adapt to, the S1 could work for you.

Good luck on your shave journey…

 

Just had my 5th shave with the S1 and second with the half Durablade 7a.m. Platinum. The first shave with this combo was quite good and very comfortable that was close to the initial shave with the Perma-Sharp pairing. Today’s shave was good but, not as good as the subsequent shave on the prior pairing. Not uncomfortable or less efficient but, the Durablade just didnt feel quite as smooth as the Perma-Sharp. Still, a very satisfying shave that produced a BBS finish with just two of the tiniest weepers at the corners of the stache. Some might not believe what I’m about to say and I’ll understand the skepticism or non believing shave pundits but, I have thoroughly enjoyed every single shave so far with the TiGlide S1 razor and I might dare say it has proven to be an excellent SE razor comparable with some of the better one’s out there, regardless of format. Yes, it’s odd looking and looks and feels more of a cartridge type razor in hand but, it obliterates any standard cartridge type razor with SE type performance say crossing the Blackland Vector in performance results with the Alpha Sprint smoothness & ease of use. In my experience, that’s what the S1 feels like so far. I’m going to continue with the S1 as I have 2 more half blade packs coming my way and would like to get a few more shaves in with those as well before giving a complete report on this razor. If all goes well, there will be very little to nitpick about concerning the TiGlide S1 in its overall performance.

 

Yesterday evenings shave report....

The Treet Platinum along with the Lord Platinum half blades landed today. Decided to go with the Treet blades and it did not disappoint in the least. I’ve gotten along well with the Treet Platinum de blades in almost all of my DE safety razors and in the TiGlide it was no different. Really smooth operation that melds nicely with the S1 and paired with the Titanium alloy, it really is an effortless and warm shaving feel. Just 2 passes to get to a full BBS finish with just a slight buff on the chin to get full skin smoothness. No mishaps of any kind and the skin feel post shave wise was fantastic. I’ve been getting roughly just a bit over 10 hours of duration from whisker free skin to the first pricks of the shadow growing in. Not bad at all and definitely more than enough for a full work day. I’ll get another shave in with the Treet blade then move onto the Lord Platinum’s and see how they fair. So far, so good with the various blades that I’ve used. The TiGlide has worked well and plays well with a few different brands up to this point. Good news if you ask me in terms of the razor’s ability to accept other brands of razor blades.

 

Thanks for your continued updates. Looks like a good razor.

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Last night's shave report....

I was going to use the Treet Platinum for a second shave tonight but, I succumbed to the temptation of trying out the Lord Platinum in the TiGlide S1 and it delivered exceptionally well. Simply a superb 3 pass shave without anything else to add. No nics, cuts, weepers or irritation of any kind nor anywhere. Yes, this oddball of a razor with its magnetic head, longish cartridge style handle with its turn screw locking mechanism has been a sort of revelation on how it performs and how easy it has been to use in producing impeccably good results. I can nitpick on a couple of things and that will come soon on my final summation but, the shaves have been so good that I find it hard to put this razor down at this moment. It simply shaves superbly, plain & simple.

 

Cold & slightly windy Saturday morning to kick off the weekend but, no excuse for not getting in an effective and comfortably satisfying shave. Today was no different than all of the other previous shave exercises with the TiGlide S1. Still kept the Lord blade in for this shave as it took on a solid 2 days worth of whisker growth. An extremely easy, smooth & efficient feeling shave that produced the desired results without any mishaps or discomfort post shave. A tiny weeper under the chin was the only negative in today’s shave that was promptly cured with a quick splash and alum pass. The soap provided tons of glide & slickness as Ethos has always produced giving a solid foundation for the razor to do what it was meant to do and that’s simply to remove whiskers with the utmost of comfort. It was an exceptional shave.

I have decided to just simply finish out the month with the TiGlide as it has been a stellar performer in just about every facet and the look & feel has slowly but, surely proven to grow on me as the shaves continue to accumulate with positive results each and every time. Yes, it’s a quirky looking razor that doesn’t conform to the traditional wet shaving consensus on what is deemed a traditional looking shaving tool. For many, that automatically disqualifies it as a serious shaving implement for any gentleman’s (Ladies too as they might find this razor quite purposeful for their hair reducing endeavors) requirements in grooming activities. I like underdogs that many find to be uninspiring or perhaps even gimmicky to a certain extent and the S1 does in a slight way project or inspire that mode of thinking. Truthfully, I can care less if the razor being used is uglier than sin or Lucifer himself. I care about results and the ease of use to attain those results. I also have a Merkur Vision 2000 that too many, is an absolute eyesore yet, for me it delivers amazingly great shaves and I’ve come to enjoy it’s performance and looks. What can I say? I have a propensity to endear myself to such oddballs. I can’t help it.

The TiGlide S1 is no different in that regard. It’s not the most attractive or eye pleasing tool in the business to some but, it sure shaves as good as many out there that have the looks of a refined jewel but, functions like a $1.25 spatula at your favorite discount store. Pretty is nice, function and results are nicer. I’ll give a full summation on pluses & minuses on the S1 once I’ve completed the months end shaves.

 

Simply superb shave this morning. I have nothing but, respect for this razors performance and its ability to easily & comfortably remove whiskers with no real possibility of it delivering an unsatisfactory shave result. Aesthetically, it's going to be a love/hate relationship among the groups of traditional wet shaving thought and the other side that is open to new design & innovation. As creatures of habit, most of us like a little of change as possible. If it works, there's no need to fix or upgrade. Yes, if we were perpetually stuck in the 20th Century, I'd give that thought some credence and due. However, we are not stuck in a forever time capsule and we as a civilization are forever growing and striving for bigger and better things in all products or advancements that benefit civilization or humanity in general. Wet shaving is no different in that new design ideas and implementation of those forward thinking designs spark interest & growth from those that are new to the wet shave endeavor/hobby in the specific realm of gentlemanly grooming activities. It also potentially may pique interests from the old guard of wet shaving lore to be more open and accepting to those newly engineered and created products. I enjoy both traditional shaving implementss that are vintage and carry a history of shaving within the the safety razor birth through its progression over the years of subtle but, significant improvements in both quality, build and ease of use for the consumer. It's the only way where growth continues steadily, attaching the historical achievements of the past with the continued forward thinking of the present and potential future. Wet shaving is a wonderful exercise for both young and old regardless of the modern vs vintage argument. Regardless of what side of the argument one stands on concerning vintage vs contempory shave implements, the various majority of users in both camps would agree that wet shaving with a de or se razor is a positive benefit in ones grooming exercise for both men & women respectively. Better for the skin, better for the environment and better for the heart, mind & soul as some of us do use shaving as a calming & relaxing action to their daily routine in a taxing time of their daily life activities. Others shave for the mere fact as an obligation whether for work or a mandatory obligation of societal norms or regulations pertaining to basic needs or requirements. All they need or desire is a tool that will offer ease of use that is both comfortable and efficient in getting the task done in a timely manner. Another smaller group deals with acute skin sensitivity to shaving and what the exercise can potentially do in a negative way and therefore search for the best possible product that allows them to at least somewhat enjoy a shave without any repercussions and detriment to their skin sensitivities while at least achieving the least negative results that can be attained that meets their desired results.

The Titaner TiGlide S1 is no different in that it simply performs a traditional wet shave action with a look and design that's all its own. There is no middle ground on how it looks as one will love it or simply loathe it simply on its looks. It doesn't look like a traditional de or se razor and is not a direct derivative of a cartridge razor design but, it has subtleties of all three purposely ingrained in its overall design. And in that, the S1 is a spectacular performer when it comes to the performance, feel and overall usability that it delivers with accurate and direct results. The shave path footprint delivers a de like feel with an se engineered format that also has a feel of holding a modern cartridge shave apparatus rolled into one. Yet, it delivers a more substantial feel over the cartridge razor that is closer to the more traditional de & se razor tools that most have come to experience today. The shave geometry of the razor basically sets up the optimal angle for proper shave placement on skin while the inherent nature of the Titanium alloy gives a very warm & soft like feel that is both smooth and comforting. Blade feel is minimal but, the efficiency and its ability to effectively remove the whiskers with such softness and dare I say "grace in motion" is an astounding achievement in practice. The audible level that is provided may not be up to the standards of the more established tools that endear one to the sounds of hairs being sliced but, it's rather muted sound still delivers a perceptible and pleasing auditory effect that will satisfy most users. The cutting effect is more closer to like the razor wiping the hairs off of one's skin as compared to it cutting & slicing those whiskers. It's a very different experience but, it's one that is very easy to adapt to once the results are felt in real time. Rigidity and blade stability are second to none with not a single instance of blade chatter nor any perceptible inference in my experience with the S1. The feel in hand with its somewhat longish handle does require a bit of adjustment to it but, as many here have experience with modern cartridge systems in feel, this is a quick adaptation that becomes more familiar with each use and actually becomes near second nature. The locking mechanism which employs both magnetic for proper alignment and a turn screw at the back of the head assembly is purposeful in design and implementation though, the screw attachment does look a bit out of place at the rear and detracts somewhat from the razors streamlined and cohesive design. I personally would have preferred the magnetic design as is with the placement of the screw locking mechanism on the bottom of the baseplate to maintain design flow integrity. It's a minor thing and is simply nitpicking as it does nothing nor impacts the shave results in the least. Just my personal preference in design application. The handle with its long design and chamfered sides provides more than adequate grip and tactile feel and it never felt as if it would slip from my hands as it never did but, I'm used to knurling or some sort of serrations on a handle and I think that the handle on the S1 would benefit substantially from some sort of ribbing or dimpling on those chamfered sides to increase tactile feel and subconsciously give one a more secure feeling that a potential drop has nearly zero chance of happening or as close to it as possible. Nothing in the shave world is drop proof as there are those that are all thumbs and inevitably accidents will happen. The other thing though minor, will help greatly in ease of use in installing & removing the blade but, more so in installing. There are corner posts that are set at each corner of the base plate that align and center a half blade precisely. However, those posts are rather small and don't protrude out more substantially in lining up the blade against them. One has to make sure that the ends are up against those posts properly and at times I had to use my fingernail to make sure it seated up against those smallish posts firmly. Once there however, the top cap magnetically is clamped nicely and keeps that blade perfectly aligned until one screws down the locking screw to keep it all in place. It sounds more complicated than it actually is but, I have to mention it as it was something that though not a major issue, it is a minor nuisance to have to keep making sure it was aligned properly. The magnetic enclosure is quite strong and lines up with the baseplate perfectly every time. Rinsing & cleaning the razor during the shave was easy and there's adequate space on the guard channel to funnel cut hairs away from the contact area. It is a single edge so, rinsing out the razor will be more frequently required to clear it out. The razor proved to be very gentle for daily usage while simultaneously proving to be more than capable on taking on 2 or more days of growth with relative ease (I shaved 3 day stubble growth without a single issue) and better than average efficiency. Blade feel is subtle but, it's superbly effective and is deceptively efficient in its overall feel. When I first started with it on the first few strokes, I had to stop and look to make sure the blade hadn’t moved or was there. It was that smooth. And again, the Ti alloy is simply marvelous in giving excellent face feel with a warmth & soft like nature that is inherent and specific to Titanium alloy. Overall build quality & craftsmanship is simply superb though not a traditional looking design for many, it's beautifully done & executed. The last thing I will say is about the head footprint or size of it. As is, I don’t have a major issue with it but, the wider than necessary top cap tends to give a propensity for slight drag on the skin. I believe if Titaner can cut down on that top cap depth and give a more narrower profile, it would be even easier to wield and would practically eliminate the potential feel of drag on the skin. I believe that the bigger contact area of the head is not necessary in giving the potential shaver an automatic set up for proper blade & head angle on the skin. Half or 3/4 the size would still give one an accurate placement for optimal cutting while eliminating any negative feel or effect of the dreaded drag gremlin. I didn’t get it much but, on occasion it would rear itself. No detriment to the shave and overall results but, another nitpicking thing on my end.

Will the TiGlide S1 by Titaner be the next evolution or revolution in shaving progression? No, of course not. But, I believe it caters to the newer generation of shavers that are accustomed to those disposable razors and perhaps want to get into the more traditional end of wet shaving but, with a modern look & feel that brings pride of ownership and unequivocally exacting performance from A to Z. It's an exceptional shaver that gave near perfect results from day 1. Would I recommend it? Absolutely without hesitation to both young & old, beginner to grizzled old vet.

It really is a great shaver that looks and performs like nothing else outside there in the wet shave landscape. Great shaves to all...