Thread: Henckels numbers, what do they mean?

I have shaved several times with a "No Sharpen" straight razor and decided to get serious about it so I just recently received my first straight razor and strop combo, a Dovo Pearlex Inox 5/8. I also ordered Lynn's DVD and have watched it twice now.

What really caught my attention was the Henckels straight razor that Lynn said was a superior shaver. With the information I obtained from the DVD I have been looking on eBay for a Henckels straight razor for that great deal. However, I have no idea what the difference is between them other than they have different names and/or numbers.

Can anyone educate me on the numbers and names (50, 50 1/2, 70 1/2, 401, TWINS, Friodur, etc.)? Is one better than the other as far as Henckels go?

Also, should I be concerned with this as part of the description "There is extremely minor pitting on the tang, along with a minor misalignment of the scales at the pivot pin equals to be about 1/16" which will not effect the performance of this razor in any way."

Thank you!

Originally Posted by bmf2001

I have shaved several times with a "No Sharpen" straight razor and decided to get serious about it so I just recently received my first straight razor and strop, a Dovo Pearlex Inox. I also ordered Lynn's DVD and have watched it twice now.

What really caught my attention was the Henckels straight razor that Lynn said was a superior shaver. With the information I obtained from the DVD I have been looking on eBay for a Henckels straight razor for that great deal. However, I have no idea what the difference is between them other than they have different names and/or numbers.

Can anyone educate me on the numbers and names (50, 50 1/2, 70 1/2, 401, TWINS, Friodur, etc.)? Is one better than the other as far as Henckels go?

Also, should I be concerned with this as part of the description "There is extremely minor pitting on the tang, along with a minor misalignment of the scales at the pivot pin equals to be about 1/16" which will not effect the performance of this razor in any way."

Thank you!

The numbers on the Henckels razors are just model numbers. If they have more of a meaning, it is lost to time. However, the 1/2 attached to some of the model numbers most likely is a designation of the grind, or hollowness, of the razor. 1/2 corresponding to a half-hollow ground razor.

As for the eBay razor, a picture MIGHT be helpful. Personally, I would just learn to use the Dovo. You have plenty of time to find other vintage razors. Also, don't spend a whole lot on a Henckels (I unfortunately did.). They are nice shavers, but they are relatively plentiful as far as vintage razors go.

Good luck with your straight razor journey and keep us updated!

He said he would take $75 for it.

At first blush, the razor looks nice. But these shots are high-angle glamour shots. It would be better if he had more pictures including "flat" pictures of the blade face. As for the price, the forum has a policy of not commenting on the prices of vintage razors for reasons that will become obvious to you. Be sure to ask the seller plenty of questions.

Edit:

Twins razors are usually high carbon steel razors. Friodur branded razors are stainless steel razors - I believe the steel is 440C stainless, but I could be wrong.

Whos the seller? If it is cedarfurnitureman, go for it. I just thought the photos looked familiar. There was a spot in the wiki that had ebay handles for forum members listed, I think you would be safe to buy from most members here at SRP.

Originally Posted by altshaver

However, the 1/2 attached to some of the model numbers most likely is a designation of the grind, or hollowness, of the razor. 1/2 corresponding to a half-hollow ground razor.

I have honed Henkels with 1/2 after the model number and they were hollow ground, so the 1/2 probably means something else.

Altshaver - Thanks for the advice and help. I just emailed the seller asking for more pictures.

Jasongreat - The seller is goodtann with 100% Positive Feedback consisting of 205 feedbacks. But I just looked up cedarfurnitureman and he has 2008 100% Positive Feedbacks, a big difference. No wonder you said go for it if he was the seller.

I just got more pictures from the seller. It looks to me that the minor pitting on the tang may be a little more than minor but still not major. The eBay pictures are definitely glamour shots. (I tried to post the pictures sent to me but I think the files are too big.)

I'll be passing on this one. Thanks again!

He said he would take $75 for it.

For $80, you could buy a Dovo "Best Quality" _new, shave-ready_. I don't know that it would shave any better than the vintage Henckels, but I don't think it would be any worse. It has simple, un-decorated plastic scales, much less "classy" than the Henckels.

I'm not commenting on the _value_ of the Henckels, just pointing out alternatives. We all spend our money in different ways.

Charles

I believe the 1/2 after the Henckels razor indicates a round point, at least this seems to be the trend I see on ebay. I wish I knew more about the different numbers, I believe a 70 is 5/8, 72 is 6/8, and 17 is 7/8 or 15/16. Will someone who knows more please share? Thanks