Thread: What's the general opinion on Henckels?

You guys have the most experience, so I figured here's the best place to find out. I'm looking at buying either a Henckels 401 5/8th, or a Friodur 9/16, or maybe both. I've never owned any straights before, just enjoy my DE. In so far as your experience goes, any info on these, or other Henckels blades? Or is there a marque which supercedes the Henckels in and around the same price?

I have a 7/8 Friodur and it is a fantastic shaver. Got it NOS from Vintage Blades a while ago. It holds an edge really well. Not sure if it is the best choice for a first straight, though. The stainless steel is very hard, much harder than carbon steel, and so I find the shave feels a little different. Not quite as smooth as my Le grelot. But once I got used to it, I liked it very much.

scott.

ive a 5/8 friodur. its grand, i see no reason why you should start with another.

I have a 7/8 Friodur and love it. They are great blades, but can be tricky to hone from what I'm told.

I have never encountered a Henckels razor that was not a fantastic shaver. Of course, my encounter total is probably only about a dozen but every one of them has been way above your average blade. In my opinion you will be happy with any Henckels razor as long as it starts out in decent condition. That goes double for the friodurs.

You did not mention the price, so of course that will affect your decision. Where are you getting them from? What is their condition? Do you have a clue how to use or maintain a straight?

Both my Henckels are vintage in carbon steel. They are both excellent shavers, above average and easy to hone.

Raf

Originally Posted by Scorpio

Both my Henckels are vintage in carbon steel. They are both excellent shavers, above average and easy to hone.

Raf

Wow, I've been doing a lot of looking, and haven't seen any Henckels in carbon steel, only stainless. Are you interested at all in parting with one? Long shot, but it never hurts to ask.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I have never encountered a Henckels razor that was not a fantastic shaver. Of course, my encounter total is probably only about a dozen but every one of them has been way above your average blade. In my opinion you will be happy with any Henckels razor as long as it starts out in decent condition. That goes double for the friodurs.

You did not mention the price, so of course that will affect your decision. Where are you getting them from? What is their condition? Do you have a clue how to use or maintain a straight?

The razors are coming from an online auction. From the pics I think they are both in exceptional condition. From what I've seen thus far in pricing, I would expect them to end up between 80 - 130 CAD. As for maintaining, I'm a chef by hobby, and know my way around both blades and stones, so I'm not a complete rube, just a bit of one. That's actually an ulterior motive for buying a nice hone, that I might put a renewed 20 degree edge on my kitchen Henckels.

I like 'em....they're good shavers.

From the background, I would guess that the one on the right is one by Bob Keyes (Altima55). If that is the case, it will likely sell for about 50% more than the standard ebay price for a comparable razor. If you want those razors, snipe high or expect to be disappointed!

Also, I'm not sure that finer razor hones will be of much use for your knives.