Thread: Opinion on Henckels Friodur Inox 5/8

Greetings all,

After lurking around these parts for awhile, I finally feel compelled to say something. Well, actually, ask something.

What is the group’s opinion on a Henckels Friodur stainless 5/8? I’ve had one for years but it has never been a top performer. More of Buick than a Porsche. Is this just the way Henckels are? I’ve heard conflicting wisdom on stainless razors.

Though this razor passes the hanging hair test, I get better shaves from cheaper razors. So is it me or the steel?

Thank you kindly,

I remain &c
Library Guy

Originally Posted by Library Guy

Greetings all,

After lurking around these parts for awhile, I finally feel compelled to say something. Well, actually, ask something.

What is the group’s opinion on a Henckels Friodur stainless 5/8? I’ve had one for years but it has never been a top performer. More of Buick than a Porsche. Is this just the way Henckels are? I’ve heard conflicting wisdom on stainless razors.

Though this razor passes the hanging hair test, I get better shaves from cheaper razors. So is it me or the steel?

Thank you kindly,

I remain &c
Library Guy

The prevailing wisdom that I've seen throughout the threads is that stainless steel doesn't hold an edge as well as the carbon steel. Having never used one personally, I can't speak as to specifics, though.
Best,
Mark

Actually, the prevailing consensus is that stainless steel razors hold the edge better than the more common carbon steel razors. The SS razors also are a bit more difficult to hone. Again, the consensus regarding the Henckels Fridour is that they are top notch razors.
Perhaps it needs a bit more time on the hones?

I have two Henckels 5/8s a carbon steel and a stainless and they are both amongst my best shavers. The stainless will hold an edge better than the carbon but it takes some more work to hone it up than most carbon steels.

I think the general consensus is that Henckel made some of the best shavers that are out there.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I have two Henckels 5/8s a carbon steel and a stainless and they are both amongst my best shavers. The stainless will hold an edge better than the carbon but it takes some more work to hone it up than most carbon steels.

I think the general consensus is that Henckel made some of the best shavers that are out there.

Ooops, I see I was mistaken: I had it backwards.
Apologies to senior members and 10 lashes.

I have two Henckels' and they're very different.
My #50 might be SS. It is a little harder to hone and has the most dissimilar blade to my other 5 shavers. Although it does not perform badly it is my least favorite.
My #15 Graef & Schmidt Henckels is totally different. A wide smile, easy to hone wild to shave with. I can't imagine an unsafe cutting angle with this blade. Best in the tight corners!
I guess it depends on the blade.

I think the Friodurs are first rate shavers. There are razors I like better, but I've got two that I keep and use regularly. They do require more work on the hone because SS tends to "slip" on the hone, requiring more honing time for the level of hardness, but quality S.S. does tend to hold an edge very well. Carbon steel's greatest assets are quick and easy sharpening and capability to be made to a very high level of hardness.

Hi Guys. Friodur's are super razors. I have found that if you use a few extra strokes on the 8K side of the Norton when honing these, that they are really not all that much harder to hone than any other razor. Lynn

Originally Posted by adjustme69

Hi Guys. Friodur's are super razors. I have found that if you use a few extra strokes on the 8K side of the Norton when honing these, that they are really not all that much harder to hone than any other razor. Lynn

Well Lynn, looks like it's time to ship my Friodur off to you for some TLC. Who would have thought that after 11 years of use it would need to be honed?

Next thing you guys will tell me is that I need to change the oil in my car...

I Remain &c
Library Guy

Originally Posted by Library Guy

Greetings all,

After lurking around these parts for awhile, I finally feel compelled to say something. Well, actually, ask something.

What is the group’s opinion on a Henckels Friodur stainless 5/8? I’ve had one for years but it has never been a top performer. More of Buick than a Porsche. Is this just the way Henckels are? I’ve heard conflicting wisdom on stainless razors.

Though this razor passes the hanging hair test, I get better shaves from cheaper razors. So is it me or the steel?

I have a few of them and they're exceptional razors. And it's not the stainless. I have other stainless razors that just don't come close.

THey hold an edge longer but are more difficult to hone.