Quote Originally Posted by gugi View Post
Something like this Heljestrand, C V "MK No 32" 6/8 - Straight Razor Place Library
but $500 may only be able to fit the ivory version.

The reason is that they are consistently great, so no gambling if you get a 'good one', the aesthetics is neither plain and boring, nor gaudy over the top, the quality is superb and you won't find it in current manufacturers unless you want to go custom at the top guys in a completely different price point. Filarmonicas may shave similarly well, but in comparison they are a pedestrian everyday razor vs. high-quality luxury. And it's my perfect size, I much prefer it to any of its bigger and smaller versions.
I wasn't bashing Heljestrand razors, not at all. I love mine and I enjoy using them very much, as well as appreciate their subtle elegance, so I'm not planning on getting rid of them. I just don't deem them that valuable - in monetary terms.