Thread: vintage vs new

First to start off...I understand NOS means new old stock...but what exactly does that mean?

Does that mean old, original blanks that have be newly/recently ground by some random grinder? Or does it mean old, vintage razors that have never been used (ie: are in new condition)?

Now, I've been looking around at Henckels Friodur razors. It's my understanding that the old vintage blades are better (in terms of grind quality, geometry etc) than the newer production razors that can be found at various online shops. I am aware that John Crowley sells NOS Friodurs, but how does one differentiate between the new production razors and the vintage razors?

I've heard some say that the new razors look like the markings on the tang have been etched and not stamped? What else should I be looking for?

NOS means that the item has never been sold retail. It could be a puma made in 1948 still in its SEALED box with all papers and wrappings. Of course if it was stored in an old basement with high humidity when you unwrap it it might be solid rust but its never been used or sold or it might be pristine. So thats the story with NOS. Many things are sold NOS but unless its sealed in its original box its a leap of faith on your part.

TI recently started using laser inscribed writing on the tang so that's not an indicator of age. I think the new TI's are every bit as good as the vintage stuff and there are the guys doing custom work like some here and the Maesto and those razors are top notch. So, its really a matter of preference. Its just that with vintage you have a wide assortment of brands while with new, commercially produced you have basically 2, Dovo and TI and possibly the new Henckles assuming the are making them.

I believe that both razors that are from old blanks that have been recently ground (like the Friodurs sold by John Crowley) and old razors that have never been sharpened are considered NOS.

I'm not an expert on Friodurs but the new one that Henckels is making only comes in 6/8 with a round point. Any other size and any other point and you've got yourself an older model.

By the by, Henckels is also currently making a 5/8 model but they are not branded "Friodur."

The reason people like NOS razors is that they are old and a link to the past, while still enjoying the benefits of a new item (assuming they were stored in relatively decent conditions).

Thanks guys! Good to know NOS has a double meaning (I suspected so from reading various threads and reading the description of the John Crowley Friodurs)

I should have been more clear. I meant to say that it's my understanding that old Friodurs are better than new Friodurs (matter of personal preference of course), and was specifically asking about how to spot the differences between them.

I am extremely fond of the clean styling of the Henckels, and want to know that if/when I buy one, I get the real deal and not a DOVO (or whoever makes them) in disuise.

Not saying new razors aren't quality pieces. I'd love to get someone to custom make me a monkey-tail razor! *drools* Love those Depews, but they tend to be beat up when they show up for sale.

Good tip about the new Henckels only being 5/8 or 6/8 round points. I'd never considered that.

If memory serves me well (don't quote me on this one) I remember reading that the 5/8 were actually Friodurs as well but weren't marked as such. Don't know if thats true, or how a person would find out. Either way it doesn't concern me since I'm not looking for a 5/8 haha

Fire, I couldn't agree with you more. I like that little bit of nostalgia while starting my own history with a razor.

I am not sure why I prefer NOS maybe because my favorite razors are now Dorko's which are not made anymore and I have 4 NOS Dorkos that I love. Come to think of it they are the only NOS I have. hummm

A have a NOS Filly #12 (superb shaver) and a bunch of The Workan half-hollows (on their way to becoming superb shavers)

If a razor is manufactured on an old blank like the TI Pierre Thiers razors I wouldn't consider that NOS. Though the blanks are old the fact is the razors are newly manufactured. The scales are brand new and all the grinding and honing is newly done. Maybe a hybrid NOS but not strictly NOS. Just my thought.

Is it true that the new Henckels are just really Dovos? I was thinking of looking for Henckels, but if I'm going to buy one I would rather it be the real thing...not just a Dovo with a different name lasered onto the tang.

Anyone?