Thread: J.A. Henckells question

I am seriously considering a J.A. Henckels straight as a new purchase but am wondering which models to look for. Friudor, twinworks, zwillingsworks, etc. What is the difference and what should I be looking for? I would prefer something around 6/8.

Condition, condition and condition. They are a seriously great blade. Friodor is their frozen temper stainless steel, Zwillinswerk is German for TwinWorks. There are a lot of 1/2 hollow models and tons of full hollow, the 1/4 hollow and near wedges are very hard to come by and the more recent 1/4's are indicated by a 'V' at the end of the model number, 72V for example is a 13/16- 1/4 hollow square point. 1/2 at the end of the model number indicates a round point. So a 72 1/2 would be the same size but full hollow and round point. I have a lot of Henckels razors if you have any specific questions let me know. I think there are a couple of others here with some Henckels collections too. There is a thread http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ing-twins.html

The J.A. Henckel Friodur is one of my favorite S.R. They hold a fantastic edge and produce an awesome BBS shave. The loud ping produced from the HHT is very distinctive for the blade grind. My favorite is the Friodur 17 1/2 model. You will be very happy with a J.A Henckel Friodur in your razor rotation.

I also have a few Friodurs and think highly of them. They are easy to maintain and usually do not stain or rust with any normal care. No risk of a stain or rust issue if a drop or two gets between the scales unnoticed. I have 4/8 to 7/8 widths. I like 5/8 and 7/8 best. Wider blades are a bit easier to judge angle when shaving, strop, and hone, but are harder to get into tight places. 5/8 is nimble and not hard to strop, hone, and judge angle. 5/8 are the most common width seen. I suggest one of the vintage blades with the metal Friodur inlay on the handle in as good a condition as you can get as restoring a tired blade may cost more and be less satisfactory in the end. Professional honing is a good place to start as the edge needs to be shave ready to start and the scales tight enough on the pin.

Dimitry has a can't miss in the classifieds right now.

I have a J.A. Henckels 415 that I bought NOS. 5/8 square point, full hollow ground. It is a GREAT shaver. Beautiful, effortless.

Well I took your advise and bought a NOS 72 1/2 friudor. Cant wait to give it a test drive.

Never met a Henckels I didn't like, congrats

Once you get that honed up you will be a happy man.

Originally Posted by Straightandproud

Well I took your advise and bought a NOS 72 1/2 friudor. Cant wait to give it a test drive.

I have one myself , LOVE it !! we didn't get along at first as every time I used it I cut my face but we have bonded well now !!