Thread: This can sound a bit heretic for some, but...

I didn't enjoy my Filarmonica 14 as much as I expected by the feedback given by the huge horde of SRP devoted "Filistines" . It is just not the best grinded razor I have (the Caudano one is amazingly hollow, dream-thin, smooth and astonishingly well finished, and I would like to know who made they for Caudano (Friedr. Herder, maybe?), just to get more of this excellent work and material), it is not my best shaver (my skinny Heljestrand MK#1 is still unbeatable, even by its sisters 31s and 32s) and its edge doesn't last as long as the Tornbloms. My double temple 14 is just an ordinary razor for me.
I know preferences are personal issue, and anyone's opinions are biased by their own beliefs (mine are, indeed ). I also know the Filarmonicas gather so many fans because they are excellent products, but this #14 just doesn't worked well for me.

Too big also, besides beautiful.

Well, living and changing...

Everyone's tastes are different. This place would be pretty boring if we all agreed with each other all the time.

I only have a few Fillies. For me, they are very good, but not great, shavers.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Everyone's tastes are different. This place would be pretty boring if we all agreed with each other all the time.

Damn true!!

Probably your skill feel better with another kind of steel. You also have mentioned two of best quality brand ...so it's normal that you can prefer them ☺
I'd be worried if you'd rather gold dollar upon fily ;-)

P.s. if you have opportunities..try a filarmonica novodur..is much better then a double tample

Filarmónicas have been built up so much by so many people that it is impossible to live up to the hype when under scrutiny. And they really are not all that special. Filarmónicas are quite common and most of the scales look cheap; apart from the fact that (most of them) are wide and (some of them) hollow ground, I do not understand the fascination with them or the sums people are willing to ask and pay for them. They really do not live up to the hype.

Most #14s I have encountered were good at best; most of them were in the 'Meh...' category for me, though. A bit impersonal and boring, if that makes any sense. Like (vintage) Friodurs. Decent razors, but not all that special.

Originally Posted by Pithor

Filarmónicas have been built up so much by so many people that it is impossible to live up to the hype when under scrutiny. And they really are not all that special. Filarmónicas are quite common and most of the scales look cheap; apart from the fact that (most of them) are wide and (some of them) hollow ground, I do not understand the fascination with them or the sums people are willing to ask and pay for them. They really do not live up to the hype.

Most #14s I have encountered were good at best; most of them were in the 'Meh...' category for me, though. A bit impersonal and boring, if that makes any sense. Like (vintage) Friodurs. Decent razors, but not all that special.

Although I have to agree with you on the filarmonica being over hyped, not all 14 razors were created equal. The Palmera 14 is definitely one I would rank in my top 5. A whisker slayer.

Originally Posted by Grazor

Although I have to agree with you on the filarmonica being over hyped, not all 14 razors were created equal. The Palmera 14 is definitely one I would rank in my top 5. A whisker slayer.

Indeed, some 14s were ground better than others. Most of them are fine, few of them are good. I have tried a Palmera 14 a few times and it was indeed quite nice. A huge full hollow, skilfully ground. It had a nice finish too, but I do not know if that was original. It came to me unscaled (I rescaled it for a friend) so I cannot say anything about its original scales, but from what I have seen, the original scales generally seem to be standard Solingen black or white bevelled plastic ones. Which are, above all, functional and a bit sturdier than the Filarmónica scales in general.

Originally Posted by Grazor

...not all 14 razors were created equal...

I would love to find a squared #13 so well grinded as my Caudano. Because of this I'm looking for info on who the hell made this razor for the carcamanos. Mine is a #192 profile. It can be seen at http://straightrazorpalace.com/show-...ml#post1373356

Originally Posted by Matheus

I would love to find a squared #13 so well grinded as my Caudano. Because of this I'm looking for info on who the hell made this razor for the carcamanos. Mine is a #192 profile. It can be seen at http://straightrazorpalace.com/show-...ml#post1373356

I would suspect that they were made by a number of companies. For example, I have a Caudano Torino (#205) made by Puma. Good luck but you may never know who ground that specific razor.


rs,
Tack

Originally Posted by Tack

I would suspect that they were made by a number of companies. For example, I have a Caudano Torino (#205) made by Puma. Good luck but you may never know who ground that specific razor.


rs,
Tack

I also found some from F. Herder.

I have sold quite a few #14 Filarmonicas but I do not own a single Filarmonica razor. They are nice shavers that are easy to hone, but there are so many other razors out there that have those characteristics without being Kitschy.

Although the earlier Filarmonicas do have nicer sturdier scales, sometimes with inlays, and a sober appearance.