Thread: CV Heljestrand

Originally Posted by Pithor

This is at least the second time that someone mentions the MK33 to be less hollow than the MK31 and 32. I keep wondering if there is something wrong with either my razors or my eyesight.

Send them to me for inspection and I'll let you know ..........

Originally Posted by Matheus

Indeed, not only me had a different info on that.
Unfortunately I didn't had anymore the 33 to show it here, but it was noticeable less hollow than my 31 & 32s.
In fact, all these razors were individually hand-grinded, so all of them are artisan business.
The #24s are also very diverse in shape, blade width and finishing, IMO.

RAMDON HYPOTHESIS ALERT: Could the cause of grind depth variation be the wear of the grinding stones used at the time of grinding? Early grinding wheels producing less pronounced hollows, late (worn down) wheels with smaller diameters producing more dramatic hollowing?

My MK33 is absolutely a full hollow, as shown. Granted, it is not as hollow as my Edaco or Hermann Mehl (in that order), but those are extremely hollow shows of craftsmanship.

My point was not to prove you are wrong, though; I will take your word that the MK33 you had was less hollow than the MK32's or 31's you have. My point was that it goes to show that attributing qualities to specific razor manufacturers or razor lines is futile; they were individually made by an unknown number of individuals and hence will differ, however skilled these individuals were (and there is no doubt, in the case of Heljestrands, that they were). As you mention, the No. 24's were mostly 4/8 quarter hollow ground razors with a French point, but I have seen 5/8 round point ones. I do however believe that, in general, the MK 29 through 33 (the thumbnotch series) were, for all intents and purposes, full hollows.

Generalisations concerning razor manufacturers work to a certain extent (I have never seen a distinctly badly made Heljestrand, SSA, or pretty much any other of the numerous Eskilstuna manufacturers' razor - unlike Sheffield razors with wavy spines and other geometrical issues), but they are very relative due to the large number of hands involved over the years. Another illustration: most SSA razors I have seen have been quarter to half hollows, with a single shoulder stabiliser. Yet I have one that is as hollow as my MK 31 with a double shoulder stabiliser.

And in the end it is so inconsequential; a good razor is a good razor. I have a F.A. Koch 5/8 full hollow Solingen razor made by God knows who. It is a high quality, comfortably shaving razor. I do not notice a difference between that razor and a "legendary" Eskilstuna MK 2000 "Holy Grail". I really like my MK 2000, but in the end it is just another razor.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Send them to me for inspection and I'll let you know ..........

That might be problematic, as the MK33 is in original Heljestrand (vintage) ivory scales and the MK31 in original Heljestrand (vintage) tortoise scales. Customs would probably not be too happy about that. Just thought I would mention that.