Thread: Grandpa's Filarmonica

So, the story, or at least the best rendition of it that I can give.

Grandpa was in the US Air Force, and, among other places, was stationed at Torrejón air base in Spain. It would have been acquired while they were posted there, so, sometime in the late 50's or very early 60's. (Torrejón was opened, I believe, in '57, and I know they were back in the States by '64, 'cause my mother was in college by then). So, that's the best I can do to date it. He was an NCO, so it would've been "affordable"; that said, I don't know if at that time, in Spain, they were as much of a "thing" as they seem to be now ...

It's a Doble Temple; it's tough to see in most of the photos, but it appears to be a #14. The scales appear to be some kind of plastic (they're certainly not wood).

So? Is it worth restoring as a shaver, or better forgotten?

If it had been my grandfather's and in my hands it would get a cleanup, a hone job and I would shave with it on occasion. Next step would be pass it down to my grandson, thus becoming a family heirloom.

Since it belonged to your grandad, then I would say it is for sure worth the effort to restore! If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself then there are several people here that can help you out. Glen (gssixgun) is a great guy and will do a nice job for you.

Short answers...

General rule, these are worth getting back in to shaving shape, great razors.

This razor - I can't tell if it's the picture or my eyes but could you tell us if razor is "toe worn" or narrower at the point end?
If so they can still be honed (I have one toe worn razor from my Grandfather that Glen honed and it shaves well)

A picture looking straight down might help.

Thanks for the feedback.

MJC: Yes, the edge seems to have a slight, but distinct curve from the toe to the heel; the "deepest" (in terms of distance between spine and edge) part of the blade is right "under" the engraved "Temple".

Sorry about the quality of the photos; the first two were done with my phone, then, seeing what poor quality they were, I shot the last with my DSLR. Unfortunately, it got resized by the forum software. I'll try to get better photos tonight, and post links to the full-sized versions.

Thanks again!

You have a treasure there! Having an heirloom is something that many, many members can only wish for.

Your pics are fine, if there is some toe wear, don't worry about it. I was given my old Boy Scout Scoutmaster's fathers straight and it has some toe wear, but it hones and shaves beautifully, it's one of my favorite razors.

While I hone for myself and others, I have a favorite restorer who I'd recommend you send your razor to. PM me for details. His work is impeccable and so are his edges.

I hope you treasure that razor for it will serve you well.

Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades

Absolutely, would love to have my granddads razor, you're super lucky.

Filarmonica: I have looked through information in the library and found little ( manufactured 1915 to 1990) I have a 13 doble temple 6/8 and a NOS 14 doble temple, sub cero 8/8.
I like both very well indeed but would like to know more about them. I am currently browsing through the hundreds of pages of forum threads looking for anything "Filarmonica" but
it looks like that might chew up a lot of my life - anything about the history, love and care of a Filly will be welcome.

I remember a time when people went crazy for a Filarmonica, coincidentally at that time prices for Fillies sky rocketed to absurd levels

You are very lucky to have an heirloom like that. especially a Filly. I have a #13 and it is a wonderful shaver. I would love to have one of my Grandfather's (on either side of the family) straight razors, both had them and family members on both sides disposed of them years ago after the grandfathers passed.

OTOH, I did end up with my Grandfather's Norton Queer Creek hone that he used to maintain his razors. My uncle said that as a boy he could remember Grandpa spitting on the hone to hone his razor(s). It is the same hone Grandpa used to show me the proper way to hone my pocket knife when I was 15 or 16 so it is something I treasure and a moment I will always remember.