Buying another Straight

[BradSears]

Gentlemen, I'm seriously thinking about adding a Filarmonica to my collection. I'd really like a Fili 14, but the prices have gotten ridiculous; so I'm looking more at 13's either NOS or lightly used. I'm seeing a number coming out of Japan in the $200 range.

The bottom line is that I'm looking for another excellent shaver that looks terrific, which is what's intrigued me about the Fili's. Is this an itch worth scratching or would I be better served by looking at other brands?

Realizing that all of this is highly subjective, what are your thoughts?

[Michael70]

You live once and getting that great and constant shave you have to decide if the price is worth it over maybe as good of shave from a $100-$150 razor.

Good luck!

[BobH]

Call me a little jaded concerning razors that are in vogue. I have one of the smaller Fillis and it shaves as well as any other blade of the same grind from a reputable maker that I have. That is if you are concerned with the shaving aspect only. Aesthetics are another matter altogether. Only you know if it is worth it from that pov.

Bob

[RezDog]

I have a couple of thoughts. Yes Filli's are good razors, they out price most other razors in the same group by quite a bit. I would sooner get better value for my money and would by something else. Personal opinion. There are a ton of guys that will tell you they are worth every penny. When prices got silly I sold mine. I had two 14's. I have also had a Gens 14 and Henckels 14. All great razors. Perhaps if it is the looks you are after, as suggested above, nothing else will do. I think if size is not an issue then look at some of the other brands. There are a lot of great shavers out there for less money. There is also the option of borrowing one to try to see if you really like it. The second thought is that a lot of the razors coming out of Japan are honed out on the toe. You have to look very carefully at the pictures and sometimes ask questions in order to ensure you are getting what you want. There are tons of them there that are pristine too but the way the pictures are taken it is sometimes hard to tell.

[Denvernoob]

I have a couple of thoughts. Yes Filli's are good razors, they out price most other razors in the same group by quite a bit. I would sooner get better value for my money and would by something else. Personal opinion. There are a ton of guys that will tell you they are worth every penny. When prices got silly I sold mine. I had two 14's. I have also had a Gens 14 and Henckels 14. All great razors. Perhaps if it is the looks you are after, as suggested above, nothing else will do. I think if size is not an issue then look at some of the other brands. There are a lot of great shavers out there for less money. There is also the option of borrowing one to try to see if you really like it. The second thought is that a lot of the razors coming out of Japan are honed out on the toe. You have to look very carefully at the pictures and sometimes ask questions in order to ensure you are getting what you want. There are tons of them there that are pristine too but the way the pictures are taken it is sometimes hard to tell.

I am going to piggyback off of RezDog, who is 100% right. I will also add that a lot of the razors out of Japan in the fili space are not the "JMP" razors, despite what the add states, so pay very close attention to the pictures of the razors, and the tangs in particular. If you are going to pay top $ for a fili, you better be getting the razor that is actually demanding that value.

As to are the filis worth it...I have 3 at this point, all of which I was able to obtain at a reasonable value by waiting, looking at private forum sales, and scouring ebay for sellers that have good feedback, but don't exclusively sell razors (picked one up at an estate auction or the like). My only problem with the price of filis these days is that they are quite numerous in good/NOS condition, so there is value to be had out there.

If you are looking for something in the fili 14's range, shaves every bit as well, and might have better quality scales (but not as colorful) I might look to a Henckels model 17 or 14 (this is a model #, not a size). They can be had for 1/2 - 2/3 of what the filis cost, and will shave every bit as well.

[BradSears]

Thanks for your thoughts--and your thinking about the Henckels. I'll check them out. I have an older Henckels 5/8 that shaves very well, but it a bit light for my taste; so I appreciate your thoughts.

[Denvernoob]

Thanks for your thoughts--and your thinking about the Henckels. I'll check them out. I have an older Henckels 5/8 that shaves very well, but it a bit light for my taste; so I appreciate your thoughts.

The Henckels # 14 and 17 and in the 7/8s range so should be comparable in size to the Fili 14