Thread: Fendrihan's own brand straight razor

Hi everybody,

I'm considering this Fendrihan stainless steel razor for my first SR. They told me by email that it is made in Canada and with high carbon stainless steel.

https://www.fendrihan.ca/products/sh...acrylic-handle (black scales)
https://www.fendrihan.ca/products/sh...acrylic-handle (transparent scales)


The price point is good, it is shave-ready and I prefer stainless to keep the blade neat longer - since I'm the kind of guy who'd forget to oil my razor often enough.

I'd like an independent review - how well does it score on shave readiness and on maintainability?

I don't have any experience with these razors, and I've never seen anyone post about them in the past. Both links have a review on the website. Seems both have said positive things to say, but sounds like they do not come shave ready. If you're not proficient at honing, you'll have to send it out to get a proper shaving edge on it. You're probably looking at another $30-40 to have it honed plus shipping there and back.

My opinion is, get something else. There's a Wade & Butcher in our Classifieds here that looks really good, and will shave circles around any current production razor. Just my opinion though.

It is my understanding that Frendrihan does not hone razors so it will be the edge that is on it when they receive it. I am very curious who in Canada would be making them for Fendrihan. You have piqued my curiosity.

I could be 100% wrong but I would be surprised if the razor itself was made in Canada.
It looks a lot like a typical gold dollar or titan stainless steel razor from China.
May be by " made in Canada" the mean, they put the decoration on the spine, scales and honed it.

But again, I could be totally wrong.

Personally I would look for a good vintage from a reputable vendor for the same price.

While I tend to support Alfred (Fendrihan) whenever I can, I would suggest looking elsewhere due to the honing issue.

Best bang for buck is in our buy/trade/sell section. Don't fret if there is nothing there today... it changes all the time and eventually you will find a vintage blade, hand honed to perfection, at a price you like, and it will be every bit as good, likely better, than a low cost currently made razor being sold as brand new from an unknown maker.

If you MUST have a brand new razor, I would suggest Straight Razor Designs in the US. They carry quality new razors, and any razor you purchase from them will be hand honed by an expert before being shipped to you, and it will come with a coupon for another honing in the future at no charge other than shipping.

Out of my 30 odd razors, only two of them were brand new (one a custom job for around $300) and neither see much use here. I tend to prefer my vintage razors, and none of them cost me more than $50.

Like RezDog, I am not aware of any Canadian straight razor makers.... I would have thought Fendrihan would have had razors made by Thiers?!?!?!

The bottom line of course is that it is YOUR money and only you alone will choose where you spend it....


Regards

Christian

If you are looking for shave ready new straight razors in Canada, Classic Edge does a nice job.

Info on Fendrihan straight razor....they're selling blanks as well, which I might assume are the straights as well:

"Fendrihan straight razor blade blanks are the ultimate tool for customizing your bathroom. Bring antique scales back to life by fixing them to brand new blades or build your own one-of-a-kind handle. Simply attach your favourite handle to these straight razor blanks, and give yourself a shave that is 100% unique to you.

Similar to the blade used in the Gold Dollar 300 series razors, this is the ultimate in straight razor customization.

Blade features:
6/8” round point stainless steel construction
Chemical composition: Mn 0.382% Cr 0.270% Bi 0.005%"

Originally Posted by Phrank

Info on Fendrihan straight razor....they're selling blanks as well, which I might assume are the straights as well:

"Fendrihan straight razor blade blanks are the ultimate tool for customizing your bathroom. Bring antique scales back to life by fixing them to brand new blades or build your own one-of-a-kind handle. Simply attach your favourite handle to these straight razor blanks, and give yourself a shave that is 100% unique to you.

Similar to the blade used in the Gold Dollar 300 series razors, this is the ultimate in straight razor customization.

Blade features:
6/8” round point stainless steel construction
Chemical composition: Mn 0.382% Cr 0.270% Bi 0.005%"

Now that would gag a maggot.

Bob

Avoid this blade.

Do as suggested and buy a vintage that is shave ready.

You can then start reading the info on this site and ask questions.

from the site:
"SHANE G.Verified Reviewer
08/23/16
Q: one more question, where are these razors made?
FENDRIHAN 08/23/16
A: These razors are made in Canada and contain some imported components."

Yeah, that's a $99 Gold dollar assembled in Canada with stylized scales. To each their own, but I don't see a high level of fit & finish personally. First razor in this price range? I would go restored vintage, reputable honemeister, not this. Many options in that range. Just my opinion. No problem with imported components, almost all my vintage restores are done with imported "components" (sheffield blade, yes please!) The reputation of the vintage blades is well documented. These? Not so much at the moment