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So I just bought a new razor from another forum, and Id like to know if its a decent straight and/or if I got a decent deal on it. It looks practically spotless, and the scales seem decent enough, though I am making some acrylic replacements. Ive never heard of the company's razors, although I have had great experiences with their kitchen knives. The razor is a 401 platinum, with black plastic scales. I nabbed it for 40$ shipped. Thoughts?Attachment 277740
Valuations are not allowed on the open forum. But, I’d say you got a great deal on a spotless Henckels razor. Turns out they were also well-known for their high quality straight razors. I have a Friodur and love how smoothly it shaves.
Henckels are top drawer razors. I have several models including 2 401s. ALL are excellent shavers.
My bad, I had no idea. Still completely new to this site.
No problem raychang. That's what the forum is for. Welcome to an amazing place to learn and enjoy. SRP is a banquet of information and experience. Enjoy the journey>
The razor looks like it's in really good shape. Congrats.
Has it been honed?
Seems like a reasonable price to me. I wouldn't rescale it if the stock scales are in good shape.
I've always heard good things about Henckels German made cutlery. I wish they still made pocket knives and straight Razors.
Very nice indeed. Good buy. Enjoy!
Very nice looking razor, congrats! I wouldn't mind getting a Henckel one day.
I like the brand and hav a few of them hanging around.
The Platinum Henckel I had shaved very good. I kind of sorry I let it go. I do have several Henckels though and they all shave good.
Good or bad? I'd say great.
With nearly all vintage razors, the condition and size are everything. Most are decent quality and the name brands like Henckles, Boker, and so on are nearly always made well.
The things to look for are that the blade is free from rust and rust pitting especially near the edge, no frowns or excessive wear, and the scales are in good shape. Look for even bevel and spine wear patterns. If the razor meets these criteria, almost any name brand 5/8 is currently in the neighborhood of what you paid.
The problem is that there are a lot of rusty, worn, frowny razors with wonky scales that people ask as much or more for it.
Cheers, Steve
Top notch razor! For basically buying blind ( no knowledge of the product) you did great. Henckles are top drawer razors in my opinion. I own several they take a great edge and shave well! Since you're new to this I would suggest sending it to one of the honemeisters on this forum and have it honed. As you will soon learn honing a straight razor is much different than any tool you have ever tried to sharpen! It is a learned skill that takes some time and proper stones to learn. If you send it too one of the guys here you will know what a truly shave ready razor shaves like and will avoid ruining the blade on that nice Henckles!
Good luck, welcome aboard and...
Stay Sharp!
Cam
I have a Platinum 401, one of three Henckels I have.
All excellent shavers.
I wonder how much Platinum they put in the steel?? A pure platinum razor wouldn't be much good & really expensive.
Slawman
