Thread: Thoughts On Country Of Origin

I am very partial to Swedish blades: easy to hone, smooth edges. Sweden is a small country but has or used to have mines producing high quality iron ore. Kindal in Paris sold a lot of Heljestrands in France. Mr C.V. Heljestrand is famous for his research into steel manufacturing. That may have contributed. Most Dutch used to use Solingen razors, Solingen not being far from the Netherlands. However my mother's uncle (the only man I have known who has shaved with straights his entire life (he died in the 80s of last century) preferred Heljestrand and as he travelled a lot to Sweden he had easy access to them.

Originally Posted by Kees

I am very partial to Swedish blades: easy to hone, smooth edges. Sweden is a small country but has or used to have mines producing high quality iron ore. Kindal in Paris sold a lot of Heljestrands in France. Mr C.V. Heljestrand is famous for his research into steel manufacturing. That may have contributed. Most Dutch used to use Solingen razors, Solingen not being far from the Netherlands. However my mother's uncle (the only man I have known who has shaved with straights his entire life (he died in the 80s of last century) preferred Heljestrand and as he travelled a lot to Sweden he had easy access to them.

Don’t forget Sweden’s history with knife making innareas like Mora. They are still favoured for economically priced, high quality working blades. I also believe Swedish steel was often used by high quality Japanese razor manufacturers.