Thread: Got my Wapi's

I ordered 3 Wapienica 5/8 razors on July 25th and received them today. Wow... that's fast shipping. In giving each razor a quick inspection I have noticed several differences between each blade.

1. The first razor is indeed 5/8 (I measured to be sure). It has the SFK stamp on the shank, and the blade appears to have equal hollowing on each side. Very nice... only a tiny amount of rusting near the pivot. Nothing serious...

2. The second razor measures at 11/16 (slightly larger than the 5/8). It also has the same SFK stamp on the shank, and the blade appears to have equal hollowing on each side. Very nice... No rusting. This razor feels slightly heavier than the 1st.

3. The last razor also measures at 11/16; however, it has what appear to be SMR marked on the shank, and the blade does not appear to have equal hollowing on each side. When looking at the blade down the shank, the blade is slightly to the left. Not sure what this means, but it was something I had noticed. Very nice razor all the same... No rusting. The tang on this razor is also larger than on either of the SFK razors.

Two of the razors arrived wrapped in oiled paper inside plastic coffins, one of which also included a pamphlet from the maufacturer (in Polish). The other razor was simply wrapped in oiled paper.

Now... I just need a Norton 4k/8k and a strop and I'll be in business.

Are differences such as these common between razors? Should I be worried about any of these?

- Ken -

My thinking is that you already have the tools needed, and there's one sure way to find out...
That said, if they turn out like any of the ones I got, you'll likely be pleased, at least with the first two. Not sure what you are describing on the third, but it should be worth a try as well IMHO.
John P.

Yes, there are several different versions. My first three had no stamp, no coffin. They were just wrapped in oiled paper. The most recent three had plastic coffins -- two were light blue and one was yellow. Those three all have the SFK stamp and jimps under the tangs (no jimps on my first three). These last three are not put together as well as the first three. The pins and the scales are not as nice (no problem, since I plan to rescale all of them). Woj insists that the blade quality is the same for all of the Wapis despite the variations.

I only have one with another one the way. Given the outstanding reputation these razors have here, I think honing them up and shaving with them would be OK. At the least, it will tell you if there is a real problem.