Thread: Advice on next straight razor

Ray, JOB might be on to something. If you've never shaved with the old Acier fondue ( cast steel ) razors, you'll be in for a treat.! For a vintage razor, that is.





Very comfortable on the skin, too.!

Hey, Peeps...sorry for the delayed response. Been busy lately.

Thanks for all your responses.

Looks like the list looks kinda like this (so far):


Wacker
Henckles
RigaRazor
Japanese
Swedish
Cast Razors

I have previously looked at some Japanese straights, but they were pretty costly...and I didn't find any in the 7/8" widths.

I am also pretty interested in the RigaRazor. But I cannot seem to find a link to his website to contact him. ANYONE HAVE A LINK?

A Swedish razor sounds interesting. But is there a certain manufacturers name who stands out? Someone who is well-known for super solid straights?

And lastly, the WACKER ART. No.1121 looks pretty incredible. I'm not too much into the gold etching junk. But the overall blade profile looks beautiful. And it meets all my requirements. (7/8", square point, black scales, etc...).

I'll attach a photo of the Wacker 1121 I am talking about, down below.

In closing, I am still keeping an eye out. But can you, PLEASE, attach links and be a bit more specific.

It is a bit difficult to do a good search, or find photo's of the straights y'all are mentioning, without having a better idea of exactly what you were talking about.

Thanks again!!!

Originally Posted by jfk742

At that price point either NOS vintage or a Riga. The suggestion of a Swedish razor is a good one too, not a lot of choices on 7/8+ razors and one in really good shape might be a bit above your budget.

What attributes are you looking for beyond 7/8, square point and black scales? Lots of #14’s land in that category and within budget.

I'm not really locked into a specific grind. But the RigaRazors 1/4 hollow may be at the upper edge of the weight scale I was looking for in a blade. Any heavier and it would be totally silent, and closer to a wedge, which I am not really leaning towards.

A "Filarmonica 14" would be incredible, and is also my first choice. But they are near impossible to find in my price range. (Unless a fellow brother happens to have one, and would love to help a fellow straight razor shaver hit his "Nirvana Dream Razor").

That 7/8 Wacker in black horn looks pretty nice. I don’t personally have any experience with Wacker, but they seem to be well made and consistent from the feedback I have read.

I have another question.

Looking at a Fili 14.

I know there are some that should be avoided. But is this one okay? (Click on the link).

FILARMONICA 14 - DOBLE TEMPLE

Unless you want a mint Filarmonica there are quite a few on the bay that would fit your budget.

There are a few threads on which genaration Filies to buy or not to buy. The ones with funny-coloured scales with a harp are good IIRC. That is the one I have and it shaves great. They are vintage razors, if you don't like them you can sell them on at a minimal loss.

Originally Posted by RaymondMillbrae

I have another question.

Looking at a Fili 14.

I know there are some that should be avoided. But is this one okay? (Click on the link).

FILARMONICA 14 - DOBLE TEMPLE

Blade looks good and doesn’t seem to have too much mileage, should make an excellent shaver in my opinion.

His starting bid is too high for something in this condition and I don’t think anyone will bid on it. Maybe send the seller a message and make an offer.

If I’m spending over 300$ on a razor, I want it to be in near mint condition. I would prefer the Wacker for that kind of money.

Thanks, guys.

I believe I’ll go for the Fili-14.

And if that deal goes south, I’ll go for the new Wacker.

Originally Posted by RaymondMillbrae

Thanks, guys.

I believe I’ll go for the Fili-14.

And if that deal goes south, I’ll go for the new Wacker.

Filarmónicas can be great shavers (I own four), but I do believe that they are currently overpriced and I would not have paid anything like $355 for mine.
In a nutshell, Filarmónicas are straight razors with the easiest to manufacture (square) type of point and often uninspiring scales.
But then again, there is no denying that the ones from the right era are capable of giving a great shave.


I am with Badgister on this one, I would rather buy a Wacker for that kind of money.

Whatever you choose, I hope you will be happy with your choice.



B.

I’ve got two quick - and last - questions.

1) Is $300-$320 a fair price for the above mentioned Fili-14?

2) Just out of curiosity, which is the better shaver, the Fili-14 or the Wacker? (Steel hardness, edge bevel, smoothness of the shave, etc…).