Thread: Advice on next straight razor

I would buy a vintage NOS Solingen razor.

Something like this;

NOS Paul Drees Sistrum

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.

Henckels 17’s and 14’s are nice razors and are available. 17 is a little smaller than the 14, and 1/2 hollow as opposed to full hollow. I have several and they are great. Henckels with black scales are carbon steel and the white-ish ones are Friodur blades aka stainless. They pricing is good on these and so is the availability.

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.