Thread: Advice on next straight razor

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…).

Originally Posted by RaymondMillbrae

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…).

Appraisals are a no no on the forum fyi

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Appraisals are a no no on the forum fyi

Bob

Sorry.

Won’t happen again.

I would go for a Japanese something like a Tanifuji , or A Hollow Heljestrand.

On the Riga , they are nicely done but tend to be heavy grinds, great if you like those.

Thanks for all the help, guys.

I requested a lower bid on the Filarmonica-14, but the gentleman said the PayPal prices have gone up since pre-Covid times, and it sounded like he was sticking to his overpricing.

I asked him again if he would take a lower bid (far from low-balling), but he never responded back to me...which is fine. His prerogative.

So I contacted Wacker about a new Model 1121 - Wacker Gold straight razor. (I want it slightly modified. Not so much of a round toe).

Waiting on his response now.

Excited.

I'm kinda bummed, as I have always wanted a pristine Fili-14.

But it is what it is. And once I make a choice, I'm pretty solid on it. No regrets.

Thanks again!!