Did Filarmonica Make other "Brands" of Razors

Does anyone know if Filarmonica made any different brands of razors? I have a customer that just sent me a razor to hone that he got in Barcelona. The shank says "#14 BETER MODELO XXXX" and that is all. This razor looks and feels (blade shape and grind) exactly like the Filarmonica #14's that I have honed in the past (and the Filarmonicas that I own); however, it just does not have all the fancy goldwash or branding. The razor also took what feels like an absolutely amazing edge just like a Filarmonica would, we will see how the shave test goes tomorrow morning. I actually like the fact that it is very plain looking compared to the fancy Filarmonicas. If this is not the same company then maybe there are some other Spanish razors worth checking out, because they seem to put out very nice razors.

The short answer is yes, there are other Spanish brands out there, and if their blades weren't manufactured by Filarmonica I'd be surprised, because they all have the same blade profile and use the same sizing (12, 13, 14).

Filarmonica's main factory was in Barcelona.

I have a Palmera #14, as well as a Jose Monserrat Pou that isn't a Filly, but rather a "Banderillas." Both are superb, and look and feel just like Fillies. I've seen others of various other brands as well.

The long answer I'm trying to figure out myself. "Palmera" is in fact an older brand than Filarmonica (est. 1915). Palmera was founded in Solingen in the 19th century. It moved to Spain in the early 20th. Palmera was owned by someone called Juan Vollmer. Spanish first name, German last name. :thinking: :hmmm:

Once in Spain Palmera seemed to concentrate more on DEs but there are a few straights out there. And you will occasionally see very old Palmeras made in Germany, and they too have the familiar Filarmonica-type profile and sizing.

This makes me think that style of blade originated in Germany, came to Spain via Palmera, was popularized by Filarmonica, which edged out Palmera for whatever reason. Palmera then turned to the DE market, and Filarmonica went on making their #14s, which they occasionally put out under other names. This is all speculation, based on the above.