Thread: Belgian Brothers, A question for you:

I might be visiting Brusells this year and was wondering if anyone can advise me on places to look for new or used blades that are harder to get in the US. Anything would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Your best bet would be the 'rommelmarkt' (literally: Junk market) Every week, usualy saturday or sunday morning in all major cities, there is a large gathering in the city squares where people sell their old stuff.

At such places, you can probably find anything and everything if you are lucky.
I bought a couple of razors like that, and 2 hones.

Any razor you find will either be priced ridiculously high, or ridiculously low.
I bought a very nice solingen smiling blade with etching and gold leaf for a couple of euros. But in the same box of junk, at the same price were several razors that were 6/8 at the heel and 5/8 at the toe, which looked like someone shaved a dog with it and then put it away without cleaning.

These people will know squat about razors, so it is not worth getting upset about.

But these are the places where you can walk away with nice prizes.
You could also try the antique shops, but they will generally be overpriced.

Just came back from Brussels today I really love that city (maybe cause I was born there?), there's so much to see...


For old razors it's like Bruno said, flea markets (=marché au puces).
There is one in the neighborhood called "Les Marolles" (public transport bus 48).
If i'm not mistaken it is open daily but only till 12:00 so got to be there relatively early...

And some other Begium specialties:
Chocolat, Gaufres, Belgium beer, Frites, Art Nouveau architecture, Atomium (see my avatar), did I mention beer jet?

Enjoy your stay and let us know what you got

For new razors you could go here...Both are in a kilometer radius of the touristic center of Brussels "La Grande Place" (The Big Square). Using these addresses in GoogleMaps will give you a good idea where they are located.


"Au grand Rasoir" (= At The Big Razor)
rue de l'Hôpital 7
1000 Bruxelles


"Coutellerie du Roi" (in a small mall)
Passage du Nord 27
1000 Bruxelles

Those shops could be real treasure troves!

Originally Posted by Kees

Those shops could be real treasure troves!

Yes, but with such shops you can forget about making a steal. They are generally quite pricey because there is nowhere else to go for quality cutlery, for the unknowing masses.

When I am going to invest in Japanese knives, I will order through So. That way I know I will get what I want, and it will be a lot cheaper probably.

Thanks so much for the Information! Most helpful. I will be figuring out when I am coming over in the next few months. I will post again when I know incase there is anything I can bring and mail from in the country for anyone!