I don't like Filarmonicas...

There have been literally a dozen or more highly knowlegable people saying that it's one of the best razors out there, period. I must be the only person in the world, apparently, that just doesn't like the aesthetics of the these guys. As far as frills goes, it should only be a $120 razor, but I don't want to focus on just the money factor here.

I don't know...maybe, like other things, it has more appeal in person that it does in photos.

sooo...I'm ready for my lashings, :) but before I get them, anybody else want to step out of the closet and say they are fugly too?

I love fili, but you are allowed to have your own opinion.The worid in which all people would think the some would be absolytely unacceptable.By the way you can post your unliked fili to me :)

Never used a Filly, but purely on aesthetics, I loathe the scales. They look cheap & nasty.
Having said that, I'm a big Friodur fan & would like to compare the two.

My Filarmonica 14 Doble Temple and my Henckels Friodor 8/8 Spanish point shave about the same. I don't really see what the fuss is about, I paid less than USD 175 for my Filly NOS just a few weeks ago....

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Originally Posted by Otto

I don't really see what the fuss is about, I paid less than USD 175 for my Filly NOS just a few weeks ago....

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You got lucky. If they were commonly available at that price, we'd all have one.
Nice buy!

You know, I was thinking about this earlier this week (not the aesthetics but the shaves). I've been rotating a Dorko 1217, a Palmera #14, and a Classic Shaving Filarmonica. Now, I imagine it is probably just my technique but the Filarmonica is the razor I enjoy the least because it doesn't provide as smooth or comfortable of a shave as the other two. I've tried rehoning it without improved results (I ran the Palmera and the Filarmonica through the same shave ready honing routines, and the Palmera turned out really nice), so I've decided that it needs its own shaving technique that I have yet to develop. Any suggestions? At one point I even considered putting it up for auction because I've been so disappointed with it, and getting another brand's 8/8 from around here. I mean, don't get me wrong: it's sharp and it shaves, just not as comfortably as the other 2 in my opinion. I dunno, I know these CS ones may be prone to honing troubles so maybe it isn't my technique. I want to like it, but at this point it is taking more effort and work than my others, which from what I've read is very uncharacteristic of them.

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Originally Posted by Xury

You know, I was thinking about this earlier this week (not the aesthetics but the shaves). I've been rotating a Dorko 1217, a Palmera #14, and a Classic Shaving Filarmonica. Now, I imagine it is probably just my technique but the Filarmonica is the razor I enjoy the least because it doesn't provide as smooth or comfortable of a shave as the other two. I've tried rehoning it without improved results (I ran the Palmera and the Filarmonica through the same shave ready honing routines, and the Palmera turned out really nice), so I've decided that it needs its own shaving technique that I have yet to develop. Any suggestions? At one point I even considered putting it up for auction because I've been so disappointed with it, and getting another brand's 8/8 from around here. I mean, don't get me wrong: it's sharp and it shaves, just not as comfortably as the other 2 in my opinion. I dunno, I know these CS ones may be prone to honing troubles so maybe it isn't my technique. I want to like it, but at this point it is taking more effort and work than my others, which from what I've read is very uncharacteristic of them.

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Actually there's a big difference between the vintage Fillys and those Classic Shaving ones. I've owned the CS Filarmonica, and currently own #14 Especial, and #13 Doble Temple. The CS Filarmonica was just not a great razor. I bought it pre-honed and it was gave a crap shave, I sent it out to a well-known honemeister, it came back and still gave crap shaves. I finally sold it. On the other hand, the vintage Fillys I have are AMAZING razors. Both were NOS, the #13 Doble Temple didn't even need sharpening out of the unopened box. It sat in there untouched for 50 years and then just gives a great, great shave. Super.

I agree, though that the big downside to Filarmonicas are the el cheapo scales. But the blades are beautiful.

scott.

I don't like the look at all ready, particularly on the round points. I also don't like that the only ones that pop up ever are 7/8+. If I was buying something to shave with, I wouldn't spend $20 on a blade that big, let alone $200+. I suppose it really comes down to preference. I'm sure they are great shavers, but nothing about them appeals to me. I personally love the complete setup of a Wapi, and they are great shavers. Not to mention 1/4 or less the price of a Filly.

Personally I've gotten as good a shave with half a dozen other razors. Then again I've only ever tried half a dozen razors. I feel sometimes it just comes down to technique. Anyway, I bought the Filly because it was so hyped. I think it was a perfect first razor - I like to start with a quality instrument. I also bought it because it was advertized as a real work-hoarse Barber's razor with no frills; that said, I agree that in the aesthetics department they suck, IMO. I intend to customize the handle soon. My Japanese razor has often become my go to, but then some people don't like those, so we all have our own likes. As for price - I remember that the price went up as soon as they stopped producing them and someone started a thread and all the Filly users bumped it up with high reviews. (On that vain I also remember Lynn rage that US made razors went up for the same reason.) I like my Filly, but I agree that it costs more than it's worth today. It's not like it's a custom razor, or has nice scales, or is made from stainless, or an independent; though you don't find too many 7/8ths at that price. Fortunately I got mine before the price went up. Sorry this comment is so patched together, I just wrote it as I thunk it.

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Originally Posted by ben.mid

You got lucky. If they were commonly available at that price, we'd all have one.
Nice buy!

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I got one off ebay for $147 total with shipping. However, its NOS, but has specks and does not look like a new razor. ITs a #13. I haven't tried to shave with it yet.
We'll see how she does later.

Unless I am missing something how is the looks related to the quality of shave?
I do not like the looks but the shave is pretty damn good. I honed my Filly and even though I am not a honemeister, I am getting some of the best shaves from it.

The looks aren't related to shave quality at all. We are just saying that many razors also deliver a very high quality shave while looking much nicer. I mean, I have seen Fillys go for $300 on the bay, which is really creeping up on custom price. At the very least you could buy a quality great condition PUMA and have it custom rescaled for that kind of money.

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Originally Posted by mainaman

Unless I am missing something how is the looks related to the quality of shave?

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I was referring completely to aesthetics, not quality of shave...

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Originally Posted by red96ta

I was referring completely to aesthetics, not quality of shave...

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By doing this you are confusing most of the people my friend . lol

No, I understand what they're saying. I've spoke to Max about this myself. I have a stable of Fily's. All old, NOS, never used. Great Shavers, Absolutey Great. Now, 1st, If you never shaved with blade almost an inch wide, Well, that might take some getting used to. The 13 are more user friendly than the 14's. I have to say, that they are fantastic shavers. No bull guys...Yes, The scales are flimsy. Especially on the big 14's. The are Among the cheapest scales I've ever seen on a razor. But make no mistake the blade is sound, the steel is good. If you hate the scales, re scale it....

Don't get me wrong, I'd love one at the right price.
I'm not sure I could take a NOS razor & re-scale it though. Despite the aforementioned cheap scales, it would just seem like vandalism, but it's the owner's choice.

To be honest, there are plenty of razors that shave superbly out there. Me personally, I have nothing against Fillys but I wouldn't spend all that money on one when i have a stable of razors, all bought for under $15 that will do the job just as well and I'm happy with.

Every one has their own brand though and some people can justify spending more than i can.

Are they really above and beyond any other vintage razor? I seriously doubt it.

Had one Philly and sold it.No big deal.I have Otto Deutsches,Erik Anton Bergs,Heljestrands,ect,that shaved just as well.I have an old wosty frameback with one wood scale and one horn scale.One ugly razor,but what a shave.I choose to leave it alone because if she made it this far why mess with perfection.I got to the point where having a nice shiny razor really doesnt mean all that much,but a nice sharp shaver is the bomb.I guess razors are like women,its not always how good they look its how they treat you.Dont get me wrong Phillies are cool but way more than I like to pay for a razoe,especially when you can get them way less than a couple of hundred bucks.:eek::shrug::D

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Originally Posted by ben.mid

Don't get me wrong, I'd love one at the right price.
I'm not sure I could take a NOS razor & re-scale it though. Despite the aforementioned cheap scales, it would just seem like vandalism, but it's the owner's choice.

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Ben, I agree with you 100%, I would never rescale a NOS vintage razor unless I had to...
It is vadalism IMHO...It's just that those scales are so thin, when you hold a 14, it feels like your going to break it....

Rich

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Originally Posted by gregs656

To be honest, there are plenty of razors that shave superbly out there. Me personally, I have nothing against Fillys but I wouldn't spend all that money on one when i have a stable of razors, all bought for under $15 that will do the job just as well and I'm happy with.

Every one has their own brand though and some people can justify spending more than i can.

Are they really above and beyond any other vintage razor? I seriously doubt it.

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You make a very good point. I've read it on here and said it myself. Some of my best shaves have come from 5 dollar no name ebay specials. a lot has to be said about the way the blade was honed. That can make or break any razor....

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Originally Posted by Blackstangal

Had one Philly and sold it.No big deal.I have Otto Deutsches,Erik Anton Bergs,Heljestrands,ect,that shaved just as well.I have an old wosty frameback with one wood scale and one horn scale.One ugly razor,but what a shave.I choose to leave it alone because if she made it this far why mess with perfection.I got to the point where having a nice shiny razor really doesnt mean all that much,but a nice sharp shaver is the bomb.I guess razors are like women,its not always how good they look its how they treat you.Dont get me wrong Phillies are cool but way more than I like to pay for a razoe,especially when you can get them way less than a couple of hundred bucks.:eek::shrug::D

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Well Said my friend.....Well said....

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Originally Posted by DPflaumer

I personally love the complete setup of a Wapi, and they are great shavers. Not to mention 1/4 or less the price of a Filly.

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....when the scales are replaced, and provided you didn't get a blade made from an old German tank. Personally, I'm just not comfortable shaving with something made to section cadavers. :shrug:

That said, I think the Filarmonica scales are disgusting. But the blades look b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. so you can send yours to me, and you'll never have to look at it again...

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Originally Posted by zib

You make a very good point. I've read it on here and said it myself. Some of my best shaves have come from 5 dollar no name ebay specials. a lot has to be said about the way the blade was honed. That can make or break any razor....

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I have some pretty well known brands in my rotation, Wilkinson, MAB (finally shaving well), Heart ring, Dovo, as well as some pretty unknown ones, McPherson, crown cutlery etc

I've had all sorts of others from well respected British (mostly) makers.

Anyway, the brand is irrelevant, if you shop well you can get some very fine razors for not a lot of money. Buying into a fad will always see you paying over the odds IMO.

I dont like the aesthetics either. Find them boring, however ive never used one.

Saying that i hate the aesthetics of most dovos also and pretty much every modern razor

I'd like to have a Filly, too. But like many of you have said, I'd rather spend a skosh more money to get a lower end custom or a regrind by the well known craftsman. If I come across one at a reasonable price, I'll snatch it up though :D

The CS Filarmonica was one of my first razors (not a good idea by the way). I got it prehoned by Lynn and it was great - very firm, stiff, close smooth shave. After using it a while and needing to rehone, it took a while to get competent at honing it, but I got there and it's a solid razor and a monstrous 15/16s.

I recently got a NOS doble temple 13 (a nimble if substantial 13/16s) and it's easy to hone and a lovely shaver. Wouldn't have guess it was the same brand as the CS doble temple 13, and they aren't even close to being the same size. I also happen to love the pistacio harp scales - something very "nice vacation in exotic locale" about it to me.

But I guess my bottom line is I wouldn't judge the old filarmonicas by the classic shaving ones because mine are totally different animals. I got the CS one before they doubled the price so mine is worth it but I wouldn't buy them for what they now go for. I got my NOS pistacio one for about 150 and it's worth twice that to me, I like it so much.

But all kidding aside, they are dreadful, and everyone should stop bidding for them, especially the barbas duras.

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Originally Posted by mainaman

Unless I am missing something how is the looks related to the quality of shave?

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Sorry about the subject deviation, I did not intend to make that correlation by posting a shave related post in an aesthetically driven discussion. You make a good point and, outside of further structure versus function investigation, I think you just cured my RAD. My mind wanders at times... My original post should have read something like:

Not all Fillys have funky colors, if you have trouble with the campy colors coming from down south you always have the option of a classic black Filly! Now then, as it so happens, have I got a deal for you today....

just kidding. And as a p.s. I am in no way affiliated with CS and this post is a refection of my opinion.

Fillies give excellent shaves. Were they to give average shaves I think they would attract more criticism regards their appearances. Scales are really cheap looking.

I got my Filly from Classic Shaving about 3 years when they were advertising them as the last available. I think I paid $99 for it. Its a great shaver. Honing can be a bit challenging.