Filarmonica's- What am I missing?

[richmondesi]

I'm watching all of these NOS Filarmonica razors going for $300 plus on the Bay. Then, I read that they are good shavers, but not the best of the vintage variety necessarily. Next, I see that they actually have subpar scales.

So, by the time you get one of these guys, ship it off to get scaled by a good craftsman, ship it back, you are scaring the heck out of the kind of money you can get a Chandler, Harner, Earl, Williams, Ellis, etc. straight...

What value is there that I'm not seeing?

Thanks!

[avatar1999]

They weren't always going for $300+

It's only been recently that the prices have jumped. From my understanding, they've done this before, and the price came down, so HOPEFULLY the prices will come down again.

Some people like the scales, even tho they are "cheap."

Plus, with a custom razor from the people you listed, I don't think you will get a full hollow like on the Fili's.

[richmondesi]

They weren't always going for $300+

It's only been recently that the prices have jumped. From my understanding, they've done this before, and the price came down, so HOPEFULLY the prices will come down again.

Some people like the scales, even tho they are "cheap."

Plus, with a custom razor from the people you listed, I don't think you will get a full hollow like on the Fili's.

I haven't asked him, but I wonder if Robert would do a full hollow

[DPflaumer]

Not a problem if you don't want a full hollow :-P

[Jimbo]

A good shaver that is in limited supply, I think. While I am not into collecting, I can see the attraction of the fili to people - by all accounts they are very good shavers, despite what you might think of the aesthetics. And the limited supply and increased interest in them means that the prices ain't about to get any cheaper any time soon.

James.

[superbleu]

I haven't asked him, but I wonder if Robert would do a full hollow

When I emailed Robert about the types of grind he could do awhile back, he said he could do any from wedge to Full hollow.

With the prices these Fili's are fetching, they are nearing RW's pricepoint for a custom.

[richmondesi]

A good shaver that is in limited supply, I think. While I am not into collecting, I can see the attraction of the fili to people - by all accounts they are very good shavers, despite what you might think of the aesthetics. And the limited supply and increased interest in them means that the prices ain't about to get any cheaper any time soon.

James.

Are they better than the 7/8 Friodurs? My Friodur, my NOS Pumas, as well as many others are just fantastic and all cost much much less than that. In fact, I've gotten all of them for the same price as one of these NOS Fillies. I'm sure they are great, but I'm just curious as to what makes them so much more expensive than these other brands.

[Scipio]

I dont understand their high prices either. Other than the laws of demand which has increased thus created inflation..not a razor I can see myself shaving with. I know theyre big, but surely a W & B chopper can not be beat

[richmondesi]

When I emailed Robert about the types of grind he could do awhile back, he said he could do any from wedge to Full hollow.

With the prices these Fili's are fetching, they are nearing RW's pricepoint for a custom.

Well, if he will do a full hollow, I'm even more surprised then. Thanks for sharing this.

[avatar1999]

Are the better than the 7/8 Friodurs? My Friodur, my NOS Pumas, as well as many others are just fantastic and all cost much much less than that. In fact, I've gotten all of them for the same price as one of these NOS Fillies. I'm sure they are great, but I'm just curious as to what makes them so much more expensive than these other brands.

A couple months ago, you could get a Fili for under $200 easy. Heck, one went for <$100 not long ago to someone on the forums (darn my computer for failing me on that auction LOL)

It's just a spike right now. Lots of people want them cause they think they are the bees knees from reading what other people say. Supply and demand.

Something else may come and take their place eventually, or the interest may die down, and then the prices will come back down.

As for being as good as the Friodur's, I have no personal knowledge, but I think I heard some people say they are a bit better, if not the same.

Then again, I've heard other ppl say they like the Friodur better...you'd probably just have to try one to find out honestly