Thread: Filly 14s the difference between Doble Temple and Especial Para Barbas Duras

I love both the #14 Doble Temple and the Especial Para Barbas Duras, but I feel that they shave differently. Both outstanding, but different.

My #14 DT measures 0.27" width at the spine, 1.01" blade width. The EPBD is 0.29" width at the spine (slightly less hone wear), and 0.99" blade width. Pretty much identical.

The #14 doesn't balance well because of the cheapie scales, it's blade-heavy. It "feels" bigger, fatter, and heavier than the EPBD because of this. It takes a wicked, sticky sharp edge, and is the most comfortable blade against my skin of any I've tried. As it dulls, it doesn't get harsh, it just gets gentler. Something in the Spanish steel, I don't know metallurgy. A great shaver, kind of big luxury car feel.

The EPBD is also huge, but "feels" lighter, thinner at the spine, and wider at the blade, though actual measurements don't support this. The more dense scales and the rubber grip improve the balance dramatically. It has the very sharpest edge of any of the razors I own, with a very narrow bevel. It handles very precisely relative it's size, and reminds be of a great big Dubl Duck or Puma. It's skin-friendly, but not quite as gentle as the regular #14. It is louder when shaving or stropping. Kind of a big sports car feel. A bit like a big Friodur, but a bit better I think.

If I was asked to choose between them and keep only one, I'd have a hard time. These impressions of the differences are completely subjective, and I may be full of crap. I only have one of each, so I cherish them. I got a deal on the #14 in the SRP classifieds last year, but paid through the nose on eBay a few months ago for the EPBD. Both of them lead me to use a lighter touch, and both feel like they do the work of shaving instead of me. Both respond very well to stropping, and keen up beautifully in no time.

Here is a close-up photo of each side by side. The #14 is on the left, the EPBD is on the right. The grind of the EPBD appears (to me) to be just barely more hollow, but it feels a lot more hollow in practice (again, to me).

Hope this helps, just one guy's opinion.