Thread: Spanish steel

I hope this post does not get me hung from the yardarm, because it's an honest question, and worthy of discussion in it's context.. I watched in amazement yesterday as a Filarmonica sold on e-bay for $450, and started me off to thinking... and questioning.
I come from a world of shotguns, shotgunning and gundogs. I've been into doubles, Over/Unders and SxS's from the continent for a long time. It's safe to say that Spanish shotguns have had a checkered history in this country. So much so, that all Spanish doubles were considered junk by many aficianados. Now, that was probably an extreme reaction then, and things have improved greatly since, but it's hard to overcome that kind of reputation.. especially in an arena as staid, traditional and opinionated as the world of fine shotguns.
The Spanish produce some fine shotguns, but the smart money still buys the particular gun, and not the maker. The problems in the past appear to be caused by spotty quality in choice of steel and heat treatment issues, and most of those issues appear to have been addressed, but the reuptation, in some circles lingers.
When I was a child, seeing "Made in Japan" on an item stood for junk that would likely break before one even got it home. I've seen that reputation turn 180 degrees in the course of my lifetime, to the point where that same imprint stands for a quality product... Quite an impressive achievement!
So, the honest question, which at this point should be obvious... Have the Spanish razors ever encounterted the same difficulties as the Spanish shotgun?? Has acceptance in other parts of the world been seamless??

P.S.
This thread is not to bash any country or it's products... just a point of discussion from someone new to the world of the straight razor.

You gave away your age when you said that 'made in Japan' denoted junk. That was over 50 years ago. I could also be a wise guy and say I'm surprised the Filly went cheap after seeing one go for $600 no more than a month ago. There was a housing bubble and now there is a Fillarmonica bubble.

A couple of years ago you could still get them in the $150 to $200 range. They are very good shavers and word spread, one thing led to another, hence the bubble. Same thing happened with dubl ducks and they seem to be coming back down to earth. Some of them some of the time anyway.

As for the steel, the Fillys are real good. I am not personally experienced with other marques coming out of Spain so I cannot say. Just IMHO.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

As for the steel, the Fillys are real good. I am not personally experienced with other marques coming out of Spain so I cannot say. Just IMHO.

I'll second Jimmy's opinion.
Spanish steel is one of the finest steel in the world. When properly forged, it makes one of the finest razors and knifes.
There were many Spanish steel razors, Filarmonica is just the most famous.
Besides Filarmonicas, which I have many razors, I also have a Palmera, which is still in business, by the way, I have an Iberia which is more rarer brand than the first two and so on, and so on...
As for the prices the Fillies have been reaching, well, it's a little over the top, IMHO. The Palmera is almost just as good as my Filarmonica "Barbas Duras" or my 14 Doble Temple, but since they've gone under the hype, so they're underrated.

The Filarmonica steel is very good. From my limited experience, they take a keen edge, while remaining smooth on the face. They hold the edge as well.

Ebay prices reflect the current hype, as has been mentioned, and really is not a reliable indicator of real value.

Historically, Toledo steel is highly regarded is as much as swords and knives go. I am sure one of our steel experts can give a more definitive answer.

Every Spanish razor I have used so far has been extremely consistent in the keenness and smoothness of the edge.

They take a super edge and are fairly easy to hone.

I have the same exact same experience with Swedish razors. Very keen and smooth edges. But that would be for another thread

Only to nudge RayG's comment a bit further along...the reason Toledo steel has the reputation it earned was that the Spanish figured out a better way to reprocess the Roman slag pits that covered the countryside. The Romans were less efficient making steel than the Spanish became.