Thread: Cheap Filli scales?? on $$ blades - what gives?

I read in different posts that Filarmonica's had cheap scales, but dodn't really think too much of it until I got mine (a Filli #14 Doble Temple)...Great blade, great shave, but boy the scales are cheap plastic junk

They don't center well with the blade and the balance is something to be desired.


What do other owners of Fillis think about this?

PS: Some of these are going for >$300 (especially the EPBD).

-Robert

Once upon a time, they were affordable razors and didn't get much attention.

Now (for whatever reason) they're "hot". Prices have gone through the roof... and their cheap scales look out of place.

The scales on mine are tolerable. There seems to be quite a range of scale quality - almost hit or miss. IMO, even for $100 razors, the inconsistency of the scales is astonishing. Could you imagine if even the Dovo Best Quality had scales that bad? You'd never hear the end of it.

Yeah, the scales are not good at all!

I have 3, out of a total of 8, which doesn't close properly. I'm having all of them rescaled.
The same thing is happening to my Ducal and my Palmera's.
Just need to figure out what material to use, so that the balance doesn't get too thrown off.

That said, my Bergischer Löwe is similar in that it needs guidance when closing. It was that way from when it was brand spanking new. Very flexible and soft scales on that thing.

Hi Birnando,
Mine doesn't center well at all...I thinking same: i.e., to have it rescaled. But, I wonder if that will decrease the value and "vintage-ness" over time. Part of the appeal with these str8s is to keep them as original as possible while enjoying and shaving with them.

-Robert

Originally Posted by Birnando

Yeah, the scales are not good at all!

I have 3, out of a total of 8, which doesn't close properly. I'm having all of them rescaled.
The same thing is happening to my Ducal and my Palmera's.
Just need to figure out what material to use, so that the balance doesn't get too thrown off.

That said, my Bergischer Löwe is similar in that it needs guidance when closing. It was that way from when it was brand spanking new. Very flexible and soft scales on that thing.

I don't understand what all this fuss over scales is about. Fillies, DOVOS, and yes, the revered DublDucks, etc. are machine made, mass produced products. Why do people expect them to have been made with today's hobbyist/collector market in mind? These razors probably sold for ten bucks or less back in the day. BTW, Escher and Belgian hones sold for about two bucks or less back then as well. Does any of this have anything to do with today's market? NNNNOOOO!!!! Baseball cards, old tins, Depression glass, the list goes on and on. If anyone wants gorgeous scales on a razor there are many superb craftsmen within our membership who will accomodate you. And after you get those fancy scales on your Filly, try to sell it. A surprise awaits you...

Hi Dylan,
Well...I heard that DOVOS are hit or miss too. Seems like manufacturers just want to cut costs and maximize profit these days. If I were to do that, scales would be the logical part to do it with. I guess that goes to say why vintage str8 may be more sought after...both blade & scale were paid attention to.

What's next: we will have Gillette make disposable str8 razors??


Cheers,
-Robert

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

The scales on mine are tolerable. There seems to be quite a range of scale quality - almost hit or miss. IMO, even for $100 razors, the inconsistency of the scales is astonishing. Could you imagine if even the Dovo Best Quality had scales that bad? You'd never hear the end of it.

Yeahh...I know. it's disappointing to be honest

-Robert

Originally Posted by RetroGrouch

Once upon a time, they were affordable razors and didn't get much attention.

Now (for whatever reason) they're "hot". Prices have gone through the roof... and their cheap scales look out of place.

Originally Posted by BladeRunner001

They don't center well with the blade and the balance is something to be desired.

What do other owners of Fillis think about this?

Robert, I have quite a few Filarmonicas of many different models. The scales are not warped and the blades center well (maybe I've been lucky?). The material of the scales is cheaper than you'd expect from a >$300 razor. But, it's the blade, not the handle that shaves, right? Besides, I have a NOS Dorko with plastic scales that are a piece-of-s%#&, badly finished with lumps and scratches. Vintage Puma and Dorkos are also highly regarded here and they have also plastic scales. And they shave great too.

Hi Leon,
I agree with you (for the most part )...the str8s qualitative (and functional) value is in the blade, not the scale. But, I think that there are two important characteristics that the scale offers:

1. As I understand it (and from the mechanics of a everyday shaving), the scale provides balance to the blade during a shave. I don't find this to be the case with my Filli 14DT.

2. Also, a floppy scale may not allow for proper centering when closing, increasing likelihood of edge damage if not careful.

That's not to mention that most (well at least me) of us buy these things for their looks and aesthetic value...cheap plastic scales are just that: cheap!!

Cheers,
-Robert

Originally Posted by Leon

Robert, I have quite a few Filarmonicas of many different models. The scales are not warped and the blades center well (maybe I've been lucky?). The material of the scales is cheaper than you'd expect from a >$300 razor. But, it's the blade, not the handle that shaves, right? Besides, I have a NOS Dorko with plastic scales that are a piece-of-s%#&, badly finished with lumps and scratches. Vintage Puma and Dorkos are also highly regarded here and they have also plastic scales. And they shave great too.