We seem to come across an enormous number of brand name razors from the olden days. Not only big names like Wade & Butcher, Bismark, Henkels, Filarmonica and what not, but also small brand names that were rebrands of bigger names.
Through my years, albeit very few, of straight razor place membership and use of these tools, I've read lots of times about eBay finds of unknown vintage razors: "here's a vintage razor from someone who nobody knows" and the replies are always in the lines of "it will hone up okay" or "these vintage razors are usualy nice shavers". It seems that all the animals are equal - but some are more equal than others... that is why a Dubl Duck or a Filarmonica are more desirable items than others.
However, it seems that the quality of all the razors made in the olden days is, pretty much, stable, meaning, generaly good or very good. I understand why this is: the steel was good and things were always made to last.
BUT... were there any razors that you know of that were sub-par? Are there any vintage brands to stay away from?

And don't think you can say that Filarmonicas are bad or Dubl Ducks are horrid shavers just to make me stay away from them on eBay or something... I already know better...