Quote Originally Posted by DLB View Post
I am just approaching my sixth month of straight shaving so am still pretty much a Newbie. I have read all the hype on Filarmonicas and seen the astronomical bids on eBay. Among my goals in building a 28-day collection was to find new and vintage razors from different countries in a variety of grinds and sizes. My first 26 razors included razors from the United States, England, Germany, France, and Sweden. I had despaired of getting any Filarmonicas (Spain) because of the high cost. Fortunately, I finally found two (one in France and one in England) that did not have the exorbitant prices on eBay.US. I did settle for a 4/8 and 5/8 size. The available larger sizes carried a pretty steep price even in the European Union.

Early this morning, I received a NOS 4/8 Filarmonica DT Stainless from England. I sterilized it and used it for for the time. I decided to see how it shaved right out of the box with a factory honing. Wow! What an incredible shave. It was smooth, comfortable, and close. 95% to a BBS with one pass. I can't wait to see what happens with a normal preparatory stropping. I was prepared to be unimpressed with this 4/8 razor so was a bit taken back by its excellence. I can see why so many people love Filarmonicas. I have some very fine razors but I would certainly place this one in the top tier. This razor completed my 28-day set.

Last Thursday, I got "Razor No. 27", which is a NOS 5/8 Filarmonica Doble Temple from France. I was busy with a house guest and have not gotten around to using it yet. However, after my positive experience with the 4/8 Stainless, I am now looking forward to seeing how the 5/8 DT stacks up.

I will not generalize on all Filarmonica razors but my first experience with a Filarmonica has made me a convert. YMMV.

Happy Shaving!


FOLLOW-UP:
The shave I got yesterday with the 4/8 Filarmonica Stainless was so close that, this morning, I didn't have enough beard growth to even contemplate a shave. This is the first time I have experienced not needing a shave after 24 hours. Actually, I was a little disappointed because I had planned on trying the new 5/8 Filarmonica for the first time.
I've there too. So sad when there is not enough beard.I just received my first Filly. DT 13. Great shave.