Thread: What is Toledo Steel?

A friend of mine, of Spanish ancestry, insisted that Filarmonicas were made with Toledo steel. I believe that was wishful thinking on his part but I'm not sure and neither was he.

I have often wondered about this. It seems quality, for sure. I have not gotten to it yet, But maybey I will put it towards the front of the line! It is in bone and seems all original. I would be interested to know what anyone thinks!

I find it very amusing that anyone who comes from Pennsylvania should be in a position to say that there is nothing special about Toledo. That's like mush saying oatmeal has no flavor.

Originally Posted by jebib3

I find it very amusing that anyone who comes from Pennsylvania should be in a position to say that there is nothing special about Toledo. That's like mush saying oatmeal has no flavor.

Don't take it personally...you know it's true.

Besides, I never said PA was great.

Originally Posted by jebib3

I find it very amusing that anyone should be in a position to say that there is nothing special about mush.

Sorry! Could not help it!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I have often wondered about this. It seems quality, for sure. I have not gotten to it yet, But maybey I will put it towards the front of the line! It is in bone and seems all original. I would be interested to know what anyone thinks!

Can't say for sure, but I would guess that it's a generic Toledo razor, just like how we see generic Solingen blades. Probably a reference to it's origin rather than its steel.

toledo (spain) was wellknown for its steel and swords long ago. There is now I believe only one real sword marker left and he supplys teams for olympics competitions.the others are making blades for decoration with a low quality level but very shiny for tourists. As a matter of fact most of the blades and knifes you can find otherwise (even in toledo) are coming from albacete. Albacete beiing the equivalent of the French thiers for the spanish . The foundries that are left in toledo (and there are lots of them) are to make rough iron to be used in streets (grid for drains .....) or other types non relatives to quality blades anyway.

Another possibility of Filarmonica razors is from Muella Spain steel. Some years ago I had a Muella hunting knife. Made of Chromium Vanadium steel. Really hard to sharpen, but, when I got it sharp it stayed sharp, razor sharp, even after skinning out a deer.

I thought I remember hearing that the secret of the Toledo sword was in the hardening process where the red hot sword was run through the body of a slave. Maybe that was the warm oil of its age? It would be difficult to similarly heat treat a blunt tipped razor unless that's where the "Spanish" tip concept came from.

I have a Hijo that says Toledo. AWESOME Blade. If i had a chance to buy a Fili or a Hijo again. I would buy the Hijo.