I saw in a different thread (#14 in the razor club) that there is an "infamous" Toledo steel? Anyone know the story? What's special about Toledo Steel? I've been to Toledo...definitely nothing special.:rofl2:
Printable View
I saw in a different thread (#14 in the razor club) that there is an "infamous" Toledo steel? Anyone know the story? What's special about Toledo Steel? I've been to Toledo...definitely nothing special.:rofl2:
They were known for making swords. But I don't see how that can have anything to do with straight razors, given that the swordmaking was a long time before razors. And whether or not their swords actually earned the reputation is another question all together.
Even though Toledo, OH has a steel industry, or used too I think.
I am pretty sure it is in reference to Toledo, Spain.
My sister went to Toledo, Spain a few years back, and visited a few forgeries. They do indeed pride themselves on their steel, which they likely learned from the Moors a long time ago. The knife she brought back was just 440c I think, but the photographs she took of the knives and blades are astounding.
Ah, I should have known nothing good comes from Ohio. Thanks guys. Are there straight razors with the Toledo steel that are epic? Does it only apply to swords/knives/whatever...
I think Toledo is to Spain , what Sheffield is to England , or Solingen is to Germany .
From what I've been able to find out about this, there is no Toledo steel as such in straight razors.
I think the term is more used as a way of talking about quality razors from Spain. Sort of a homage to the fabled swords and weaponry from way back when.
toledo steel on wiki mentions that they had a "significant production of razor blades" but I was unable to find anything beyond this. Perhaps they just made razor blades and not straight razors?
Interesting philosophical question--what is the existential difference between a blade and a razor?Quote:
Originally Posted by str8fencer
As Toledo was a hugely famous blade-making site up until the 19th century or so, it only stands to reason that they made razors...being blades. But it faded in the more modern period, which is why no one seems to know about them nowadays.
Yup, Toledo Spain. Their advantage in making steel was discovering the latent amount of clean, good quality iron ore that was leftover in the slag pits of the Roman era smelting furnaces scattered in the Toledo region. Perhaps the first recyclers who gained fame from being green?
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. http://straightrazorpalace.com/images/smilies/smile.gif
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! :w
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by jebib3
Besides, I never said PA was great.
Sorry! Could not help it!:rofl2:Quote:
Originally Posted by jebib3
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by sharptonn
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.
:hmmm:
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.
of course it is great blade it is filarmonica stamped for them: Cuchillerķa Garrido | toledo
it was comon here knife shop having a batch of razor made for them by fila, you will find other names of shops on various blades...all with the same family look, like catoya salamanca.
http://i49.servimg.com/u/f49/12/39/01/40/100_0417.jpg
This is not helping me cure RAD!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by nounounounou
I have an American made straight razor from Maher & Grosh that was made in Toledo, Ohio.