Thread: Why Are Philly's So Good!?

First I was going to ask why they are so expensive, but after receiving one from a friend I learned two things.
One is that it honed up faster than any other razor I had done before it.
And second that not only did it get super sharp but it gave me the smoothest shave ever!
How and why is this possible?
I am assuming it is because it has more silver than other razors so it is easier to hone and doesn't have that scary sharp edge. I didn't feel like if I accidentally changed the angle or pressure it was going to cut me. It gave me confidence to do what I need to do with no fear.
Amazing!
Now why?

No silver in silver steel. Maybe at one time a very long time ago but razor steel is just carbon steel. Most people think the fillies are harder to hone up. Maybe you are a better honer than you thought eh?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Most people think the fillies are harder to hone up.

I've seen this posted a few times before.
My experience with the Filarmonica's are quite the opposite.
No other blades in my collection hones up as easily as these.
It could possibly be what kind of stones we all use?
I have no idea, but I have given the ease of honing as but one good reason these blades are sought after.
By some

and what about how it feels on the skin though?
I have used dozens of blades from wedges to full hollows and noting is as comfortable
on my face as this thing and it is no small blade either.
there must be something different.
maybe the forging process?

The fillis are mythical creatures. There are lots of factors to consider including your skin type, face structure, etc. Personal preference seems to be the biggest thing. For me, Revisor razors stand alone. After that...I'd say Puma is second followed by a ton of other manufacturers from many different countries that are awesome shavers.

Because of the double forging process. Thats also why Pumas are what they are. Well that and the good quality steel, my vote goes for Pumas though.

An "easy to hone" razor is usually a thin or soft razor. Easy to hone often translates to "needs honing more frequently." Not a good thing or a bad thing, but something to take into consideration.

Originally Posted by Memorael

Because of the double forging process. Thats also why Pumas are what they are. Well that and the good quality steel, my vote goes for Pumas though.

What does "double forging" mean?

IME high carbon steel full hollow Solingen razors, from the '60s and earlier, are generally superlative shavers and you don't need to jump through hoops to hone a fine shaving edge on them. Fillys, Pumas, Ducks and many lesser known brands have all been exceptional AFAIC. Personally I couldn't rate one brand as "better" than the other, though every now and again one individual razor may stand out.

There MUST be someone out there who knows the secret-Ive always wanted to know also,unless there is a difference then we are all victims of mass hysteria,people are paying crazy numbers for them ,and they must know something we don't or there just crazy.But nowhere have I ever heard the virtues of Spanish steel being something special,so what is it?

Not going to lie. I really do not like my Doble Temple 13. I know I am a newb and lack technique but it is the last razor i reach for. MAXI has honed it and says the thing is magic but for me it just does not go it for me