Thread: Heljestrand: MK vs. Rex - What's the difference?

So I'm looking into Swedish blades, and wanted to see if anyone knew the difference between the Heljestrand MK line and the Rex line. I know the MK line is highly sought after, but didn't know if the Rex was a different grade, just another name, or something else. I'm having a tough time finding info on the various Helje models.

Thanks in advance for any info!

I bought two NOS Rex"s about a year ago. Was one of the best purchases I ever made. I only honed one of them, and it is one of the best shavers I ever used. Buy the Rex without concern. Will take a fantastic edge. Best, wildhog

They are, as far as I know, made by two different companies in the same city.

Thanks, guys! Thanks for letting me know how yours performs, wildhog. I may just pick one up.

I have a couple of both. The Rex's are very nice shavers. You won't be disappointed in them.

George P, You didn"t mention blade width on the Rex. Mine are 9\16 as are a lot of Swiss blades. Small, but shaves really smooth. Best, wildhog

I have no particular knowledge but I always thought they were two independent companies, along the lines of the many separate companies located in Soligen, Germany. That said I have yet to run into a Swedish blade that was not a great shaver and my REX 8 is one of my best, it has simple plastic scales that make a fillies scales look like works of art but the blade is excellent.

Wildhog,

Glad to know your enjoying them!

OP,

I have the same REX number 42 that Wildhog is referring to, and it is one of my best shavers.
I have a Joh Engstrom frameback and a MK Heljestrand and have owned an Erik Anton Berg in the past as well as a Klass Tornblom. What I will tell you is I doubt you'll ever be disappointed with a Swedish Steel.

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I picked up a couple Swedes from Mijbil. Both are great. It's his fault I'm considering another.

It turns out that Royal Shave apparently has some CV Helje Rex 5/8" full hollows. They claim they're NOS from the '40s.

Originally Posted by TheGeorgePBurdell

It turns out that Royal Shave apparently has some CV Helje Rex 5/8" full hollows. They claim they're NOS from the '40s.

Can you provide a link? I would be curious (for the sake of learning the history) to see something that shows Rex and Heljestrand were the same company or affiliated in some way.