Thread: Heljestrands out of control

Originally Posted by Pithor

And personally I haven't noticed any difference in shaving between regular numbers/MK's/unnumbered Heljestrands. I can't tell the difference between different Swedish manufacturers in general. They are pretty much all high quality steel, most of them high quality manufacture all-round.

+1, I have had the same experience. The other Heljes, non MKs, are all great too, as are Engstroms, and other Eskiltuna razors. That Swedish steel, and the know how to do it right.

I've had a number of hellies and other eskilstuna razors and I think it's more the balance that makes the MK's special, plus the aesthetics. But steel is steel and ymmv and all that jazz. In any case I'll put my MK33s up against anything else in my collection and I'm sure that some will be close but they won't beat them for holding an edge or their rarity.

Originally Posted by BakerandBadger

I've had a number of hellies and other eskilstuna razors and I think it's more the balance that makes the MK's special, plus the aesthetics. But steel is steel and ymmv and all that jazz. In any case I'll put my MK33s up against anything else in my collection and I'm sure that some will be close but they won't beat them for holding an edge or their rarity.

Not putting down your Heljes at all ...... wish I had 'em ... . Just saying that all Heljes I've come across are dynamite shavers, not just the ivory scaled MK series.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Not putting down your Heljes at all ...... wish I had 'em ... . Just saying that all Heljes I've come across are dynamite shavers, not just the ivory scaled MK series.

I understand, just saying that for me they are nicer shavers than my other Heljes or Fillies. But like pink said, go for the shave (and the look too - straights are cool!)

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

+1, I have had the same experience. The other Heljes, non MKs, are all great too, as are Engstroms, and other Eskiltuna razors. That Swedish steel, and the know how to do it right.

I'm w/ Jimmy. It seems to parallel the fad that W&B were the ultimate sheffield. Bolshoi. Engstrom, Dahlgren Hellberge, Tornblom. Each are very serious blades. I say this having just finished getting the edge on an NOS Helje 6/8 #5 the way I like it. Excellent shaver, as is the #32. But not better than the Dahlgrens Hellberges I've had. Fads are fads. Go for the shave.

To me they feel as exciting as a Volvo, sure they work every time but I'd rather take a 69 Mustang.
Prices have gone up a lot in Sweden, especially for the CVHs but they are still common and you can still get them dirt cheap if you look around.

I only own one, a good shaver quite a heavy blade Helisetrand Le Duc quarter hollow NOS 13/16, I have noticed they have greatly increased in price.

Jamie.

Originally Posted by Lemur

To me they feel as exciting as a Volvo, sure they work every time but I'd rather take a 69 Mustang.
Prices have gone up a lot in Sweden, especially for the CVHs but they are still common and you can still get them dirt cheap if you look around.

I've never shaved with a car, but I see lots of car analogies.

Other than the relative lack of space on the shank and tang for me to hold the razor comfortably at all angles, I think the MK31 is nice. I'm glad you don't miss yours terribly right now. Personally, I have always felt about Solingens and Sheffields like you do about some of those Eskilstunas. Nothing exotic, perhaps good but not especially attractive.

Originally Posted by Tierdaen

I've never shaved with a car, but I see lots of car analogies.

Other than the relative lack of space on the shank and tang for me to hold the razor comfortably at all angles, I think the MK31 is nice. I'm glad you don't miss yours terribly right now. Personally, I have always felt about Solingens and Sheffields like you do about some of those Eskilstunas. Nothing exotic, perhaps good but not especially attractive.

Yeah, I guess no man is a prophet in his hometown!
I am pleasantly surprised every time I try one tho, they are good!

I bought mine in early December for ~$30 I think. Now they don't go under $100. I saw one with a chipped blade go for $101 or 103 a couple of days ago. Odd...but mine is my favorite razor. I guess others feel the same?