A while ago I got myself a Zwilling Friodur straight razor. Stainless steel and a beautiful, dark wooden handle with the word 'Friodur' and the Zwilling logo inlaid in it. I love it. Today, I wanted to get it sharpened, seeing as I don't really posses the know-how or equipment. I went to a store in Antwerp that sells all kinds of knives, razors and shaving equipment. He'll also hone and strop your razor for free. 'Marvelous', I thought. I gave him my razor, he looked at it and though he was very friendly and eager and willing to help, I immediately noticed some light disdain or contempt for the razor on his part. When I inquired as to why he gave such a reaction, he prompted that Zwilling now produces its wares in China and just isn't quality material anymore. He got to work and started honing and stropping the blade, but failed at getting it sharp. Tried again several times, but it was no good. He inspected it under the microscope and informed me that the shaving edge was in a very peculiar angle. He tried getting the angle right again, and he did, but the blade still wouldn't sharpen much. After about an hour of trying, he told me to 'not even bother, even if it does get sharp, it's going to be a crappy razor anyway'. I took his advice and not having enough money at the moment for a new straight and getting over the disappointment, I opted for a nice Merkur safety razor and some Feather razorblades.

Still, it does seem odd. I have seen almost nothing but good reviews of the Zwilling Friodur razors.. And at the cost of a €160, I think it's very pricey for a blade that 'isn't even halfway decent'. What are your opinions on this?