Thread: Wapienica - Why is it so good??

Got my NOS SFK stamped WAPI in the mail today. LOVE how it feels in my hands. Honed well despite what I think might be a slight twist in the blade. Actually I got it from a guy in Bulgaria and it was cutting hair when I took it out of it's white Bakelite box. I put the razor right to my finisher, I know what you're thinking "no bevel set" etc, but regardless that's what I wanted to do

I took the heavy razor into my shaving den and got to work. Not only do I really enjoy the weight of this piece, it shaved incredibly well; better than my 1920's Boker King Cutter that is in like new condition and has a perfectly straight blade. I'm not sure why people change out the scales from the stainless to something aftermarket. This is clearly personal preference but this thing feels like a TOOL in your hand, rather than a precision instrument like some other razors. A 2 pass shave to BBS has left me so impressed that this mirrored piece is moving right to the top of my rotation.

I'm not sure what it is, 1/2 or 1/4 hollow ground, makes very little noise in comparison to these ultra hollow razors I've grown accustomed to shaving with. For fun I did the HHT and it popped my wife's fine hair from heel to toe (yes i know this doesn't mean much, but it's fun to me god darn it

The french point is more attractive than square/round and on par with the Spanish points, in my opinion though the the square and Spanish do seem to serve a purpose when really focusing on getting straight lines and styling your facial hair.

I'm sure, over time, I'll learn more about this Polish made, kind of vintage, gem as I shave with it more and more!

Let's hear from the lovers and haters out there! Why do you love it and why do you hate it or why is it just OK?

I have only tried one of them, but must confess to not seeing what all the hubbub is all about.
Pretty basic steel, and the scales are not excactly classy...

For those who enjoy it, great, for those who don't, there are tons of other good ones out there

Originally Posted by Birnando

I have only tried one of them, but must confess to not seeing what all the hubbub is all about.
Pretty basic steel, and the scales are not excactly classy...

For those who enjoy it, great, for those who don't, there are tons of other good ones out there

You are right, they're not really classy! But I do feel they are very functional! I don't like chrome on cars/motorcycles either but, again, that's just personal preference! I love the stainless!

The few I used, I thought the scales were to heavy. Much better with new clothes , though I hate messing with history

The shave with the ones I tries was fine , but nothing special.

Although I've never shaved with a Wapi , I'm sure they're decent razors , so don't think that I'm putting them down . But , I think you should save the OP , and read it about 2 years from now . You may have a moment , when you do .

Well, I think it was best when one could find them for $5 or $6 apiece and resell them for $30 or $40. Not sure if they are so good now

The problem with the Wapi is the stainless steel handle; the razor is top heavy on the handles and hence difficult to manouver, I have one and while shaving the bulb of my chin I lost the balance of the razor and it cut me reminding me to pay much more attention. I am in agreement with you and wont change the handles; I do like the razor as is, the French point is also classy. HOG

I have two Wapis and both are fine shavers -- one is excellent. My opinion could change but at this point I am a very strong supporter.

These razors were not even designed for the beard, they were made as surgical razors for shaving body hair before surgery.. This is another reason why they have SS scales so they can be autoclaved... They also have a pretty soft temper, which is why they hone pretty easy..
About 30% have some pretty bad steel deeper in the bevel, which can appear after the 3rd-4th honing normally at the heel..

When they were selling at $6-$11 they were a good buy, for NOS razors..

Many newer shavers like them as they handle easy, and the 1/4 grind plows through hair so it requires less finesse to get a good shave...


Not a bad razor

Originally Posted by dave5225

Although I've never shaved with a Wapi , I'm sure they're decent razors , so don't think that I'm putting them down . But , I think you should save the OP , and read it about 2 years from now . You may have a moment , when you do .

BTW this is a great idea, in fact here is my OP on my first Wapi from almost exactly 5 years ago...

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...wapienica.html

Note #11 & #12

Also note that back then it was all about the Norton 4/8

Also note that this was about the starting time of the Progressive honing vs Pyramid honing discussions..

Wow that thread just brought back a ton of memories