Did I do OK on this Filarmonica

[eyeguy]

I've been toying with the idea of using a straight for some time now & always hear good things about Filarmonicas, but the prices are always up there. Don't get me wrong, I know they must be good from what I read here, but its hard for me to justify the price I see these go for sometimes when I don't really know much beyond what I read here. I was up a little late last night when I ran across this.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170524445306&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
I searched for some info on it, but didn't really find much on it. Did I do alright? I'm still looking into the significance of the 12,13,14 on the blades.

 

[Walker]

Look to me like you did very well!! Now just get a strop, send this razor out to one of the fabulous honemeisters and have a blast!!

 

[johnmrson]

I think $75 is an excellent price. Good pick up.

The numbers I think relate to the size of the blade. The #12 is a 5/8 from memory, a #13 is 6/8 and a #14 is 8/8.

 

[Luc]

I also think it's a good pick-up... As long as you didn't get a Philarmonica, you're fine!

 

[eyeguy]

I also think it's a good pick-up... As long as you didn't get a Philarmonica, you're fine!

I hear those Philharmonica's with Scotch tape are the one's to get. No?

 

[Luc]

I hear those Philharmonica's with Scotch tape are the one's to get. No?

eeeeeeeeehh, nooo!

 

[gugi]

You will have to wait until you receive it. On the photos it looks smaller than the regular no.12 which measure 5/8-11/16.
If the size is 4/8 as it looks like it is, you paid more than the market price of two weeks ago, which is the one I know.

 

[eyeguy]

You will have to wait until you receive it. On the photos it looks smaller than the regular no.12 which measure 5/8-11/16.
If the size is 4/8 as it looks like it is, you paid more than the market price of two weeks ago, which is the one I know.

I hope that's not the case, but you're right, it does look to be around 4/8. I've had a few lucky auction wins in the past & if I overpaid, I still can't complain too much. I've done pretty good lately.

 

[TenorClef]

Regardless, its a pretty razor and 4/8 razors are fine. I started out my straight journey with a 4/8.

 

[gugi]

I hope that's not the case, but you're right, it does look to be around 4/8. I've had a few lucky auction wins in the past & if I overpaid, I still can't complain too much. I've done pretty good lately.

Of course 'overpaid' is relative. You clearly wanted the razor more than you wanted the money. Trying to pay the lowest possible amount for a particular razor that you want only means that your time is not too valuable.

I very often wonder what do people think buying a complete junk razors that after many hours of low skilled labor will still end up just well worn razors with serious functional issues.

You bought a razor in great condition that should be easy to sharpen and keep for hundreds of years. You cannot get such a razor for less money from the current production offerings.

 

[rodneyk915]

That's a great looking razor, congrats on your purchase!

 

[eyeguy]

I got my razor today along with a Fromm that I didn't expect to get at a low price. The Filarmonica shows signs of honing on each side of the spine, but its still in pretty good shape. It looks to be around 5/8, which is OK. I'm still in the process of learning, so I think these 2 are gonna be good to start the process with.

 

[gugi]

Hone wear got my attention, I didn't pay close attention to the other photos in the listing when I posted before. Here is the important one:
View attachment 117950

This is terrible hone wear. I wouldn't have paid more than what the scales are worth for that razor. It may still shave, but it's already far gone. In my opinion you bought a $80 lesson on what not to buy in the future.

 

[eyeguy]

Well, this really stinks, but like you said, $80 lesson. The back side is even worse I'm sad to say. I'm thinking it might be a good idea to contact the seller about it. I think a partial refund would probably satisfy me. It should still be a good razor to shave with, which is my first priority.

 

[BladeRunner001]

I've been toying with the idea of using a straight for some time now & always hear good things about Filarmonicas, but the prices are always up there. Don't get me wrong, I know they must be good from what I read here, but its hard for me to justify the price I see these go for sometimes when I don't really know much beyond what I read here. I was up a little late last night when I ran across this.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170524445306&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
I searched for some info on it, but didn't really find much on it. Did I do alright? I'm still looking into the significance of the 12,13,14 on the blades.

You did fantastic...congratulations. The #12s usually go for >$150 or so (if I recall correctly)

Good score

 

[gugi]

Well, this really stinks, but like you said, $80 lesson. The back side is even worse I'm sad to say. I'm thinking it might be a good idea to contact the seller about it. I think a partial refund would probably satisfy me. It should still be a good razor to shave with, which is my first priority.

Well, the seller did provide detailed photographs, that didn't hide the condition, so he may or may not agree with you.
You wouldn't know if it'll shave and how until it's honed. That much steel missing from the spine may mean the bevel angle is too sharp to support a durable edge for that steel. The problem isn't just cosmetic, it's functional.

You did fantastic...congratulations. The #12s usually go for >$150 or so (if I recall correctly)

Good score

Seriously? Here's a $150+ one:
View attachment 117996

If you don't mind the differences you should just buy his since you consider it a steal.

 

[eyeguy]

I didn't even think about missing metal from the spine having an effect on the bevel. I'm learning alot quickly, albeit on the expensive side! So if the spine is too thin, the blade's edge could be very thin & wear away quickly? I think my next straight will come from the board & after much more learning.
I sent a message to the seller explaining my concerns about the hone wear, so we'll see where that goes. Honestly, if nothing comes of it, it really boils down to me not paying more attention to the pics. Lesson learned

 

[BladeRunner001]

Well, the seller did provide detailed photographs, that didn't hide the condition, so he may or may not agree with you.
You wouldn't know if it'll shave and how until it's honed. That much steel missing from the spine may mean the bevel angle is too sharp to support a durable edge for that steel. The problem isn't just cosmetic, it's functional.


Seriously? Here's a $150+ one:
View attachment 117996

If you don't mind the differences you should just buy his since you consider it a steal.

That second picture...Uuughhhh! I completely missed that . Wowww...that is some serious, uneven hone wear. This is the problem with computer at work (too slow and to some extend, restricted eBay and other site picture access).

 

[eyeguy]

That second picture...Uuughhhh! I completely missed that . Wowww...that is some serious, uneven hone wear. This is the problem with computer at work (too slow and to some extend, restricted eBay and other site picture access).

And that's the problem with me not going to bed when I should & seeing such a great price!

 

[wdwrx]

Funny how the seller used the word "mint" in his description... That may be the opening you need to get a refund.... though I'm not sure... I've yet to be burned on the infamous eBay (well, there was that one time I bought a 16GB memory card for $12.00) It's a pretty fair stretch of the word though IMHO.