If you were looking for a nice higher end vintage razor, what would be your choice- Fili 14, Iwasaki, or something else ?
Iwasaki is a bit more scarce and harder to find. Both Fili and Iwasaki are exceptional and about as good as it gets. In the spirit of this forum my recommendation would be to get both.
I have both and both are absolutely exceptional shavers. Fili 14s are more extra hollows and singing - so it's up to your personal preference.
Well, if you like a loud feedback then Fili #14 is indeed your way to go.I appreciate a heavy blade now and then, but usually choose one that talks back. Some of the Iwasakis look like a thin grind, but usually aren’t wider than 5/8 or so, so they may not have that audible quality.
No hesitation for me - it would be that tamahagane steel by world class artisans. Seriously has to be some of the best there is.
I do have both Iwasaki tamahagane (not all Iwasaki razors are) and some other crucible steel razors, and as collectible items I value them very much, disregarding their higher price. However I have to say they do not shave any better than any other good and well-honed razor. So to the OP my advise would still be to go with his personal preference: extra singing hollow and wide #14 versus narrower and just full hollow Iwasaki. Unless the collectability is a factor also.No hesitation for me - it would be that tamahagane steel by world class artisans. Seriously has to be some of the best there is.
That is an absolutely beautiful avatar.I’ve dropped enough razors to know that the tamahagane models are out of my price range for a user.
Thanks ! That is my boy, Jack Thomas. He’s a bit grayer now, as am I.That is an absolutely beautiful avatar.
He looks wise.Thanks ! That is my boy, Jack Thomas. He’s a bit grayer now, as am I.
He's more of a smart alec, actually. A 96 pound lap dog.He looks wise.
That always cracks me up. They ALL (dogs) have a personality, and some NEVER stop being puppies at heart. I'd be a lap dog if I was a dog!!He's more of a smart alec, actually. A 96 pound lap dog.
It might be worth getting an Iwasaki kamisori, it is an absolute joy to useI understand that the Iwasaki family is still producing razors. But I have only seen kamisoris for sale. I'm thinking they don't make western straights anymore. Would anyone know?
Are they still made of two metals and mostly honed on on the hard steel side?It might be worth getting an Iwasaki kamisori, it is an absolute joy to use