Got a Filarmonica as a gift.

[Shogan]

This is my first straight razor. He got it for me because he saw my growing interest in them. He bought it from someone in Spain, and it was shipped from Barcelona. I've been using DE blades for a little over a year and have been wanting to make a transition. The only thing is this has NO edge whatsoever. I couldn't even cut a banana with it. So where should I get it honed for the first time? I haven't a clue. I live in the NYC area, and was wondering if anyone on here is from around there and could hone for me? Or does anyone know someone who could? Also, I know hardly anything about straight edge's and haven't a clue if this is authentic. I know it's an earlier model from looking around the internet.

Any and all info would be greatly appreciated!

-Sean

 

[Doc226]

WOW, very nice razor. I have one and they are fantastic shavers, they take on quite an edge.

The problem with starting with such a beauty is no where to go but down-LOL

Looks authentic for sure.

You will love it.

 

[Raithskar]

That is one hell of a Friend Sir. Congrats! I would be happy to hone it for you. Send me a PM if you are interested.

 

[hig789]

WOW, very nice razor. I have one and they are fantastic shavers, they take on quite an edge.

The problem with starting with such a beauty is no where to go but down-LOL

Or up to a full blown custom...

 

[Obiwan]

Wonderful razor. Congrats!

 

[Alum of Potash]

That is a very nice razor. I would love to have a no. 14. Apart from establishing a new edge (probably best to send it out to someone who can hone it for you for starters), it looks like there's a crack on the scales where the non-pivot pin is. So the scales will probably also need to be replaced. This is normal though, for a used razor like this, and not a big deal.

 

[life2short1971]

It looks like someone breadknifed it for whatever reason. All that means is it will take some extra time to put an edge on it but it is a very fine gift. Congrats. Couldn't ask for a better shaver.

 

[lindyhop66]

Gamma lives in Brooklyn. He may be willing to hone it for you. Send him a PM. He's a nice guy.

 

[BakerAndBadger]

Who is "he", that's what I'd like to know! Another case of the love that dares not speak its name?

Cool pressie sr by the way.

 

[P Funk]

That's one heckuva friend you have.

 

[Shogan]

That is a very nice razor. I would love to have a no. 14. Apart from establishing a new edge (probably best to send it out to someone who can hone it for you for starters), it looks like there's a crack on the scales where the non-pivot pin is. So the scales will probably also need to be replaced. This is normal though, for a used razor like this, and not a big deal.

Yeah, the scale is cracked a bit, and feels a bit sensitive. Anyone that you know on this forum that will do re-scaling? Or do you think that is something that I could attampt myself if I were to buy new scales? I'm extremely excited to be getting into this for shaving purposes , and for hobby purposes. Maybe my first razor, and one on this level, should be done by someone with much more skilled hands and knowledge?

 

[Doc226]

Fili's are great shavers, very nice steel, the crappiest scales I can imagine. I thing GD might have better scales. I have to rescale mine, just have not gotten around to it.

 

[paco664]

like doc said... fili's are awesome with crappy scales....

i have one... and one on the way...

 

[Alum of Potash]

Yeah, the scale is cracked a bit, and feels a bit sensitive. Anyone that you know on this forum that will do re-scaling? Or do you think that is something that I could attampt myself if I were to buy new scales? I'm extremely excited to be getting into this for shaving purposes , and for hobby purposes. Maybe my first razor, and one on this level, should be done by someone with much more skilled hands and knowledge?

Replacing scales is not all that difficult compared to honing, which has a learning curve to it. Basically, to rescale in a minimal fashion, you would need a set of replacement scales, pin(s), and washer(s) to match (a number of sites sell these); a small file to remove the original pivot pin; a power drill to drill the new pivot pin holes (I use the old scale as a template to do this); a small set of wire-cutters to cut off excess protrusion of the replacement pin; a small ball-and-peen hammer (~4 oz.); and an "anvil" (this can be any thick piece of steel actually). There must be a wiki here on the process somewhere. It's been discussed a million times or more...

In rereading your OP, where you say you would like to find a honer in the NYC area, I agree with the above advice to contact Gamma for honing, if he would be interested. He's helped me a lot, via PMs, and might also be able to set you up with a new set of scales if that's the way you want to take things. If it's your first time with a straight, I would advise having someone else rescale for starters, since there is a small investment in equipment involved, and you need to at least try straight-razor shaving first, to see if it's for you or not. But really, fixing up a Filly is worth it!

 

[Champion of Capua]

This reminds me to get new friends.
Congrats on the razor as well, should clean up real nice.

 

[Shogan]

Replacing scales is not all that difficult compared to honing, which has a learning curve to it. Basically, to rescale in a minimal fashion, you would need a set of replacement scales, pin(s), and washer(s) to match (a number of sites sell these); a small file to remove the original pivot pin; a power drill to drill the new pivot pin holes (I use the old scale as a template to do this); a small set of wire-cutters to cut off excess protrusion of the replacement pin; a small ball-and-peen hammer (~4 oz.); and an "anvil" (this can be any thick piece of steel actually). There must be a wiki here on the process somewhere. It's been discussed a million times or more...

In rereading your OP, where you say you would like to find a honer in the NYC area, I agree with the above advice to contact Gamma for honing, if he would be interested. He's helped me a lot, via PMs, and might also be able to set you up with a new set of scales if that's the way you want to take things. If it's your first time with a straight, I would advise having someone else rescale for starters, since there is a small investment in equipment involved, and you need to at least try straight-razor shaving first, to see if it's for you or not. But really, fixing up a Filly is worth it!

Well, all that equipment seemed kind of like a headache to me when I read it all off....maybe i'll let the pro's stick to it for a while.

I contacted Gamma earlier today asking if he would be able to hone it for me. Still waiting for his PM back, but i'm in no real hurry. I'm very excited to be getting closer to using this!

 

[Shogan]

WOW, very nice razor. I have one and they are fantastic shavers, they take on quite an edge.

The problem with starting with such a beauty is no where to go but down-LOL

Looks authentic for sure.

You will love it.

So I've heard! I'm very, very excited to get it all honed and ready for use!

 

[drathgeb]

Great razor for a starter. I need to get myself a Fili

 

[Marco]

Great looking blade for sure! Is it only my impression or the Gold wash is starting to fade?

 

[Shogan]

Great looking blade for sure! Is it only my impression or the Gold wash is starting to fade?

It came without the gold washing on it. Don't think it was ever applied. All the other inscriptions are pretty much perfect, with hardly any wear on it.