Heljestrand MK No2

[aussie]

I have been offered a Heljestrand Mk No2 by a guy in Sweden. It appears to be in rather nice condition, and comes with a nice original coffin. He also offers a second Heljestrand. Neither razor is shave razor. Photos are attached.

So my question is what do you think would be a fair price for these? I have been thinking for the last month about my first Swedish razor. This might be a good opportunity.

 

[Polarbeard]

The No.2 is in fair condition, but not better than that. The other one is an example of what once was a razor before it was utterly destroyed. Go to eBay and search for the price of sold CVH No.2 razors to get a price indication. The other one is worth the price of 40 grams of recycled steel.

I'm sorry for being crude, but I don't want new straight razor shaver to get ripped off. It's a lovely journey and I don't want people to get a bad start.

Swedish razors aren't the best ones to start the journey with. They are hard to hone, often rather expensive and not the easiest to shave with. Then again after that you've had a couple of hundred shaves, and some honing experience, they become the sports cars of shaving.

There are plenty of Henckel Friodur razors in really good condition that are sold for reasonable prices. They are wonderful and very forgiving shavers. A beautiful and great first razor.

 

[aussie]

Hey there @Polarbeard and thanks for your input. It is much appreciated. I like your direct style.

I am not exactly new to straight razors, but probably not as experienced as you. I have been shaving with straights for four years, and most of that shaving has been with shavettes due to convenience. I am confident I can handle a Heljestrand. Honing one would be another matter.

I have a Henckels Friodur in 8/8 with enormous bone scales. I was drunk the first time I shaved with it and had no problem.

Thanks again.

 

[Polarbeard]

Thank, I was a bit ashamed. If you can handle a 8/8 Friodur while being drunk you have absolutely nothing to learn from me about shaving and a Heljestrand will be like a walk in the park. That unless it's a 32.

The No.2 is good for many more shaves, but it's not a first grade specimen. As your calipers show it's also a 4/8. I like 4/8 razors, actually it's my preferred size, but most people prefer 5/8. Heljestrand made such 5/8 razors with the model numbers 1, 3, 4, 7, 8 and the very sought for M.K. No.31. Basically they are all the same 5/8 blade.

 

[aussie]

Thanks again. So what is so special about Nos 31 & 32? Those calipers belong to the present owner. He's in Norway and I am in Australia.

 

[Polarbeard]

Thanks again. So what is so special about Nos 31 & 32? Those calipers belong to the present owner. He's in Norway and I am in Australia.

The 31 is a beautiful and extremely competent all round razor. The big brother the 32 is 6/8 and as mean as can be, but also the perfect shaver once mastered.

 

[aussie]

It is as mean as a Feather DX with a new Pro blade kind of mean? There is mean, and then there is mean.

 

[Polarbeard]

It is as mean as a Feather DX with a new Pro blade kind of mean? There is mean, and then there is mean.

There's nothing as mean as a DX with a new pro blade. The 32 is as close as it gets, but the result is better with a 32.

 

[aussie]

OK I have forgotten about those. I am wondering if you would mind giving me your thoughts on the following set of razors listed for sale in the B/S/T, @Polarbeard?

FS - A Few Straight Razors

The Wostenholme appears to have some pretty serious hone wear. I am wondering if that is worth my bother. The others look OK, but the left side of the Heljestrand seems to have something funny happening to the the bevel on the left side near the toe.

 

[Polarbeard]

Since it is honed by Alfredo Doc226 (The Master Honer) the edge will be good and the condition seems to be good enough.

 

[aussie]

Thanks @Polarbeard. I think a near wedge (Wostenholme) with such a wide bevel and hone wear might not be worth the bother, but the Henckels and the other look OK, don't you think?

 

[Polarbeard]

I do

 

[aussie]

Thanks again!