If the 14 is too big, why not get a 13?
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Filarmonica sold round point versions too, although I remember reading an opinion that those were primarily for export. But most of them, and most of the other 14s, were square. The single stabilizer seemed to be common to all.Unfortunately I don't have comparison photos at hand, but basically it is a 7/8ths - 8/8ths blade, longer than most razors, very thin grids and quite square. Square points. That's the similarities I have found between all of them.
From what I understand, and I may be wrong, it was used to denote the 7/8ths-8/8ths sized production razors in the days before custom makers.
There was one on the auction site last week.Meantime, I am mumbling under my breath a fervent prayer that no one posts a pristine Juan Vollmer Palmera 14 in BST while I'm awake.
No gold
The long-term maintenance is the clincher for me too. It can be beautiful but the long and the short is I want a well made traditional tool to scrape hair off. If I was a collector Matt would have sold out on that Oster and a few others lately!I too prefer a naked blade, polished or crocus but brushed or satin OK.
I don't like gold from a lifetime maintenance standpoint, so fragile and sometimes moldy looking when deteriorating. A nice strong etching is often durable and artistic. BUT ... I dislike the feel of deep etching on my face. Boy was I surprised that it would even be noticeable. Maybe my cheeks pooch out or my pressure is Way Too High. Either way, what a wimp I prefer the silky soft feel of gold (or the aforementioned crocus or polished finish) despite the many drawbacks of gold.
Enamaled is somewhere in between I imagine. I think I have maybe two that are enameled and I recall noticing face feel but not hating it.
I started with a 6/8" round point Ralf Aust. (Some recommended the 5/8" for a newbie but I was up for the challenge). I bought quite a few Japanese razors in the 5/8" and 6/8" range. And then I dipped my toe into the Filarmonica world with a Medallon Taurino 13. Once I moved to the Filly 14's, it was hard to go back to 13's. The architecture of a Filarmonica 14, especially the first generation ones is just perfect. The second-generation Novodur 14's are also superb.Many people start off with a 5/8" round tip straight razor. Many vintage razors are 5/8" and modern straight razors of that width tend to be less expensive. However, many who use straight razors tend to favor 6/8 - 7/8" razors. It is much easier to judge the blade angle with the wider width and the heavier weight provides some stability in the hand. Once you get beyond 7/8", the weight of the razor increased significantly and it is more difficult to shave tight spots.
When I first started out, I thought the Filarmonica 14's were ridiculously expensive. (Actually, wet-shavers have beenAny other brands/makers/names I should look for tomorrow. I might have to acquire a No. 14 Fillarmonica that I keep hearing about, though I'm a sucker for a Spanish or especially French point.
One golden rule when buying Filarmonica - If it doesn't say Jose Monserat Pou on the tang, don't buy it! The reason for that is because the last generation, made by questionable makers, doesn't have it, and I have read some really bad reports from them.I might have to acquire a No. 14 Fillarmonica
One golden rule when buying Filarmonica - If it doesn't say Jose Monserat Pou on the tang, don't buy it! The reason for that is because the last generation, made by questionable makers, doesn't have it, and I have read some really bad reports from them.
Obviously the rest is up to you as far as the condition go. User-grade Fili 14's can be found at reasonable prices, <$200 (most of mine are user grade) and they will shave as good as a new one.
New old stock in mint condition can be very pricey >$350
The other thing to watch for apart from the usual when looking at vintage razors, is cracking. I have seen quite a few with cracks and it's not something I would buy.
I would rather buy a honest blade, showing corrosion and watermarks, than a restored, shiny one with all the etching removed. Again the reason for that is you don't know if the person restoring it had it on a buffer and may have over-heated it spoiling the heat-treatment.
That's remarkable razors!There is at least one exception to that golden rule.
Lordy is it ever appreciated. One of my Desert Island razors for sure. It took more than one offer (and I think a month or so between them) before I got one accepted. Still a shock to the wallet but I'm enjoying it now and when I'm dead I won't care.@haggis has a beauty that I made an offer on which was declined. At least it went to a good home where I am sure it will be appreciated.