When it comes to Heljestrand razors I've got, or have had, most of them. There's however been one exception; I've never owned a 7/8 Heljestrand. This is due to that they are very uncommon and mostly extremely expensive. According to what I've managed to pick up it was the new owner of Heljestrand, Magnus Kindal, that in the 1920's wanted to make a 7/8 thumb notch razor for export to the USA. The craftsmen in Eskilstuna protested, why? who would ever want such a large razor? it would be very unpractical, a stupid idea! However they did produce a test series of a thumb notch razor stamped with "No.12" that was to be sold domestically in Sweden. It was an utter failure. The Swedes prefered 4/8 to 5/8 razors. This didn't deter Kindal who ordered the production of a refined version called M.K. (Magnus Kindal) No.33 for the export market, primarily the USA. It was an expensive razor that never sold in larger volumes so post WWII it was replaced by the 130 series and later the 140 series. I've also seen 7/8 Heljestrand razors made in the 1970's with names like "Ken".
Last week I won an auction, by a seller in Eskilstuna. It was for a NOS Heljestrand No.12. It's got minor pitting as you can see below, but it's definitely never been used. I'll wait some time before I decide if I'm to polish away the pitting or not. It wouldn't be difficult, but I've been searching for a razor like this one for nearly a decade and I'd be heartbroken if I damaged it. I've restored and polished very many razors, but they've all been replaceable.
I saw a table where the No.12 was noted as 7/8 half hollow. That is wrong. It is 7/8, but it's also among the most hollow blades I've ever seen. So like any polar bear could tell you if you just wait patiently sooner or later a really fat seal will come up to you to inspect your teeth. The razor cost me a pretty penny, but it still was less than I'd have to pay for any modern high quality 7/8 full hollow razor.
Now I've only got two items left on my razor list; a Zowada with a thumb notch and black scales and a NOS Puma 1938 6/8. To be totally honest though this one was far more important to me and I'd given up every hope to ever get one.
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congrats on the acquisition of an "unobtanium." shes a beaut......I'd leave it as is if it were me.......but I'm a newb to the SR world.
camo