Post Shave: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Aftershave
Post Shave: Thayers - Rose - Toner
Fragrance: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Eau de Parfum
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Today I decided to “let the big dog eat” [which, oddly, is a phrase used by golfers]. The Koraat 14-2.0 is just the best Filarmonica 14 you can get. It is made with exceptional craftsmanship just like you want it. I took my time this morning and enjoyed the shaving experience. The edge feels amazingly light considering the razor’s size, and you have more perception of cutting from the sound it makes than from cutting resistance. The edge just slides through hair. I can’t imagine a more comfortable shave, and this one is so close I have a bit of fear there will be no stubble to shave tomorrow.
I don’t think so in terms of the shave quality, but we are both lucky to have good examples of Fili 14s. It is hit or miss with vintage razors.
I think Ulrik goes out of his way to source “silversteel” that is the same composition as the Filarmónica razors. He has the advantage, though, of being able to use modern, digitally controlled tempering and has access to precision tools and abrasives that were not available in the early to middle 20th century. All this leads me to believe that variability in 14-2.0 blade dimensions is quite small. And, he will build you a razor with the options you want; though I don’t think he’ll do gold wash/gold etching.
I wonder how much of a difference it really makes tempering blades with 1960s analog control vs today’s digital control furnace.
Perhaps no difference. Tempering can be done by the color of the steel, and an attentive artisan could mimic the temperature controlled oven. My assumption is that using the modern tools offers improved consistency at the very least.
This isn’t sustainable 😅
No it isn’t, but it’s fun while it lasts. I’ve considered the Palmera 14, but hadn’t thought about the Böker. In fact, I own a Böker knife but not a razor. Clearly that needs a remedy 😉
September 8, 2023
Brush: Elite Razor Neo-resinate 26mm Mother Lode
Razor: Koraat 14-2.0 8/8" Full Hollow (Straight Shave 320)
Lather: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Soap
Post Shave: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Aftershave
Post Shave: Thayers - Rose - Toner
Fragrance: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Eau de Parfum
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Today I decided to “let the big dog eat” [which, oddly, is a phrase used by golfers]. The Koraat 14-2.0 is just the best Filarmonica 14 you can get. It is made with exceptional craftsmanship just like you want it. I took my time this morning and enjoyed the shaving experience. The edge feels amazingly light considering the razor’s size, and you have more perception of cutting from the sound it makes than from cutting resistance. The edge just slides through hair. I can’t imagine a more comfortable shave, and this one is so close I have a bit of fear there will be no stubble to shave tomorrow.
Better than an actual Filarmónica 14?
I don’t think so in terms of the shave quality, but we are both lucky to have good examples of Fili 14s. It is hit or miss with vintage razors.
I think Ulrik goes out of his way to source “silversteel” that is the same composition as the Filarmónica razors. He has the advantage, though, of being able to use modern, digitally controlled tempering and has access to precision tools and abrasives that were not available in the early to middle 20th century. All this leads me to believe that variability in 14-2.0 blade dimensions is quite small. And, he will build you a razor with the options you want; though I don’t think he’ll do gold wash/gold etching.
Mhm, I wonder how much of a difference it really makes tempering blades with 1960s analog control vs today’s digital control furnace.
Now I want to get a Koraat 14 2.00 a Böker 14er, a Palmera 14 and compare them all. This isn’t sustainable 😅
Perhaps no difference. Tempering can be done by the color of the steel, and an attentive artisan could mimic the temperature controlled oven. My assumption is that using the modern tools offers improved consistency at the very least.
No it isn’t, but it’s fun while it lasts. I’ve considered the Palmera 14, but hadn’t thought about the Böker. In fact, I own a Böker knife but not a razor. Clearly that needs a remedy 😉