Thread: Filarmonica 14 Especial Para Barbas Duras

I've come across many straight razors in my life. I've shaved, restored and seen many. I do hold a few that are amongst the best. Some with a nice history behind them, other just plain gems when it comes to the shaving qualities.

The Filarmonica 14 Especial Para Barbas Duras is amongst the most beautiful razors I have come across. This is off course a personal opinion. But that put aside there is no hiding that this razor shaves like some of the best.

Craftsmanship: We're talking lots of quality steel. 8/8 to be exact. It has a nice heft and lots of feedback when shaving. I consider it a 3/4 hollow. The tang is covered with a rubber grip which really helps keeping the razor in a tight dry grip when shaving. Beautiful but simple checkered spine with the wording 'Jose Monserrat Pou'. The blade has an elegant etching too. The only gripe I have with any of the Filarmonica razors are the cheap plastic scales. What were they thinking. Granted the finish and design of the scales is very nice but cheap flimsy plastic. At least the blade doesn't disappoint. On the contrary. It holds the crown with the best razors ever made.

The razor takes a very easy and sharp edge. Not the headache you get from some of the larger Friodurs and others.

Balance: Just perfect. It is extremely well balanced considering the plastic scales. A little bit more towards the blade since it's such a big piece of steel but it balances out perfectly once you start shaving.

Collectability: These are supposed to be about 50 years old. There is a sudden resurrection of Filarmonicas on the market. Partly because it's being hyped and partly because some are starting to realize these Filis are silent sleepers. Suddenly everyone wants one. Offer and demand.

Price: Prices for Filarmonicas have spiked recently. The Filarmonica 14 Especial Para Barbas Duras is a lot of steel and razor for the price you pay. These razors will also hold their value extremely well.

Basically I have only removed some minor points because of the cheap plastic scales. If not this razor would have gotten full credit.

Fields	Data
Manufacturer	Filarmonica
Region	Spain
Date	1950's
Size	8/8
Point	Square
Shoulder	1 stabilizer
Jimps	Other
Scales	Plastic
Steel	Carbon

Very nice review, Max.

I couldn't agree more. I have one just like yours, spike point and brown handle, and it's my favorite razor.

Nice review Max!!! What else should I mention about this razor! .. you have got to get one to know what we are talking about! Quote Blaireau: "(...)made from Toledo steel, the world's finest steel. It is the oldest steel in Europe dating back to about 700 AD. It is one of the greatest gifts that the Arabs gave to Spain. (...)"
..i'm suspicious, but this Fillys are something..unique!!! You got to LOVE them:)!

Totally agree with all above. I have this one with black scales. This is a very unique razor, despite it's size its by far the easiest razor to shave with in my collection. It's also very easy to hone and takes a fantastic sharp and smooth edge. Tip, if You have bought one and the rubber grip is kinda greyish, ArmorAll on a Q tip will bring it back to black.
Amund.

I have one too, with clearish candy apple red scales, the color reminds me of a swiss army knife. Its by far the best shaver I've got. They are somewhat expensive, looking at the prices on eBay now, thats why I brought it down a half notch from 10 on the overall evaluation but aside from that, they are fantastic. I really like the rubber grip, it helps with shaving, also with flipping the blade during stropping. Amund, thanks for the tip about the armor all on the grip.

Pete

With this razor being one of the best I've ever used, I have to agree with everybody above me. I marked 8 on cost because just because of the recent inflation but I got a deal of sorts on mine.

This thing shaves for itself. You barely need to interact with it other than to gently guide it around your face. I love it and I will never let it go.

Warning: dont put camellia oil on the rubber in the Barbas Duras! With time the rubber will get more flexible and start to get larger.. eventualy - like what hapenned to me - the rubber will get loose of the steel!.. maybe theres a better / gentle oil to the rubber.. my advise is just wash it and clean normaly with a towel..and only apply oil in the blade to protect!

Folks, the handles are cheap but I buy razors because of performance. I love honing mine and it delivers the shave of a lifetime. Honing it is a treat as I listen to it singing for me as I stroke it over the stones. I solved the issue of the rubber grip by cutting it off. Since I've done that, my Filly has an air of elegance and class. The etchings on the blade and along the top of the spine are in perfect good taste. Being of Spanish descent, I'm proud that this razor is receiving the acolades that it deserves in this august community...

How does this compare to the "double temple" max?

Gentlemen,
Many things have been said about this razor, some of it hyperbole. Opinions are quite personal and (like orifices) we all have our own to tend to. Here is mine.

Of all the razors I have dragged across my face in my 9 month straight shaving career, this is by far the easiest to hone and despite all the other factors in my shaving routine (i.e. lather, brush, prep, soap.. etc.) this razor consistently gives me better results than anything else, every time.

Results, I submit, are what matter in our field of inquiry. When the shave is over I stare dumbfounded at my mug, (after snapping the SOTD shot) not quite sure how I finished 10 minutes sooner and smoother than my other shaves. It just happens that way with the Especial.

I have purchased a lot of gear in the last 9 months, a lot of money sacrificed on the alter of finding the right combination for me. My method: if it doesn't work the first time (honing, lathering, shaving, etc...) ditch it. This razor works great, every time. As my own ability has improved, so too have my experiences with this razor. I can't even imagine what it will be like in 5 years but no doubt it will be fun and effortless.

I won't be ditching my other method approved razors because they each have their own characteristics and charm, different feels and feedback, but I certainly won't be parting with this one ever. It is the bench mark by which I can compare all my other shaves, while improving my appreciation and use of stropping and other razors as well!

Spend what you want, but shop (or trade) smart. Avoid getting this razor rescaled unless the originals are broken or gone, the balance is perfect as is. Enjoy many years of joyful shaving. I hope this review helps without pouring too much gasoline on the flames of desire.

"Your Miles May Vary" ~ anon.