Best Straight Razor in the World

So lately I have been hearing a lot about the filarmonica 14 and how its edge is fantastic. I myself have a smiling custom from Jacques but am wanting to get an equally nice and fulfilling semi or full hollow ground razor to add to my collection. Recommendations? Post your favorite straight razor, what type of grind it is, and what about it is why its your favorite.
I'll go first. I love my Jacques custom smiling wedge because the edge could circumcise a gnat but its very forgiving when doing my jawline and what not.

Filarmonica 14 especial hollow ground... only 2nd gen I've ever seen with this etching

Wow, that is a beauty. Why do you love it so much?

Heespharm said:

Filarmonica 14 especial hollow ground... only 2nd gen I've ever seen with this etching

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Only 2nd gen with this etching I've seen that's why

What do you guys think of no folding straight razors?

I actually am looking into getting a Japanese Kamisori at the present time. Half the time that is how I hold my straight razor anyhow so it seemed logical to me.

BLOU said:

What do you guys think of no folding straight razors?

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Oh yea, that does make sense.....super rare is a reason to love something. Well, as I said before, its a beauty. I am looking into Pumas, Filas, and dorkos at the moment.

Heespharm said:

Only 2nd gen with this etching I've seen that's why

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As far as I know, those are referred to as Kamisori unless there is another name for a non folding straight razor.

BLOU said:

What do you guys think of no folding straight razors?

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The Fontenille Radium was branded as being the best razor in the world.
I do not disagree.

The shaves from this re-branded "Bangall," a $35 eBay mistake, put all of my other "fancy" razors to shame:

Quite a looker, no?

They tend to all shave great if the steel is good, the bevel angle is optimal, and the honing was done well.

Lmarkow said:

The shaves from this re-branded "Bangall," a $35 eBay mistake, put all of my other "fancy" razors to shame:
View attachment 697726
Quite a looker, no?

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True. My most recent Bengall is one of my current faves as well. They are a solid razor.

I don't think there is a best. It is like trying to choose the best girl in the world. Hopefully you will one day find her, but you don't want to rush through the selection process.

Neat grind on that one, David, but you need to get some homemade turtle scales! lol

Lmarkow said:

Neat grind on that one, David, but you need to get some homemade turtle scales! lol

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But... it took me so long to catch that elephant! I'll go turtle hunting this weekend.

Lmarkow said:

The shaves from this re-branded "Bangall," a $35 eBay mistake, put all of my other "fancy" razors to shame:
View attachment 697726
Quite a looker, no?

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Very much so!

Looks a bit like my H. Hoppe, but you have some very nice scales.

I love the sunburst etching.....fantastic!

totorlekiller said:

The Fontenille Radium was branded as being the best razor in the world.
I do not disagree.
View attachment 697710

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Oddly enough a bengall was my first razor......absolutely love it but for some reason, loved to bite me a lot.

Legion said:

True. My most recent Bengall is one of my current faves as well. They are a solid razor.

I don't think there is a best. It is like trying to choose the best girl in the world. Hopefully you will one day find her, but you don't want to rush through the selection process.

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love this one too....the scales are gorgeous.....35 bucks...you lucky dog you.

Lmarkow said:

The shaves from this re-branded "Bangall," a $35 eBay mistake, put all of my other "fancy" razors to shame:
View attachment 697726
Quite a looker, no?

Click to expand...

I think any straight that's honed properly can give one a great shave if you do your part and prep with good lather and pre-shave if you do the pre-shave but as far as what makes it the "Best in the World" i believe it's how it looks and feels in you hand.

I have several pretty razors like this Wacker that give me a great shave and it's beautiful as well:



But then I have this "Plain Jane Ben Hur" that was gifted to me that shaves just as well as alot of those expensive razors:



But don't get me started on Filarmonica as they are in a class by themselves:

I'd say the one in my hand. if you love your wedge, I'd say any big (7-8/8) full or extra hollow. Fili 14s are just a bit above the rest and special, regardless of their etches. they are about as hollow as it gets. just try to stay away from their newest, because the QC fell off. not sure which generation that was, but pre-70s for sure.