Thread: Is it too soon for nice steel?

My first razor was a TI 6/8s. Luckily I didn't ruin it.

I would recommend a vintage razor from our classifieds you know will be shave ready and not break the bank and will still be a quality piece.

I recently got a Hart and though kind of shave ready it really needed some hone work.

I am a big fan of guys buying "quality" (read new or expensive) right out of the gate. Straight razor shaving takes a bit of commitment, and nothing motivates an individual to get over the hump like knowing they sunk a whole bunch of cash into the "project."

The added benefit is that if those individuals find that it really isn't for them or aren't willing to get over said hump... us poor dudes can buy quality stuff at discounted rates lol!

But I guess the bottom line is... like anything - if you love your tools, you'll love the job that much more too!

I like the look of a square point too. Like Bill, and others, I have both and shave with both equally well. If you go with the square point just pay attention to where the point is at all times when you're actually shaving. Especially in front of the ear lobe. I've let my mind wander a few times and gotten bit on that spot. IMO the Hart would be a good choice but like TBS said, so would a vintage out of the classifieds. You can't go wrong either way IMHO.

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys.

I actually have a few vintage razors already (4 to be honest...and I have shaved with 3 of them...the astute observer will realize I have only used one razor twice at this point)

I love vintage razors, 3 of mine were purchased from a friend's estate...I would like to have some new steel to pass on in my estate, and I want something good (but no so good that I fear actually using it) to pass on to my boys (so, yeah, this will be the first of at least 3 probably).

I was going to say i never considered my vintage razors as not nice steel. I see you do have a few vintage. All I would say is don't expect a tremendously better shave with a brand new blade. I have one brand new one and it shaves as well or badly as the vintage ones. I have both square and round point and I have been bitten twice in two different spots by a\two different square points. Pay very close attention when using a square point. That aside, nothing wrong with going for a brand new blade that is all your own.

Bob

Bob,
Thanks. I consider my vintage razors to be fine razors. I like them very much (but they do need some slab work though).

I am not expecting a better shave from a new razor, but I hope I find that I enjoy the shave more with a heavier and less hollow blade...only one way to determine that The only one I have that is not extra hollow is a very shallow profile (perhaps 3-4/8). I love it, but it does not answer the questions I have about a more chunky blade in a 6/8...or perhaps 7/8.

The reality is that I will probably rotate razors. I have already shown that trend. I am a tinkerer and a tester...anyone that knows me from the knife forums knows I am constantly dinking with things trying to make them perform better. At this stage of the shaving game, I am acquiring knowledge and experience and I think I will be happier buying some variants to play around/experiment with.

Unit

I was being a little tongue in cheek about my vintage razors but I understand fully why you want a brand new razor. You might just find you will really like a 6/8 with a slightly heavier grind. The new one that I got was a 6/8 full hollow but it has some weight behind it, heavier spine maybe? Others have said the key to liking full hollows and smaller blades is the they have to be very sharp. I am thinking that is true from my experience. Anyway, you are right, the only way to tell for sure is to try one. When you do go for it be sure and let us know your impressions.

Bob

A man needs variety, so yes...if you have the spare funds go for it. This veteran shaver prefers 6/8-7/8 square points, but I do have a few round points too. Find some shavers close to you and I'd be willing you will see something in their collection you haven't shaved with. Just keep in mind that it is you who must be satisfied, so asking an opinion on "what to get" is like asking what type of vehicle should I buy...I prefer a Suburban or Yukon XL 4x4 with the 6.0...you will get 10 jillion answers. Now for the facts: Hart makes a fine razor and if you decide you don't like you can always move it on the classifieds & find something else to try.

It's a never ending adventure...enjoy the ride!

If you go with a Hart, or anything else for that matter, go with the one that has jimps on the tang. Makes it so much easier to have a positive grip IME. I have them with and without but I vastly prefer them with jimps. IMO they are worth the extra $.

Actually my first razor is a Hart. They are nice utilitarian shavers.