Thread: money money money

i have a quick question that i can't find a definite answer for. besides $200 what is the difference between a $100 razor and a $300 razor if shaving this way works out for me i want to get a heart steel razor they're just so darn pretty.

Bragging rights? I use a 19 dollar razor so hardy harr harrr!

Functionally, my Hart Steel isn't much different than any other 1/4 hollow 6/8. It's a harder stainless steel than you'd probably find in a vintage blade of the same characteristics, which I think I can feel, but I bought it because it's new and I like it. At the time, I just wanted something that no one had unevenly honed or jury rigged because I had been using old fixer-uppers. Of course, not all vintage razors are fixer-uppers, so YMMV.

Buy a $100 Dovo and use it for 6 mos.Than you will know the answere.

what does YMMV stand for?

Your mileage may vary

Originally Posted by Bluerain

i have a quick question that i can't find a definite answer for. besides $200 what is the difference between a $100 razor and a $300 razor if shaving this way works out for me i want to get a heart steel razor they're just so darn pretty.

This is a good question... and it has three or four correct answers.

* Inspection... My first new razor back in the day was a second. The inspector saw something less than ideal
and whacked the tang with "second". It is still a good razor and I still use it forty years later.

* Scale material. Plastic, bone, horn, wood, exotic wood, all look different and have different results.

* polish the best polish takes time, time costs.

* etching, gold, file work on the spine, it all takes time and when done right is very pleasing.

* steel, there are differences most steel has additions that are less than ideal for razors.
steel for knives does well with carbide forming additions, not so razors. The best
razor steel has small markets and can be expensive or hard to find.

* hardening+tempering how, how well. Too hard and the edge chips, cracks and is hard to hone,
too soft and it will not hold an edge. With modern tools and some care this is almost easy
today, Before thermocouples and modern instruments not so easy... Lead baths, molten salts.
factory secrets, trained eyes, master craftsmen, dominated old school and still do to some degree.

* Darn pretty costs extra.

In my opinion if you cannot tell the difference do not pay for it on a name brand. Spend the
difference on a better strop and a professional honing.


And yes you will end up with an expensive razor or two when all is said and done.

thanks for the good detailed answer niftyshaving its just that out of all the razors iv seen on the web the hart steel have that old american woodsman look they don't look so frilly i like that also love the emblem on the thiers-issard sheffeld silver steel black horn $269.48 regardless of the one i might get ill be saving up for a loooong while before i can get one. really wanting to see or feel the difference one day for myself

Where do you live? There may be a senior member nearby willing to show off his collection

Originally Posted by Bluerain

i have a quick question that i can't find a definite answer for. besides $200 what is the difference between a $100 razor and a $300 razor if shaving this way works out for me i want to get a heart steel razor they're just so darn pretty.

I work with a guy that uses disposable Bic razors...and he uses them for 6-months before replacing one (I have no idea how he does it...his face must be like kevlar). Anyway, to him your $100 razor is excessive extravagance.

Personally I enjoy my Hart immensely and want another to rotate in.

Value is in the eye of the beholder. It is your life...enjoy it the way you see fit!

The Hart is a well made shaver IMO, but only you can say if it is worth the 2 extra bills.