Thread: Hart Steel Razors?

Originally Posted by UKRob

The half round design is just ugly. Any decent razor will shave you well so why have an ugly one? There are better and cheaper options available.

That seems a bit harsh. Have you shaved with one?

Originally Posted by unit

That seems a bit harsh. Have you shaved with one?

Why is my comment harsh - the OP asked for opinions? Yes, I've shaved with one and it was no better or worse than many other razors I've tried. Much as I like your scales the round point looks better when the scales are closed - in my opinion.

The reasoning behind my comment is that razors are a tool - what we want is a tool that does the job well. So, given that a blade is capable of being honed and shaves well enough, our motivation for acquiring another one is based on aesthetics as much as anything else - I assume that you chose to make some different scales because you preferred them to the originals. For the same reason, I prefer other blades for their looks over the Hart round edge. I think this proves we are thinking along the same lines.

I have a Hart 7/8 square tip. It's a nice razor but if I were in the market for something new and willing to spend that much, I'd look at Theirs Issard. My Hart was a bitch to hone. In the end I used three layers of tape before it finally held a good edge. The one observation gssixgun mentioned about them being potentially chippy and harsh is correct. I enjoy a heavier grind so I do like that about the razor. And although they appear blunt in their design they feel very natural in your hand. But if I were to spend the money, I'd still opt for a TI. I simply prefer the edges, the feel, and the shaves I get from the half hollow TI.

Thanks for your opinions. You've made it easy to decide.

I own 7 of them and can't say a bad thing about them I also have a Tim Zowada 2H2H which is a fine Razor you can't go wrong with a Hart Steel or a 2H2H Tim helped train the AT's at Hart so either way you will get a great razor.

I ordered a hart razor earlier this week and I'm awaiting it's arrival. It's a 7/8 square point witn white scales. I'll let you know how it shaves.

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

I have a Hart 7/8 square tip. It's a nice razor but if I were in the market for something new and willing to spend that much, I'd look at Theirs Issard. My Hart was a bitch to hone. In the end I used three layers of tape before it finally held a good edge. The one observation gssixgun mentioned about them being potentially chippy and harsh is correct. I enjoy a heavier grind so I do like that about the razor. And although they appear blunt in their design they feel very natural in your hand. But if I were to spend the money, I'd still opt for a TI. I simply prefer the edges, the feel, and the shaves I get from the half hollow TI.

I agree with a lot of these points.

While I don't have a Hart, nor have ever gotten the chance to use one, I find they look extremely boring...ESPECIALLY for the price. For that price, I could indeed get a TI that would shave just as well and have more aesthetic choice than just picking which scales you want.

The main point that keeps me from wanting a Hart is the fact that for $100 more, I can get a custom razor and have it be exactly what I want in every way.
I don't see what's so special about them...yeah it's American made...big deal, so is a Robert Williams or a Brian Brown.
Any of the positive points that Glen brought up can be replicated by any custom razor maker.

Again, this is all the opinion and logic of someone who's never even held a Hart razor...so take it with a grain of salt!

Originally Posted by UKRob

Why is my comment harsh - the OP asked for opinions? Yes, I've shaved with one and it was no better or worse than many other razors I've tried. Much as I like your scales the round point looks better when the scales are closed - in my opinion.

The reasoning behind my comment is that razors are a tool - what we want is a tool that does the job well. So, given that a blade is capable of being honed and shaves well enough, our motivation for acquiring another one is based on aesthetics as much as anything else - I assume that you chose to make some different scales because you preferred them to the originals. For the same reason, I prefer other blades for their looks over the Hart round edge. I think this proves we are thinking along the same lines.

Aesthetics are very much in the eye of the beholder. I love round toe razors. Almost all of the many razors I have are square points, so a nice big round point razor is a fun change of pace. For me it's not a matter of safety. I've found I can do a nice job on my earlobe with a round point just as easily as I can with a spike. The shape, and its recent comparative rarity, just appeals to my eye.

Originally Posted by ace

Aesthetics are very much in the eye of the beholder.

I really REALLY agree. What is more, I feel that it is unbecoming of a gentleman to speak ill of another man's choice. Just my 2 cents....

Originally Posted by unit

I really REALLY agree. What is more, I feel that it is unbecoming of a gentleman to speak ill of another man's choice. Just my 2 cents....

Whoa, wait one. Opinions were called for and were give. I own many round point razors, though not a Hart brand, and would and did not take offense. It is only just a razor after all.

Bob