Thread: Hart Steel Razors?

I've been mulling the purchase of a Hart Steel razor. Does anyone here own one? What's your opinion of it?

Thanks in advance.

I do not own one as of yet but I have honed a good number of them. Big, beefy and very nice IMO. Nice size, weight, balance and they take a nice edge, very masculine looks.

+1 on everything nun2sharp said. I bought one about 6 months ago and it is definitely one of my favorites, plus its made right here in the U. S. of A! Mine has held its edge better than my other Dovo's, W&B's and Wackers. I prefer a quarter grind which is what Hart is. I own the 7/8 square point. I suggest reading the info on their website about their process.

I've become a huge fan of the Hart Razor. Was on the fence for a while - got a chance to try a 7/8 Square of a friends and in rapid succession found a 6/8 Square Baxter-Hart and a 7/8 Satin Square.
If you like a heavier, 1/4 ground blade you would not be disappointed.

As to holding an edge - I don't have anything (German, English, French, USA, custom) that comes close.

My only negative would be the Round point versions - which seem to be a full half circle - but then I have a mustache - so that intersection of the bottom of my nose and the top of the 'stash can get crowded.

Wayne,

I don't own one but I have honed quite a few of them, here are my opinions

The negatives:

1. The smiles are iffy at best, they are often off center and it takes some doing to move them around.
2. The steel can be pretty chippy
3. Using 2 layers of tape eliminates many problems
4. I would honestly not want to hone one without tape
5. Without some care with honing they shave very harsh
6. I hate the screws that hold them together HATE them, damn things always come here loose as hell

The positives:

1. 1/4 hollow grind
2. Heavy stiff blade
3. Holds a great edge if honed right
4. Well balanced
5. Made in the USA

JMHO:
I actually like their scales, I know surprising but I do, except those damn screws

I wonder if some low strength lok-tite would solve the screw problem??

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Wayne,

I don't own one but I have honed quite a few of them, here are my opinions

The negatives:

1. The smiles are iffy at best, they are often off center and it takes some doing to move them around.
2. The steel can be pretty chippy
3. Using 2 layers of tape eliminates many problems
4. I would honestly not want to hone one without tape
5. Without some care with honing they shave very harsh
6. I hate the screws that hold them together HATE them, damn things always come here loose as hell

The positives:

1. 1/4 hollow grind
2. Heavy stiff blade
3. Holds a great edge if honed right
4. Well balanced
5. Made in the USA

JMHO:
I actually like their scales, I know surprising but I do, except those damn screws

Wow. I have two, a 6/8 round point and 7/8 square point. I have honed them both. The two I have hone like any other razor, and I finish and touch-up my razors on a Naniwa 12k. They shave excellent, smooth-no harshness, and hold an edge very well when properly stropped. One was honed with tape, the other without, and I can't tell any difference between the two as far as feel and effectiveness of shaving. I recommend them, they are great razors that seem like they should last my lifetime. Oh, I tightened the screws when I first got them, and they stay tight, no problemo.

I bored the holes in my scales just enough that the bushing does not bind and the screws do not loosen on me any more.

I would not recommend thread locker unless you are ok with the possibility that you may not be able to take it back apart without modification. If the bushing/nut does not bind and spins freely as it should, you may not be able to loosen the screw once the compound sets.

Personally, I like these razors and have very little issue with the edges/maintenance/honing. That said, I really enjoy working with some of the modern steels and particularly enjoy higher hardness in a razor. Opinions vary, but I like them.

Wow, I too have nothing but praise for the Hart. It hones to a great edge and is the smothest shaver I have; far better than even my Wade. It holds the edge longer than my others too. I hone it about once every 3 monts with daily use.

I have the 6/8" round nose and I like the heavy 1/4 hollow. I call it my "safety" straight because I never cut myself with it whereas my full hollows bite me all the time. Actually, I cut myself more with a DE than I do the Hart. Maybe it's because I have big hands and the Hart is a big razor.

Would I buy another Hart? In a quick minute! And, it is made in the USA. Their customer service is great too.

P.S.- My only complaint with the Hart is like sixgun says, that screw keeps loosening. But hey, that's minor.

Originally Posted by jbtusa

My only complaint with the Hart is like sixgun says, that screw keeps loosening. But hey, that's minor.

If you contact them, they will likely help you out/fix the problem. They told me that binding in the scale hole is the problem. When I made my scales, I kept this in mind.

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