Thread: Hart Steel

Anyone know anything about these razors? How do they compare to TI, or Boker?

Thanks!

They are a quality razor that a lot of people really like. Kind of a no frills type razor. A lot different than the TI and Boker you are looking at. They are great looking razors nonetheless and are great shavers from what other members have said. The search bar will bring up a lot of info on these razors as well

This is a link to one of the threads started by Tim Zowada, a custom razor maker who helped Hart get started. He outlines basically what Hart is about and how they are made.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/vendo...el-razors.html

I have a 7/8 Square point from HART Steel. My only complaint is the shank is unusually large compared to most straights even of the same size. When stropping I usually am much slower because it feels awkward on the flip. Is it my favorite.... no, is it a great shaver yes. I don't think you can go wrong if this will be one of your first razors, I think it's all in what you get use to.

Personally I think they are missing a trick by not offering up the Hart razor with a full hollow grind I'm sure this would attract many more possible buyers, as I for one don't care much for heavy grinds such as the Hart razors have.

I just replied to your other thread, looks like you are considering one of three razors? I have two Harts, a 6/8 round point and a 7/8 square point. I like them just as much as the two TI's that I have, and I use them all just as much as the others. The steel used by Hart is 0-1 tool steel, and the grind and dimensions of the razor make them heavier than the TI's. Other than that, both TI's and Harts are excellent shavers, so long as the edges are dialed in, which, really, is true of any real straight razor. I enjoy using the Harts, and I enjoy using the TI's.

As far as looks, I do love the look and heftiness of the Harts, especially the 7/8 square point. I also like the finesse of the TI's (one ram's horn, the other blonde horn scales).

As I recall Classic Shaving was involved in their initial operations and kind of set them up.

I have one and it's a heavy, plain razor they shaves quite well. I think it's a bit on the expensive side for what you get but that's strictly my opinion.

They have many fans.

I'll add a few questions to the discussion. For me the Hart ⅝ round point was my first straight, and the first one I've been using to learn the technique. I also have a Ralf Aust and a TI both in full hollow grind, but have not used them yet. I do find it hard to shave with the Hart. My skin irritate quickly, the burning sensation lasts a long time, not to speak about my neck area which is like combat zone. It got so bad that I've had to put it down and revert back to a DE to let things heal up. How am I supposed to gage the difference between a full hollow and a ¼ hollow grind? Is there a remarkable difference in feel? Although I need to shave every day, I do not have a very heavy beard growth, therefore, all things being equal, would a full hollow be more appropriate and feel better than my current experience? I think it's my technique, but I could be missing something, the skipping and tugging is not good, and in general, the razor burns as I shave, regardless of the cheeks or the neck. Angles plays a role, and I'm learning that, but could the grind not be suited?

[QUOTE=rpaduano;1323707. I do find it hard to shave with the Hart. My skin irritate quickly, the burning sensation lasts a long time, not to speak about my neck area which is like combat zone. ?[/QUOTE]

You might try getting your Hart honed. I had to hone mine up when I got it. After I found what works for my Hart, it shaves effortlessly. No discomfort.

Originally Posted by Chugach68

You might try getting your Hart honed. I had to hone mine up when I got it. After I found what works for my Hart, it shaves effortlessly. No discomfort.

Mine came "ready to hone", regardless of any claim to the contrary by Hartsteel. I like the simple unadorned look but feel that I may have better spent that much money on something else.

For a minute Hart Steel seemed to be having some problems with their forging process (aside from the (not) "shave-ready" debate...). Some horror stories out there about the edge crumbling on the hones, and folks not being able to even set a bevel. That being said, Mine is a delight and I love it. Delivers consistently fantastic shaves. Like butta. Looks like a killing machine, shaves like a mother's caress. I couldn't say if it was shave ready or not when I got it...it came from Baxter of California and I just assumed it wasn't and it went straight to the hones.