My impression of my new Hart Steel 6/8

So I finally broke down and bought a Hart Razor after admiring them for months- I saw one on the exchange and couldn't resist. It is a 6/8 satin finish square point with rosewood scales.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4...psd9nbg63i.jpg

First off, this is not a dainty razor! It is heavy and quite stout, and the grind is almost a full wedge. The scales are stunning two color wood, and are one solid piece. The finish is quite nice all around, and the build quality overall is very impressive.
I shaved with it tonight, and it shaves very nicely! I did a two pass shave and the balance is good even though the weight is more than I am used to.
Overall, I am very impressed! I might have to pick up a 7/8 now just for comparative purposes:)

A quality heavy grind (Hart is certainly one) is not for everyone, but its a joy for more guys than usually get to try one. Its one reason I hope Scott over at Portland Razor keeps doing well. 'Way more affordable than any other new production I'm aware of.

I just visited Portland razor co, and am trying to decide on which one I want! This is all your fault:)

Nice Hart you have there Ernie!

Very nice razor. I have the Baxter of California Hart Steel "Not a Replica" and it's probably my favorite razor. After owning it for a year and a half I just this week ordered a set of new Bocote wood scales for it. I like natural materials better than the resin scales it came with. I'm very excited to see how they look on the blade. Enjoy!

The wood for those scales is gorgeous . . . a 7/8 is available? Hmmm . . .

Awesome

Harts have been my go to razors for the last two years.
I got used to the weight and now prefer the heft of them over lighter razors.

It will hold an edge really well. All I have to do is ten-ish stokes on a 12k every 3-4.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Orville

The wood for those scales is gorgeous . . . a 7/8 is available? Hmmm . . .

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It is indeed available for a 7/8 blade. And here's a tip- if you order directly from the Hart Steel website you'll save about $10 over the cost of buying it from the classic shaving site that is the parent company (apparently- per their website) of Hart Steel. I got them for $25 from the Hart site as opposed to around $35 on the other one.

Thanks for the tip about scales ordering... I am going to order a new set today probably. I love the look of the rosewood, I just want another set to switch out:)

Ernie:
Nice razor, I've got one just like it in Cocobolo, it was my very first straight razor and I still have it.
I have had several since, sold all my 7/8th's as I like the way the 6/8th's shaves better.
I never got one with a manufactures edge that was satisfactory but a little time on the J-Nats fixes this right up.
They take a wonderful edge and are mostly silent whisker killers, enjoy!

Very nice. I know they aren't everybodys cup of tea, but I love these one piece scales with the screw type pivot pin. Gives the razor a sleek, modern look. Nothing wrong with traditional of course, it's just that these are, well, different.

I really like the screw adjustable pivot, I just tightened the pivot it a bit without having to bust out a hammer:)

I have a square point 7/8 in cocobolo too. It seemed heavy to me at first but now I really like it's weight and balance.

I agree with Ernie1980 about the screw pivot. It's a nice feature.

The edge from the maker was actually over-honed. It's edge was very sharp but was a very thin bur that crumbled with the first shave. A little touch-up on my pocket-sized translucent Arkansas stone fixed it right up and it has been a wonderful shaver ever since.

Also a fan of the Hart with three in my regular rotation, two 7/8 SP and the 6/8 Baxter which is way up on the favorites list.

Attachment 204236

(Hit the jackpot with these scales BTW)

As others have stated I've found these to be very easy to hone and maintain.
I started using the "Zowada Method" with this very razor when it finally needed to be honed.

Smooth Shaving...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MJC

Also a fan of the Hart with three in my regular rotation, two 7/8 SP and the 6/8 Baxter which is way up on the favorites list.

Attachment 204236

(Hit the jackpot with these scales BTW)

As others have stated I've found these to be very easy to hone and maintain.
I started using the "Zowada Method" with this very razor when it finally needed to be honed.

Smooth Shaving...

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I love the two tone scales on yours! I guess we got lucky because others I have seen are more uniform in color.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ernie1980

I love the two tone scales on yours! I guess we got lucky because others I have seen are more uniform in color.

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+1, The scales in your OP are the only other Heart/Sap Hart scales I have seen, I'm sure there are others.