Thread: Portland and Hart

Well.... somehow I managed to talk myself into another PRC & BBRW. Brian posted a 7/8 Spanish point in black horn in stock on his site and the good folks at PRC were happy to take my money for an 8/8 French point in Maple. I wont go into details about the Koraat I also bought because this thread isn't about that. I blame the purchases on the fact today was my unbirthday and I had to do something to celebrate.

Sorry for the awful pictures taken on my phone, they really don't do it justice :

I ordered the Hydra with blued steel and I think it works very well. PRC turned this around in about 10 days, and it was in the mail in under two weeks so pretty good delivery. I would agree with every other reviewer of PRC that the blades are shave ready on arrival, this Hydra shaves beautifully, I have only experienced full hollows prior, but I am enjoying my first 1/4 immensely. As for build quality I can't compare it with anything other than my Henckels, and that is not worth attempting as they are so different; I like the forward position of the top jimps, and the whole razor feels weighty but well balanced, I do like the walnut scales; there are obviously nicer wood scales out there but these are well made and finished to a good standard.

Originally Posted by TomP30

Sorry for the awful pictures taken on my phone, they really don't do it justice :

I ordered the Hydra with blued steel and I think it works very well. PRC turned this around in about 10 days, and it was in the mail in under two weeks so pretty good delivery. I would agree with every other reviewer of PRC that the blades are shave ready on arrival, this Hydra shaves beautifully, I have only experienced full hollows prior, but I am enjoying my first 1/4 immensely. As for build quality I can't compare it with anything other than my Henckels, and that is not worth attempting as they are so different; I like the forward position of the top jimps, and the whole razor feels weighty but well balanced, I do like the walnut scales; there are obviously nicer wood scales out there but these are well made and finished to a good standard.

Congrats on a good looking razor Tom! I am glad you're happy with The Hydra and she is shaving well for you.

Originally Posted by BadB

I thought I would followup on my earlier post in regards to the Brian Brown Razor Works semi-custom razor. She arrived, 7/8 square point 1/4 hollow, and was indeed shave ready. Fit and finish were very good. The surprising thing was this 1/4 hollow shaved much more like a full hollow. I am very happy overall, the one minor complaint I have, and its my fault for not checking, is the jimps on the bottom of the tang/shank don't go all the way across, they are just edge cuts. That issue is minor and its really a personal preference thing.

I am still waiting on my Portland razor, but I am hopeful after reading all the positive reviews on this thread. Attachment 247056

Great looking razor!

Slawman

Originally Posted by BadB

Congrats on a good looking razor Tom! I am glad you're happy with The Hydra and she is shaving well for you.

I love the walnut scales I just don't care for the wedge end shape & pin placment

One of my favorites is a French point early-production run Hart.

Once I have sold my Henckels - on a well known public auction site �� - I will be looking at a French point for my second razor, I have been so impressed by my Hydra I am tempted to go for their Strix in a 7/8, I am also tempted to go for a Nate's however,

I ordered a PRC Sprite this morning so I can clean up around the beard I've grown. I called and asked a couple of questions and could not have had a more courteous conversation. My wife finally relented after telling me for the last two years that I am too old to use a straight. I fear she is hoping that I will just slash my own throat or slice my jugular...Estate planning...

Don't forget to post some pics!

Pictures will follow. 69 years old and feel like a 5 year old getting a pony...My grandfather always shaved with a straight, and was considerate enough to explain to me the alternate use for his strop in case my deportment didn't change...I was only 11 when he passed away, and my grandmother threw out the razors and the strop, so it has taken me a few decades and more than one "discussion" with She Who Must Be Obeyed to get to this point. I would also add that PRC is an organization I admire for their product, their grit and tenacity. I spoke with Hunter a couple of days ago and had a great conversation. He is first rate, and Scott has forged his way through a very difficult health problem and is back in harness again. Can't ask for nicer people or people who wish to produce a fine product and constantly seem to push themselves to be better.