Thread: news on Hart Razors

Maybe the worker who did the heat treating quit and no suitable replacement was found?

I have to admit it has been 18 months since I acquired my last of my three Harts, but can't fault the ones I have. In a co-incident I actually shaved with one thus morning. A three pass shave that was fine.

I had one and it was a nice shaver, but I lean more towards hollows now so I moved it to a better home. I hope they aren't going anywhere, there aren't many USA companies making razors out there.

It is my understanding that the older Hart's were made under contract with a number of bladesmiths. The older ones had the initials of the maker on them. No problem there as long as there is a central QC happening.

Yes mate that's right, all of mine have the artisans initials engraved into the tang.

139 dollars, wow, I nearly bought another 6/8ths square point. Could customise the scales and fit a wedge easily.
I came to my senses though. Stop buying what I don't need.
That and I'm scared to upset my girlfriend.
I'm tired of having to confess to her

Interesting developments when these businesses grow and change hands - i have a 7/8 square point that i purchased maybe 2.5 years ago. It was my first "non mass-production" razor if i could call it that and alot of money on a razor relative to the few i had at that time.
It is heavy and a good shave - however i found the scales poorly finished; rough and not a good seal inside and out. The tang also had smudged text where the 'made in usa' and initials? were stamped. It is a brushed razor, not mirror polished but the smudge was still enough to frustrate me when i looked at it. As a result - it has spent most of its time out of rotation. It alos lead to no more hart's in the dozens purchased since.

I saw this thread and have followed it - it got me to pull my hart razor out - i freshened up the edge with some pasted stropping and i had a really good shave today. Pleasantly surprised at first but then i had to remind myself that i never had an issue with the edge.

Lets hope that we can keep a positive view of this brand - i know they had a great reputation as an early US artisan

Originally Posted by bluesman7

It is my understanding that the older Hart's were made under contract with a number of bladesmiths. The older ones had the initials of the maker on them. No problem there as long as there is a central QC happening.

I ordered a 6/8 square point with black resin scales April 2nd, and it arrived here via USPS Priority today.

The initials "RB" are stamped on the tang, so I gather that it may be an "older" one.
The blade is straight (not warped) and the bevel is thin and even both sides. The brochure says its shave-ready, and it's popping arm hair easily. It's a hefty razor, but it feels balanced.

First shave with it will be tomorrow. Never used a quarter hollow blade before, so this will be interesting.