Thread: Hart steel razors

I have an opportunity of picking up a HART STEEL 6/8 in a satin finish for a great price brand new. I have no experience with HART razors and I was wondering if anyone out there has shaved with any. How do they perform? How is the quality of steel?

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Too many threads on Hart razors to list. Just punch in Hart razors in the search box upper right of the page.

Bob

Yes, please check around.

A year ago most would have told you to jump on it.

Lately though they seem to be hit or miss.

Hart (unless it's a one-off razor) use O1 steel. Pretty common in the trade. They are mostly quarter hollow ground. Not the easiest to hone but a good Hart blade will hold an edge for some time. Harts are by design big and clunky. Their scales leave much to be desired but they can grow on you....kind of. I grew tired of the scales pretty quick. I think there are much better razors out there especially for the price. I had a Dovo 6/8 Palisander which is a classic (and pretty rare-no longer available razor) in perfect shape up for sale for around $155. Not one bite..go figure. I may put it back on the block someday soon, who knows?
Point is that Dovo is a razor(among many others) that will most probably blow a new Hart in the weeds. I have a Hart 7/8; haven't used it in months..
As mentioned earlier, they are most inconsistent.

Originally Posted by kelbro

Yes, please check around.

A year ago most would have told you to jump on it.

Lately though they seem to be hit or miss.

For sure. That is why I suggest a search for Hart threads. The opinions are all over the place.

Bob

Hart Steel used to make some great razors. They were owned by Classic Shaving, a well respected vendor. Last August, Classic Shaving changed ownership.

If you purchase a Hart Steel satin finished razor at the current price, do not expect it to perform as well as the razors that sold for $300. I purchased one at the sale price. The grinding was poor and the edge was prone to microchips. I spent many hours honing the blade before I finally got it to give a decent shave. I do not know if all the blades on sale have similar quality issues, but I have read posts of others with experiences similar to mine. So buyer beware.

As far as I know, the quality issues only exist with the satin finished razors on sale, and I do not know if every such razor is affected. I have not heard of any issues with polished blade Harts.

Thanks for the heads up guys

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Hart came into the market as an American made straight razor, made by individual craftsmen who signed their work. Scales could be changed, etc, etc. Early reports were glowing, but as others have said, they don't seem what they used to be due to business decisions, among other things. I was very eager in the early days to acquire a Hart razor, but never pulled the trigger. I did purchase a razor from Portland Razor Company, made in America by some very capable craftspeople who will answer questions, hone the razor again after the new owner has savaged it on a strop(5 day turnaround), will make beautiful custom razors and scales. They are worth a look. My only investment is a razor, and I am very pleased with the razor and the service rendered. I think the Hart may be an issue. Read the threads.