Thread: HART Razor

I've detailed some of my experiences with this razor earlier in the thread, much to the annoyance of Mentor chrisl. But overall I'd have to say that once I fixed the sharp corners on the spine and the minor bevel issues at the toe, it's been a pretty good razor, and it does feel good in the hand, light and stiff like a small frameback. I can't get it to take a feather-level edge like the Bergisher Lowe or the nicer TIs, but it's a pretty good edge nonetheless, if I were pressed to compare the edge to something I'd say it reminds me of a Clauss or Heljestrand, both of which are favorite brands of mine.

The major issue I see with my Hart (other than the price but that's not a fault of the razor) is that it's simply ground too thin. The sharp edges and bevel issues are minor and were fixed in a matter of minutes. But the shallow honing angle can't be fixed without using a grinder to take it down to 11/16ths. Mine calculates out to just over 13 degrees, and I'm really skeptical that an edge this thin will hold up over time, meaning tape is necessary during honing, maybe as many as three or four layers (I get about a half degree per layer on a razor this size, stretched tight). This seems excessive to me, but I've read of some guys doing this sort of thing regularly to create multiple bevels so it's possible that it's a recent fad.

From the others that own Hart razors, are yours ground this thin as well or is mine an anomoly?

Lamentably, I have no way to measure the spine thickness.

-Rob

Can you hold it up next to some other 6/8ths and 5/8ths and eyeball it to see how it compares? Mine is considerably thinner than all my 6/8ths, thinner even than some of my 5/8ths.

Originally Posted by mparker762

I've detailed some of my experiences with this razor earlier in the thread, much to the annoyance of Mentor chrisl. But overall I'd have to say that once I fixed the sharp corners on the spine and the minor bevel issues at the toe, it's been a pretty good razor, and it does feel good in the hand, light and stiff like a small frameback. I can't get it to take a feather-level edge like the Bergisher Lowe or the nicer TIs, but it's a pretty good edge nonetheless, if I were pressed to compare the edge to something I'd say it reminds me of a Clauss or Heljestrand, both of which are favorite brands of mine.

The major issue I see with my Hart (other than the price but that's not a fault of the razor) is that it's simply ground too thin. The sharp edges and bevel issues are minor and were fixed in a matter of minutes. But the shallow honing angle can't be fixed without using a grinder to take it down to 11/16ths. Mine calculates out to just over 13 degrees, and I'm really skeptical that an edge this thin will hold up over time, meaning tape is necessary during honing, maybe as many as three or four layers (I get about a half degree per layer on a razor this size, stretched tight). This seems excessive to me, but I've read of some guys doing this sort of thing regularly to create multiple bevels so it's possible that it's a recent fad.

From the others that own Hart razors, are yours ground this thin as well or is mine an anomoly?

I hope my comment wasn't misinterpreted. I was not annoyed by your review and subsequent comments; on the contrary, I appreciated them and have always valued your posts. My point was simply that one razor from a fledgling company out of it's initial product may not speak for all razors from that company. Especially since each razor is apparently made by a single individual artisan from start to finish. I do not doubt your description of your Hart Steel razor in the least.

Chris L

I have a Dubl Duck that has a 13 degree bevel as well, and it shaves very well, I don't think the bevel needs to be made thicker, but it's easy enough to do by breadknifing.

Originally Posted by cotdt

I have a Dubl Duck that has a 13 degree bevel as well, and it shaves very well, I don't think the bevel needs to be made thicker, but it's easy enough to do by breadknifing.

It is easy to change by breadknifing but not so easy to get the edge back afterwards. At least not in terms of hands on labor.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

It is easy to change by breadknifing but not so easy to get the edge back afterwards. At least not in terms of hands on labor.

I hate when i need to breadknife. it is a pain even on a DMT afterward....

From the others that own Hart razors, are yours ground this thin as well or is mine an anomoly?[/QUOTE]

mparker,

Comparing apples here, my Hart is a 13/16" razor and has a spine thickness of .188" which gives me an included angle of just over 13 degress - just like yours.

Throwing an orange into the works, my favorite Friodur (which may be real close to my favorite razor) is a big 7/8, about 29/32's and has a spine thickness of .262" for an included angle of about 16.4 degrees. A little more than the Hart angle, but less than I thought it would be. Are we figuring out anything useful here?

I haven't measured mine yet to calculate the edge angle. To be honest I don't know that I will. I have found that I prefer a 17 degree edge on a wedge like razor, due to problems I have had in the past with other razors. I will try to remember to measure.

Regardless of the result I really like mine and so far no complaints. I find it is the perfect size, weight, and has a very nice feel when in use. I love well done jimps, but I also like the feel of the rounded bottom and top of the shank. I also think I like the feel so much because it is a brushed finish. If it was a high polish I think the 'grip factor' would change.

I like it. nuf sed.

Would you gents that have a Hart Steel razor characterize this as a good razor value?