Thread: HART Razor

I think the strop will be ok after all. I figured it was dead since I was sure that the pumice stone was way too aggressive for that strop. But I took some 600 grit sandpaper and sanded down the gouges, finishing up with 1000 grit, then buffed it carefully and applied some Bick leather cream. It seems ok now, it's still pretty smooth and not terribly sueded in the affected area.

I also decided to take the razor to the hone and try to clean up the toe. Since Hart says it they hone with one layer of electrical tape on the spine I did the same. After a few laps on the S30k and some inspection under the radio shack microscope it became apparent that what had happened is that the bevel hadn't been set quite right on the backside of the toe - the shapton wasn't reaching all the way to the edge on the back side of the toe. Once that was corrected and the S30k brought to bear then it sharpened right up, and whereas the original edge wouldn't pass my hair test at the toe (and this was born out in the shave) it now topples and fillets the finest armhairs with ease.

Shave test part 2 tomorrow, using the Dovo strop this time.

Originally Posted by mparker762

I think the strop will be ok after all. I figured it was dead since I was sure that the pumice stone was way too aggressive for that strop. But I took some 600 grit sandpaper and sanded down the gouges, finishing up with 1000 grit, then buffed it carefully and applied some Bick leather cream. It seems ok now, it's still pretty smooth and not terribly sueded in the affected area.

I also decided to take the razor to the hone and try to clean up the toe. Since Hart says it they hone with one layer of electrical tape on the spine I did the same. After a few laps on the S30k and some inspection under the radio shack microscope it became apparent that what had happened is that the bevel hadn't been set quite right on the backside of the toe - the shapton wasn't reaching all the way to the edge on the back side of the toe. Once that was corrected and the S30k brought to bear then it sharpened right up, and whereas the original edge wouldn't pass my hair test at the toe (and this was born out in the shave) it now topples and fillets the finest armhairs with ease.

Shave test part 2 tomorrow, using the Dovo strop this time.

Whew, that makes me feel better. I hate the thought of a good strop biting the dust. Brings to mind my own mortality...

Originally Posted by mparker762

I took some 600 grit sandpaper and sanded down the gouges, finishing up with 1000 grit, then buffed it carefully and applied some Bick leather cream.

I'm glad to hear you and your strop are recovering. I'd like to know what method you used to buff your strop.

Mike

After cleaning up the edge last night with the shaptons I took it for another spin again this morning. Toe is now as sharp as the rest of the edge. I didn't notice the edge deteriorating during the shave the way it did yesterday, so I suspect that it may have had a minor wire edge yesterday. I'll keep track of this over the next few shaves, just in case there's some inherent problem with edge strength due to the thin honing angle.

I like way this razor handles. The combination of the thin spine and quarter grind makes it feel like a frameback, but it doesn't look ungainly like a frameback.

mparker. I've been watching this thread as others have, with baited breath. The idea of a U.S. based start up company stepping in to the arena and making straight razors is very exciting to me. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that you bought one and I've appreciated your review since I regard your experience and thoughts here very highly and always have (if you're waiting for a "but", there isn't one).

The only thing I would say is that the Hart Steel razor you've purchased and tried is yielding the results you report. It's merely my humble opinion here, but I think it's too soon for any of us to regard all Hart Steel razors as behaving exactly like yours has for you. I know of one longtime member that should be posting here soon that has found the Hart Steel razor he purchased to be pleasing and to give a great shave; he's happy with his purchase from my understanding.

If every company died strictly by the merit of their first product not being absolutely fabulous in all ways I don't know if the word "company" would even appear in our lexicon.

My intent here is not to offend or to imply that you're making broad generalities regarding Hart Steel Razors rather than giving your opinion about the razor you purchased, I simply want to share my concern that this product and company are greener then green and whether they ultimately provide a product that the public wants and values will hopefully be seen over time rather than today.


Chris L

Thanks for the heads-up. I have deleted the offending post.

If I had posted a reply with a quote of a previous post included and then the OP announced to the forum that he had 'deleted the offending post' out of respect for the OP's wishes I would then delete my quoted post. Just my two bits.

What's the difference between the TV and BG versions?

got to handle the harts and talk with one of the fine men that grinds them
also talked to TZ all weekend about razors (hell of a nice guy if you didnt already know that )

the handles have a nice feel the blades are ground outstandingly
while i didnt get to shave with one, had i had the $ on me i would have picked one up for sure

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

If I had posted a reply with a quote of a previous post included and then the OP announced to the forum that he had 'deleted the offending post' out of respect for the OP's wishes I would then delete my quoted post. Just my two bits.

This is such good advice, I am going to take it.

The Quote has been pulled (pending mod review) as the OP and Poster both came to an agreement.

We should all honor this kind of thing as gentlemen.

-Rob