Thread: Need a special occasion razor...Hart?

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

+1 to what TBS just said. Another thing is go to the razor reviews here . Check out my review of the Wacker 2 razor set.

JimmyHAD, do you have any experience with the full hollow Wackers? I was gong to spring for the Red Head of the Jungmeister, but I really like the stiffer grind. I currently have a 1/4 hollow and a wedge that are my best shavers. I'm sure they are all wonderful, but I need that kick in the pants to go for the 1/4 hollow rather than one of the "prettier" Wackers.

As a newbie who hasn't shaved with any of the razors mentioned obviously my suggestions carry little weight. That said I have looked at most of the suggested razors (only pictures). And I see a simple elegance to the Hart that is lacking in most of the other razors mentioned with the exception of the buddel Arrowhead posted... Just personal tastes but at least in pictures I think the Hart looks beautiful.

I agree I don't know whats available since I make pretty clear I'm a newbie...thats why I...ahem...asked the question.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

First, if I was looking to buy a special occasion razor it would be a pretty one which in my opinion the Hart is not. Second I would be doing alot of research as to what is available before making my decision. From looking at your posts here it seems like you really don't know what's available. You should check out all of our vendors and see what's out there.

I posted a similar question as this one not too long ago.

I was looking for a razor to use on my wedding day. I got a lot of good recommendations but in the end I bought a mirror finish le grelot in bone scales.

Of course this made me fall in love with the razor and ultimately I will buy a few more of the grelots. One more in rams horn and eventually in ivory.

I'm not on my computer or else I would show the razor but the grelot is a real beauty!

Originally Posted by dsg10715

Just had a good work development. Want to spend a little more than normal on a shaver. Been looking at Hart Steel. Am I missing the boat here?

I think we sort of need to know the company it might keep.
I know that if you hire a programmer you need to have
budget for a second in six months so he has someone
to talk to.

Razors are sort of like programmers you are going
to want another of the same category/ class if you have
a small count of 'ordinary' razors in your rotation.

So in your rotation what are your top one or two shavers
and perhaps answer why they are your top two?

Once you have three good shavers (need not be famous blades)
in your rotation then it can make a lot of sense to go for a deluxe
model.

EDIT: There are some turn of the century A'merikan' razors
from New York state and New England. They can be excellent
steel and are well ground too. There are also some
great European steel ground in the states too. Skys
the limit... if you find a good blade you can have it
spiffied up by one of the restoring guys...

I am heading out to Palm Springs this weekend to take a look for myself at the Hart razors before I (possibly) get one. It is hard for me to tell by pictures how it looks, feels and yes, maybe smells, so I am going to check it out. If not, I am sure that there will be other razors there in that price range or cheaper that I can get along with.

I myself have a handful of razors, all awaiting my next hone so I can start shaving with them .

But I have had the opportunity to see the Hart razors firsthand at ClassicShaving along with the Thiers in rams horn. All I can really say is...

get 'em both

The Thiers has a 'wow' factor that the Hart doesn't, but the Hart has that something special.. a SOLID feel to the razor.

I am going to be in this exact situation in a few months.. buying a 'special razor' and the ones discussed here are the ones I have been looking at. I am leaning toward the silverwing myself, but the Hart in blue.... well, we'll see.



ciscozombie

Originally Posted by BlacknTan

I was in the same position as the OP, and I wanted a Hart pretty badly. I'm a minimalist anyway, and live by the old engineering axiom... "Less is more..."
The more I looked, the more I saw in the same price range that was a bit nicer, and IMHO, a bit higher quality, being ground by a Master with 50+ years of experience. I don't believe that anyone grinding a Hart comes close, but I'm not here to bash the Harts... I like them, and may someday own one.
But, I settled on a Wacker from John Crowley @ ShavingShop.com. The piece looks like an item in that price range should, and it shaves better than it looks! Besides, the Wackers won't be around forever, and some are in short supply already.
Further, dealing with John Crowley was a truly pleasurable experience... He even called on the phone to be sure I was happy and satisfied. That's service!

So, while I like the Harts, I think there is better value for the money.

Heribert Wacker Straight Razors : Shaving Shop - luxury classic wet shaving products - straight razors

Not to hijack the thread but what do you think of those Soligens that the shave Shop has on sale?

Originally Posted by Fbones24

+1 to this! On here, there is nothing but positive things said about the Wackers. I know that I will be purchasing one as soon as I get back from vacation in two weeks.

Now, my only problem is which one of these gorgeous tools will I be adding to my collection?

+ 1 on the Wacker. I just finished my first shave on my first wacker. The result is that the Dovos are gonna go. First choice on next blade is either a Williams, or another Wacker. The wacker I bought was unadorned - no goldwash (I hate it). I'm new to str8s at about 7-8 wks. The wacker is like using another type of razor, compared to the dovos. it's a 6/8 1/4 hollow. Scales happen to be blond horn, but that's a vanity item. He makes a 7/8 wedge (John says it's more like 1/4 hollow), that would be a candidate. The graphics on the scales seriously detracts from what must be an incredible blade. BTW no mention of Wacker is complete w/out confirming again and again that talking to or working w/ John at the Shavingshop.com is a total pleasure.

Originally Posted by ShoreBird

Not to hijack the thread but what do you think of those Soligens that the shave Shop has on sale?

I'm very sorry I missed this...

In answer to your question, the razors you're looking at look great to me! I have not gotten a bad razor with the Solingen stamp yet..

Talk to John Crowley at the Shaving Shop... He will answer all your questions honestly and give you straight answers.

Thos razors look far better than "entry level" to me!