Thread: American made Hart Steel

Has anybody tried or owns a Hart Steel razor?? they are pretty expensive but I´d like to know about some experiences from you guys and tell me about their quality, shaving experience, etc... thank u alll

Here is a review thread and a thread by Tim Zowada;

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...eel-razor.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/vendo...el-razors.html

Thanks Jimmy, very interesting. I didn't realize that Hart razors were a "side project" of Tim Zowada's. I must have missed this one when it first came out.

I would describe the Hart 7/8 square point razor itself as a very crudely made razor; no frills, no decorative angles, simple tang stamps, etc. and I wouldn't change it if I could. The polished blade is more appealing to me and I am glad I chose it. I can tell you it is a monster razor. I have a 7/8 Dorko #14 Square Point and the Hart dwarfs it. The blades are obviously the same size but the Hart is a meatier razor all around. The spine and tang are so wide it is unbelievable which makes it the heaviest razor I own now and the scales are big. I went with the black resin scales but wasn't all that impressed so I called CS and ordered the Cocobolo scales.

The razor came in a big fancy box with a color pamphlet on how to care for the razor, a hex tool for the pin, razor oil, and a deerskin sheath. I could have done without all of it if it meant a lower price but none the less it is all very nice.

I've shaved with it twice and the first time the point got me pretty good. I actually thought about muting it but I was good on the seecond shave so I probably won't. It does give a good shave but I'll probably send it out for honing none the less.

Hope this helps. I am very glad I made this purchase but I must admit the size is still a little intimidating.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Thanks Jimmy, very interesting. I didn't realize that Hart razors were a "side project" of Tim Zowada's. I must have missed this one when it first came out.

I think Tim designed the razor and contributed to guiding the guys that are making it along the way. So many guys want one of his customs so this , I think , was a way to get one that is along the same lines but at a more affordable price. Eventually I will get a Hart if biz ever picks up again ..... that is if I live that long.

Actually, I believe Hart is owned by Classic Shaving and as the market has requested jimps and other stuff, they have tried to accomodate. OK razor. I have a couple, but they don't see much use. Have honed quite a few. They are decent shavers.

Have fun.

I wished they made a 5/8ths model. I just don't care for the bigger blades as I find the 5/8 more manuverable and forgiving.

OMG...Now I know what all the fuss is about!

I am a newbie at str8 razor shaving and wanted to try my hand at a traditional, "REAL" straight razor, so I had purchased one of these a while back.

I rated pricing a 10 because when Hart Steel razors debuted at ClassicShaving.com, they were being offered at $230 for their only "model" at the time, which was a: 6/8" size blade with black resin scales, satin finish square point, without jimps. Shopping around on the internet, checking out different vendor's pricing, I got a hell-of-a deal!

Craftsmanship is rated 9 because the adjustable pin loosens easily but also tightens easily as well; I started using this today and it was loose as I was opening the razor but was able to tighten it easily with the enclosed wrench that came with the razor. Inspecting the razor, there were no visible flaws...the edge is straight, a nicely milled tang and tail and nice shiny black resin scales.

A N/A rating for "Ease to Sharpen" and "Lasting Edge" because I just started using it today and it came shave ready without stropping...hmmm, maybe it should be rated a 10 because of arriving shave ready out-of-the-box.

A rating of 10 for "Shaving Smoothness". This razor is soooooo smooth to shave with, it's an absolute delight and fun to use. Having enough cushion and slickness, this razor will glide on your face! I thought the square point would catch my skin, but to my pleasant surprise, it didn't...a nice and smooth blade with a nice heavy quarter grind.

A rating of 10 for "Easy to Maintain" because the edge was still sharp first time out and I didn't strop yet. There is no spotting because I wiped it off after use and the blade still has a nice satin finish.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND purchasing one of these razors if/or when budget permits.

Here's an update on my affiliation with Hart steel, just so there is no confusion.

I was a "hired gun" in the development of the company. I did all the design, prototypes and engineering. I trained the guys doing the grinding, heat treating, honing and scales. The packaging and marketing were done by the owners of the company. It was a wonderful opportunity to start something new in the United States. All the guys doing the work are my friends and live nearby.

As of March 2012, I am no longer affiliated with Hart Steel. I did help out with a small quality control problem in July, but that has been it.

I hope this helps.

Originally Posted by Lynn

Actually, I believe Hart is owned by Classic Shaving and as the market has requested jimps and other stuff, they have tried to accomodate. OK razor. I have a couple, but they don't see much use. Have honed quite a few. They are decent shavers.

Have fun.

I bought one a month or two ago. The screw fell out and I suspect it went down the sink. Classic Shaving wants $5.00 for a new screw plus $31.00 US for shipping to Canada....so about $36.00 US for a screw that's probably ten cents to manufacture. It shaves nicely, but no better than any of my 100 year old razors that still haven't required parts. I believe I shaved with it 3 times before it became useless....I won't be buying another one. Does anyone know where I can buy one of those screws without mortgaging my house? thanks