Hart Steel questions

I'm reaching out to any Hart steel users and fans for info about their razors. I'm looking to pull the trigger on a Hart steel but wanted to know a few things first.

First about how it shaves, I haven't shaved with anything besides wedges and full hollows and know nothing about 1/4 grinds. Any info would be helpful.

I've decided on everything if I get one but the size, I just can't decide between 6/8 or 7/8. If anyone can sell me on either size I would be thankful. I've used 6/8 razors before and have had zero control issues but I've never used a 7/8 so I have no frame of reference for performance differences.

Any other info would be welcome as well.

I own a 6/8 round tip with jimps. Love the razor but if I would have had the choice of a 7/8 I would have gotten a 7/8 but 7/8 was not available when I made my purchase.

The razor is advertised as a 1/4 grind but it feels more like a wedge to me.

Also the edge will just keep on going and going on the razor,I do not know why but this razor requires less touch up than any other razor I own.

You have picked out a great razor and it will last you many lifetimes.

I received the polished 6/8 round point with jimps for Xmas and used it for the second time this morning. It is a BIG razor, so I am pleased I chose the 6/8 as it is a BIG 6/8. Best smoothest shave I have had for months compared with other well known razors.
Simply put, I love it. The Cocobo scales are bulky and heavy, but I guess they will grow on me.
Get one and enjoy!
Sunbird

I have and have used new Hart Steel razors in 6/8 and 7/8 both square points and had and sold some 6/8 in round points.They are a serious no nonsense straight razor and with their stock resin scales they will last many lifetimes with proper care. None of the razors I received, although new with factory edges, were what I consider shave ready. All were touched up
on 12k Naniwa stones and on to Japanese Naturals to attain a shaving edge that I prefer. Of course your mileage may very
on a new Hart razor based on what you consider shave ready.

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Originally Posted by jbtusa

I have to agree that the Hart edge just keeps on ticking. I have the 6/8 round tip and I absolutely love it. It is a big and heavy 1/4 hollow. It's by far the best razor that I own and it far outshines my Wade & Butcher wedge. It is a sssmmmooottthhh edge.

The edge is a breeze to touch up on my Nani 12K. This is a way under-rated razor. Why the Hart hasn't caught on, beats the heck outta me. Save your pennies and get one and you'll never regret it. Their customer service is great too.

Buy American... give a guy a job... buy Hart!

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hopefully they dont catch on till i buy mine , so the prices stay put ...lol...

I have 7 and they are the only razor I use I have 5 6/8 both round & square points and 2 7/8 also a round and square. I really like them all but the 6/8's are a little easier to maneuver around my face. I have been told that they are going to be adding a 5/8 soon. I have not had any that wouldn't shave out of the box as far as the 1/4 grind it just melts the whiskers away. I have razors by the 3 AT's there are slight differences in them but they all shave great. You can't go wrong getting a Hart Steel this is just the way I feel.

Just got mine today. So tomorrow will be the first shave with the 6/8. It's a big heavy thing about the same weight as my W&B Rattler. I have about a dozen or so various straights anywhere from mid 1800's to brand new, but the Hart looks to be a challenger.

I have a new 7/8 square point. It's a moster and plows through stubble. But it delivers a smooth shave. It has a hefty price tag but I can't say that it isn't a good buy. I haven't shaved with anything that is similar to this point. But. Confess I don't have a wedge in my rotation right now. The one thing I will say is that it's a harder blade to get an edge on. That is probably a statement about a wedge orn1/4 grind that I have no other experience with. But I would not let that deter you. If its in budget, you won't regret it.

Hart Steel are great razors. They take a very sharp edge and keep it for what seems forever. I've got a 6/8 round point and I think it feels well balanced in the hand when shaving. I highly recommend them.

First shave with my 6/8 this morning. There was a little bit of blood (my carelessness) but overall, a great shave!!!

In December I got the 7/8" round point with the black resin scales. Previously I had only used 5/8" full hollows. The Hart is a large razor, but I had no trouble making the transition. It was definitely shave ready out of the box and my first shave with it was outstanding. The more I use this razor the more I like it.

It does have a very utilitarian look to it. The scales are rough and unfinished on the inside and the blade has no engraving. I like how these razors look but that's a personal subjective preference.

I haven't used it enough to comment on how well it holds an edge or ease of honing. However, my initial impressions for the first month are extremely positive.

In terms of price, some of the high end Dovos and many TI's are already at a similar level.

Lastly, there are 2 other factors which are significant for me:

1. Made in USA.

2. Hex nut pivot pins. No more using a ball peen hammer to tap loose pins that are just going to eventually get loose again anyway.

I have never owned one, I have however Honed quite a few, in fact I just shaved one of the Baxter "Not a Replica" Hart razors this morning.. Had to fix a dinged point and then re-hone, nice smooth shave.
The first generation Hart razors were a bit iffy with issues but the ones I have shaved recently have been fine...

I have a polished 7/8 round point with jimps and pearlex scales. It is a great razor, but it didn't come shave ready. After I honed it, I couldn't believe how smooth the shave was. I am new to honing and so far the hart was the easiest for me to hone. I own fancier looking razors but I would put this up against any of my other razors for performance. All of my other razors are a 6/8 but I made the transition pretty easy. The Hart is a big razor and the scales are larger than normal as well. I love that it is made in the USA!

I have a Hart 7/8 quarter grind w/ Oak scales. I felt the need to do some extra honing to get it to maximum shave readiness but after that have always gotten fine shaves from it.

Thanks for all the help guys! I decided on the 6/8, round tip, satin finish, with red oak scales. Once I shave with it I'll let you know how it does.

6/8 round tip with red oak. Sounds like one i would like.
What do they cost?

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Originally Posted by lamppa

6/8 round tip with red oak. Sounds like one i would like.
What do they cost?

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Check out Classic Shaving, I believe they are the main, if not only, distributor.

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Originally Posted by jbtusa

Buy American... give a guy a job... buy Hart!

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Geez, for that quote I hope you're on the payroll! :roflmao

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Originally Posted by Ryan82

Check out Classic Shaving, I believe they are the main, if not only, distributor.

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Or here...
http://www.hartsteel.com/index.html

There are a few places that sale Hart Steel Classic Shaving , Baxter of California has one with a black tang and blade " Not a Replica " West Coast Shaving , and Vintage Blades has them one that has ebony scales not the black resin. the Classic Edge has them too and there may be more this is just the places I've seen.

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Originally Posted by Steelstubble

I'm reaching out to any Hart steel users and fans for info about their razors. I'm looking to pull the trigger on a Hart steel but wanted to know a few things first.

First about how it shaves, I haven't shaved with anything besides wedges and full hollows and know nothing about 1/4 grinds. Any info would be helpful.

I've decided on everything if I get one but the size, I just can't decide between 6/8 or 7/8. If anyone can sell me on either size I would be thankful. I've used 6/8 razors before and have had zero control issues but I've never used a 7/8 so I have no frame of reference for performance differences.

Any other info would be welcome as well.

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I got one today. I got the 7/8 with the cocobolo scales. I love the heavier grind and the fact that you can choose scales. I hear it holds a hell of an edge too. Mine didnt come shave ready because I ordered straight from Hart. You can find one SR though. I Put it on the hone and shaved with it and it was amazing. VERY comforable and manuverable and I got real close (and thats with me honing it)

Got mine from Classic. Rosewood scales, very nice

I can only hope that as more guys discover the joys of a heavy razor and a heavy grind that more manufacturers will wake up and make some. FWIW, 3 owners told me the Harts were 'silent shavers' - like a heavy sheffield. Like other hard steel heavy grinds, alot of the 'silence' depends on the finish. Both Harts I honed had subdued feedback - as expected, but they still talk, which adds to the pleasure.

I would love to try a razor that doesnt plink and plunk like a damn harp as i shave..

BTW, mine and I suspect all Harts are made from O1 steel and while it takes a keen edge and is easy to hone, it is prone to rust. It's one of the razors I am especially certain to dry thoroughly and oil between shaves. Not that one should ever be careless with any razor but this one seemed unusually prone. Anyone else have a similar experience with a Hart?

Yes, you can actually watch the thing rust between strokes. It's quite strange. I dry my usual straight after a shave but this one you have to keep dry during a shave... Well as much as possible anyway. Then plenty of oil

I have two...they are wonderful. I think there is enough fan fare here, so I will bring up a small negative.

The scales are pretty cheap. The razor is fantastic, but I expect a tad more in the scale department. (I even opted for an upgraded material on one of mine...still ho-hum). Nothing wrong, but the scales are so dramatically outclassed by the blades.

I have been slowly working on replacing my scales with something that will hopefully step a little closer to the level of excellence of the blade.

Edit to add, i have never had any rust issues and I'm the type that gets everything wet when I shave. I guess results vary?

Just got to use my new Hart Steel today; easily the best shave I've ever had. This may be the first time I've shaved my chin and had the shave be comfortable and smooth. I got a borderline BBS shave with only two passes so, yes, I'm impressed. There's only one problem with this razor, I'm going to need more of them!

I've been using a Hart Steel made for Baxter California in Blue Steel it's the only straight HS has made that's all black. I must say its been nothing but great. I've got my hands on plenty of great straights, Dovo,TI,Wade&Butcher Chopper. And my HS is hands down my second fav.

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Originally Posted by PLJ

I've been using a Hart Steel made for Baxter California in Blue Steel it's the only straight HS has made that's all black. I must say its been nothing but great. I've got my hands on plenty of great straights, Dovo,TI,Wade&Butcher Chopper. And my HS is hands down my second fav.

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Just went to Baxter California's website looking for that blue steel razor and it kind of went down like this when I found it.

Attachment 118360

I have wanted a Hart 6/8 Square point and have had a hard time locating one. By accident I found the "Not A Replica" on Baxter of California's website. It was just delivered by FedEx about an hour ago. Too bad I shaved 3 hours ago with my Dovo La Forme that I purchased from Lynn at Straight Razor Designs a week or so ago. Come on beard GROW!

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Originally Posted by jmcamp54

I have wanted a Hart 6/8 Square point and have had a hard time locating one. By accident I found the "Not A Replica" on Baxter of California's website. It was just delivered by FedEx about an hour ago. Too bad I shaved 3 hours ago with my Dovo La Forme that I purchased from Lynn at Straight Razor Designs a week or so ago. Come on beard GROW!

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thats a slick , kinda mean , looking razor ... come on income tax return ...lol

Well, I'm thoroughly disappointed. Took out the new Hart Steel "Not a Replica" stropped it and proceeded to get the worst shave I could imagine. I put it down and picked up my "La Forme" and finished my shave very comfortably. Looks like I'll be boxing it up and shipping it off to Lynn. This way I'll know, from previous experiences that it IS TRULY "Shave Ready."

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Originally Posted by jmcamp54

Well, I'm thoroughly disappointed. Took out the new Hart Steel "Not a Replica" stropped it and proceeded to get the worst shave I could imagine. I put it down and picked up my "La Forme" and finished my shave very comfortably. Looks like I'll be boxing it up and shipping it off to Lynn. This way I'll know, from previous experiences that it IS TRULY "Shave Ready."

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I had the same experience. It was no where near the worst shave, but it did not shave like a shave ready razor. I put it on the stone myself and got a better shave and im not a very experienced honer. I did scratch the blade. Now im gonna send it off like I should have in the first place. I did love the balance and feel in my hand.

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Originally Posted by jmcamp54

Come on beard GROW!

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Any old dog that doesn't remember this kind of excitement is either lying - or has a bad case of "CRS".