Thread: First Straight - Hart Steel

I'm a newb and have been butchering my face with shavette for a little bit now and decided to pull the trigger and get my first straight. After a ton of reading and hemming and hawing, I ordered a Hart 6/8 square point, satin with Cocobolo scales. I just got done with my first shave and it was a huge, HUGE improvement. I had a few days of growth on (2-3mm), so it probably wasn't the best first test. I'm also new to stropping, so I probably didn't do the best job. Anyhow, I love the aesthetic of it. It is utilitarian, thick and simple. I might have been happy with a cheaper razor, but that's no way to live life . I have thick beard hairs, so I might like it a bit sharper. I'm afraid that's probably going to be a problem with any razor I get. Now I just need to learn how to hone. Where is my credit card? Oh yeah, also got a 3" Mountain strop from CS.

very nice razor , i think this spring when work pics up im gonna pick up a Hart .. congrats !! if your gonna learn to hone id start with another razor ...lol.. im glad i started to hone with less expensive razors cause ive taken alot metal off them in the process ...lol

You make a great choice with a Hart Steel they are the only razors in my rotation enjoy it when the RAD kicks in you will want another and another

Nice piece of steel there. As you may already know there are a ton of videos on honing available...but I probably would suggest holding off on that for a while. The blade itself should not need it for quite some time unless something drastic happens.
Check out the vids on stropping to. They will help and this way you can learn about maintaining it.
Good luck with it..it is a nice looking blade and should be a great shaver for a long time to come.
Anthony

Thanks you all. I'm quite happy with the decision. Second shave was much better. Did some more studying on stropping and it definitely made the difference. Thanks again.

I don't own one, but have honed and shaved w/ a 6/8 roundpoint and 7/8 squarepoint. Both were quite satisfying. I don't take anything away from Hart, but I'm thinking that alot of guys just haven't tried many heavy grinds. They can be just wonderful. Hart is a fine example. Tomorrow will be the maiden voyage of yet another lovely heavy grind - #41 from the honorable Papabull aka Mr. Robert Williams. 'Can't wait.
At the point I was going to buy a premium razor, I was split between the 1/4h Wacker and the Hart. I wanted to buy American, but also didn't know if the heavy blade was for me. I went w/ the Wacker and don't regret it. But a Hart would be a lovely & welcome addition to the herd also. I'll dream about the Williams shave tonight