Thread: Opinions on Hart Steel?

Well, I did it. Ordered a 7/8 with satin finish and Lacewood scales. I also ordered a modular paddle strop from SRD, as I need also a new strop (the one I have is the one I learned how to strop on, so you can imagine how it is by now).

Now we play the waiting game. I didn't get an estimated shipping date for the razor. Anyone knows how much time they take to ship within the US? (I asked a friend that has a US shipping address to receive it for me, or else I would have to pay import taxes when it gets here).

I'll post some unboxing pics when it arrives.

I own a Hart Steel square point and is one of my favorite razors... just got it a few months ago,, you can't go wrong with it... it provides a superb smooooth shave. It comes in a fancy box and the blade remains sharp just like forever...

Originally Posted by RobertoCFG

didn't get an estimated shipping date for the razor. Anyone knows how much time they take to ship within the US? (I asked a friend that has a US shipping address to receive it for me, or else I would have to pay import taxes when it gets here).

It took about a week for mine to come in from Classic Shaving.

I just shaved for the first time with my new Hart 7/8 square point. Fantastic. I'm relatively new to straights (1 year) and I think the Hart is much easier to shave with. Maybe due to the weight or grind? I'm glad I invested in one.

I still maintain my original position that it is different but no better.

Just because a razor is bigger or heavier or has ornamentation or a different grind does not make it better in an intrinsic sense. If a particular blade is comprised of a steel that is demonstrably superior that's another issue but that has not been shown to be the case. of course you may prefer a certain type of blade and you get a better result with that type but that is a user thing.

Originally Posted by RobertoCFG

So, I started wet shaving some 2 and a half years ago and have been doing it with the Dovo Best Quality 5/8 that I bought as my starter kit. But I just decided that I'll hop on to a new, better blade.

I'm really interested in a Hart Steel 7/8 (round point), and I just want to know if you have any opinions on them. I have really thick beard and really sensitive skin.

Cheers.

I must say having four TIs starting at 6/8 up to the flying eagle 7/8
Dovos Bismarck along with a couple others. Not to mention my WB choppers. Hands down my personal faviort straight would have to be my 7/8 Hart Steel
not only does it seem to give me the closes shave it also seems to be a beast
it says its only a 7/8 but it seems much bigger than any other 7/8 I have. I find my self reaching for my HS over my other straights more and more often. I've been using it for the last six months at least twice a week only stropping it 30/60 every other shave. So yes I would recommend a HS to anyone

From the honorable TBS: "of course you may prefer a certain type of blade and you get a better result with that type but that is a user thing. "

'Couldn't agree more.

I suspect alot of guys are falling in love w/ the Harts, in part, because there are so few hard steel heavy grinds available. If you never get to try them, you don't know if you like them or not. Some just find the heavy blade or the heavy grind easier to use. This led one e-zine writer to state that a first blade should be a wedge grind. As TBS would say - quality is quality. Preferences are another thing. 'Just wish we had more to choose from, instead of there being 100+ 5/8 full hollows for every other size/grind.
Enjoy your Harts, gents. They're lovely shavers.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I still maintain my original position that it is different but no better.

Just because a razor is bigger or heavier or has ornamentation or a different grind does not make it better in an intrinsic sense. If a particular blade is comprised of a steel that is demonstrably superior that's another issue but that has not been shown to be the case. of course you may prefer a certain type of blade and you get a better result with that type but that is a user thing.

I agree. Maybe I should have been more clear, but that's what I mean. Not that a Dovo's blade per se is of inferior quality or anything like that. It's just that I feel that I could do better with a heavier grind and a wider blade. Anyway, it'll be a matter of trying it.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I still maintain my original position that it is different but no better.

Just because a razor is bigger or heavier or has ornamentation or a different grind does not make it better in an intrinsic sense. If a particular blade is comprised of a steel that is demonstrably superior that's another issue but that has not been shown to be the case. of course you may prefer a certain type of blade and you get a better result with that type but that is a user thing.

I completely agree with you. I try to stay objective when people ask about Hart. In all honesty... I just like heavy wedges. I found it out early. They work better for me. That is why my arsenal consists of heavy grinds. I gave the hollows to those who prefer them.

After 3 years with 5/8" full hollows, I received a 7/8" round point Hart for Xmas. I am delighted with it. It was shave ready out of the box and it's a great shaver. I live in Miami but have not had any rust issues with just coating it with mineral oil. The hex nut for the pivot and made in the USA are great pluses for me. I haven't had to hone it yet, so I can't comment on that aspect of it.