Thread: To Hart or not? That is the question.

Anyone have any thoughts/experience on the Hart razors? One is for sale on epay and it is a generation one - whatever that means. Since each razor is made by one individual, does anyone know who is at Hart doing a superb job. I'm sure there is quality control, but we all know that some artisians are just better than others, for a whole host of different reasons. If you have one and you're really happy with the craftsmanship, could you share the artisians stamp. You can PM me on this, if you want. Apparently Zowada is no longer there. Any other brand suggestions would be appreciated. Hope I'm not out of line here, but it is a lot of $.
Thank you in advance for any comments/suggestions.

A genration one should be 6/8's, 1/4 hollow, satin finish, round or square point, O-1 tool steel martempered and frozen in liquid Nitrogen 62 - 63HRC. The scales should be one piece cast from resin. The heat treating was done by an aerospace place in Traverse City, MI. The grinders would be any of the three: Bruce, Terry or JD.

All of the guys doing the grinding do a good job. As with any razor purchase, be sure you have inspection rights and can send it back if it is damaged.

I'm not with Hart any more. But, they are unique in the industry and do a good job.

I hope this helps

If you are having problems with spending that kind of money I will give you this advice. I own a gen 1 it is awsome. My freinds all have atleast one of them. They are made in America and have an awsome track record. I know they are expensive. Even new I think they go for about 300 bucks, but they are a cottage business and in that you will really get some quality in that razor. There are many alternatives such as dovo for costs sake. I know you can get a 5/8 dovo from SRD for about 80 bucks and it will be hones to perfection when it comes to you.

The one on eBay went for $180 and change. I watched it, but didn't bid. Picture showed wood scales. Beautiful razor. The same bidder got a good deal on a SRD paddle strop. SWMBO is not a source of encouragement for me, but a Hart is at the top of my list. The bidder in this deal is fortunate....

I bought one as a second razor to my Boker full hollow. If you like or would like a razor that looks and feels like a tool instead of a delicate show piece then you'd be happy. I'm new to straight shaving and haven't really dialed this one in yet (I think the difference in feedback from my Boker combined with the weight of it creates a recipe for razor burn that I do not feel in my Boker much anymore). If you haven't shaved with a 1/4 hollow or a wedge, then I would try to find someone that has one before you blow $300 unless you're like me and don't mind blowing $300 for the "made-in-America production razor" nostolgic effect and are willing to make it shave well. I'm very happy with the purchase, it came shaving sharp and hones well for me off Naniwa, Norton, and Shapton stones.

I own a 7/8 square tip. I love it. Is it expensive? You bet. But I really feel that you get a lot of razor here for you money. While your average Dovo will set you back a little over $100, I at least see a lot of vintage razors that I could have for that same money and many are superior. The Hart is about $300 and there is a lot that competes for that same money. The difference is that the Hart is a different breed than anything else. While that standard Dovo at $100 can be swapped out for a million other full hollow 6/8 razors, I don’t think you can say the same about the Hart. This is a rather unique razor that is not like any of the other heavy grind/large sized razors I have. Answering if its worth it is a personal assessment. I’m very happy with mine. But when its all tallied up, that dime a dozen Dovo will deliver a shave just as good as the Hart. The Hart is a wonderful luxury. But luxury it is.

I have a Hart, newer one and it's a very nice razor. No issues at all. My feeling has always been for the price you are getting into custom territory.

I've got a gen 1 and yup, if you can get one, do it.

I have a Hart 7/8 square latest generation, and i love the weight and feel a lot better than my dovo best quality, and it hold the edge for a long time. Good razor and its worth the price.

I like jimping so I steered clear of the gen 1s.

But I now have 2 Hart Steels that I made custom handles for. They are superb shavers, but lately there have been a handful of reports that they came with non-shave-ready edges. Mine both came with fantastic edges, and I found them easy to hone when they required it. I wouldn't sweat it, I figure any razor purchase will require a hone job...if they don't, it's a bonus.