Thread: Hart steel razor

Paul I really hope you enjoy the Hart Steel. They have quite a dedicated following. They build a serious no nonsense straight razor with no frills and the original scales they use will probably survive a a few millienium. Offering the wood scale option
probably did help get them some business. Please let us know your thoughts when you get to shave with your replacement.

Glad to hear that Hart intends to make this right. They have fully priced a great looking and generally great performing razor, and if they wish to stay in business they need to not have these issues and/or step up as they appear to be doing. SWMBO has decided I really don't need one of these razors at my advanced age . . .i am living vicariously. . .

After calling customer service I was sent a new razor that is in excellent condition. They shipped it fast, I received the new razor three days after calling them. If anyone has problems I would suggest calling rather than emailing them. As far as shave quality, I used it right out of the box and I would rate it as one of the best shaving razors I own, second to Dovo's stainless razors. That may change once I sharpen the razor myself. Overall I am very satisfied with the razor and would consider buying another Hart steel razor.

I am happy to hear it worked out the way it should have Paul. Enjoy.

Nice, I am glad it worked out for you.

Originally Posted by gugi

I never liked the quality of the 'satin finish' of these razors, and for that matter almost every knifemaker who has branched into razors that I've seen.
I do not mess with grinding and stuff, but from what I understand to achieve uniform finish like those on vintage razors, it is necessary to first go beyond the brushed finish and polish the steel and only then create the brushed finish. That's harder and costs more.

I had occasion to talk with a USA custom maker about 'satin' as opposed to mirror finish. He told me it is far more labor intensive to do the mirror finish. From the artisan's point of view the worst part is the mirror finish highlights the slightest defect while the satin will tend to conceal them. Not surprising that most customs and many factory razors nowadays are satin rather than mirror. I suppose there must be gradations in between the aforementioned finishes though. I can imagine going through the whole razor making process and a moments inattention in the final buffing ruins the whole effort.