Thread: Hart Steel... some thoughts and questions

I recently purchased a new to me first generation Hart Steel, 6/8 square tip, satin with Rosewood scales.

First some quick history... Been DE shaving for more years than I can count and at some point in my DE career, with zero intent to pursue straights, I collected a few internet images of the Harts. Something in the stripped utilitarian look that caught my. I recall a custom motorcycle built by english builder Russell Mitchell, called Pure Sex. Matte black tins with matte silver running gear.. all business.. A match for the Hart. I love both. But I digress.

I researched the Hart Steel products before I bought this one and knew there were some inconsistencies with QC.. grind marks on a few blades, and bevel angle concerns on others. But I knew the blade was flawless, and would go to be honed by a pro before I shaved with it so I wasn't too concerned.

I sent it off to a pro who had done a few other blades for me, all awesome, but his thoughts were confirmed when I shaved with it.. He thought it wasn't going to be a good shaver and it isn't. Now, I don't know anything about honing. I do know when the shave doesn't feel good.

I had decided to sell it and count my loses as a lesson earned but I am concerned I might be jumping the gun and want to be sure I take the right route. So, options...

Give up on it and sell it?

Or, is it worth sending back to Hart to have them hone it?

For those of you who have the Gen I Hart (I believe those with no jimps are the Gen I's), were you able to coax a good shave out of it? I really like the no-nonsense design, beefy shank and monkey tail and want to give the razor the respect I feel it's due...

The only reason I can think of why the first gens had 'problems' was supposedly the spine was not thick enough for the depth of the blade. I don't think there was a problem with heat treat, at least I never heard of any. So if that is the case, the spine to bevel geometry, perhaps the honer could compensate with more layers of tape. There is a known mathematical equation to figure out if the spine is within the 'right' parameter for the width of the blade. If it is too thin build it up with tape. Alternatively send it to Hart and see if they will 'step up to the plate.' It has their name on it after all.

Thanks.. I hadn't considered shipping it back to Hart until I did my most recent research and found much praise of their post sale customer support, even if the razor was purchased second-hand..

I know this is an option, but would to know if anyone else had experienced similar issues and how/if the were able to address it.

If I keep it, it will need a set of scales to match my initial visions.. maybe ebony or carbon fiber?

I have a Hartnthat I'm quite pleased with. But it does benefit from two layers of tape on the spine.

You said basically, correct me if I read wrong; you purchased, based largely upon looks?
Then you researched the Hart & find QC issues. This paragraph confuses me a bit:

" I researched the Hart Steel products before I bought this one and knew there were some inconsistencies with QC.. grind marks on a few blades, and bevel angle concerns on others. But I knew the blade was flawless, and would go to be honed by a pro before I shaved with it so I wasn't too concerned."

I say keep the Hart, put it away for a peroid, while you purchase & use another brand; gaining experience with straight shaving, maybe even honing your own in the future.

Then re-visit the Hart you have; maybe your experience with it the second time around will be much different.

I tried to read most of the posts over the past 3 years I've been here; I guess I missed all the posts on the Hart QC issues?

Originally Posted by Hirlau

You said basically, correct me if I read wrong; you purchased, based largely upon looks?
Then you researched the Hart & find QC issues. This paragraph confuses me a bit:

" I researched the Hart Steel products before I bought this one and knew there were some inconsistencies with QC.. grind marks on a few blades, and bevel angle concerns on others. But I knew the blade was flawless, and would go to be honed by a pro before I shaved with it so I wasn't too concerned."

I say keep the Hart, put it away for a peroid, while you purchase & use another brand; gaining experience with straight shaving, maybe even honing your own in the future.

Then re-visit the Hart you have; maybe your experience with it the second time around will be much different.

I tried to read most of the posts over the past 3 years I've been here; I guess I missed all the posts on the Hart QC issues?

I will clarify, I apologize...

I bought the razor based on a few things.. The blade details, the extended monkey tail design, the American origin and the ease of swapping out different scales. The actual looks were what closed it for me. So it wasn't entirely emotional or impulsive.

What I found in my research were two things. A few instances of grind marks on the blade.. But this was quite limited. When I say the blade I have is flawless, I am referring to an absence of these offensive marks. As far as the bevel angle, it was my hope that this could be remedied with proper honing which I would have done with any pre owned razor, regardless of price or origin.

I've got a dozen straights of various shape, size and manufacture and they afford me a good sampling of what a proper edge can feel like, and the Hart is falling short. But before I bail on it, for any reason, I would love some feedback from others walking the same path.

As far as honing.. No interest in doing it myself, yet. I am not one to dip a toe into a pool, I dive in. Honing is a deep pond that my life can't tackle right now. For now, I will continue to seek the assistance of the pros. It's money well spent in my opinion.

I would give Hart an opportunity to take a look at this razor and attend to the issues you have with it. From what has been posted before, they seem to have a desire to make their production acceptable as they seek a niche in the marketplace. Great looking razor, and should be a good shaver for you. This is a start-up, and you will be doing them and yourself a favor to send this back to them to see if there is a production/finishing/honing issue for them to correct. Just my $.02.

I'm intrigued by your comment that the person who honed it suspected you would not get a decent shave - that implies that he was not happy with the edge when he sent it back to you. Have you discussed what he considers the problem to be and why he made the original comment?

If there were problems identified during the honing, you should be able to use them as justification for Hart to remedy or replace. Personally, I would already have returned it to them.

Hart has a clear customers services policy and provides the means to optain a return authorization number. Give Hart a chance to attend to and give you their clear answer on the issues.
Just my 2 bits but any and all customers really need to make the efforts to straighten out problems by dealing with the vendor or the manufacturer before complaining here. Members who come here to complain about a vendor, or manufacturer and have not made contact with the vendor or manufacturer must think SRP has some special remedy for them. It is patently unfair to the vendor or manufactuer to complain here and possibly damage a reputation when you have not sought the proper initial remedy to your problem and done so as soon as you believe there is a manufacturers defect. I believe Hart Steel will be more than willing to take a look at your problem and let you know their decision.

Originally Posted by UKRob

I'm intrigued by your comment that the person who honed it suspected you would not get a decent shave - that implies that he was not happy with the edge when he sent it back to you. Have you discussed what he considers the problem to be and why he made the original comment?

If there were problems identified during the honing, you should be able to use them as justification for Hart to remedy or replace. Personally, I would already have returned it to them.

I think that generally warranties are not transferable with straight razors. The original purchaser would have a leg to stand on. If Hart wanted to really stand behind their product, and there is really something wrong with the geometry, or whatever, it would be great public relations to make it right for Mike even though he bought it second hand. We'll see what happens.