Update on my Hart 6/8" quarter ground.

I looked at my edge with a USB microscope and was concerned about the deep scratches in the grind that went all the way into the bevel. I decided to rehone the razor, initially without tape. I went all the way back to a 220 Naniwa superstone and set the bevel until it would shave hair on my arm. I then took it through my normal sequence of Naniwa 1K...12K. On the lower stones, I started with slurry and then diluted to water. Although sharp, the edge was still not great.

Finally, I added a layer of tape and took the razor to a Chinese 12K, starting with slurry and then finishing with water. This double bevel definitely made the edge more comfortable. I might even try it again with two layers of tape.

If I had paid the full price for the razor, I would have been quite upset. You should not have to hone a "shave ready" razor multiple times. Since I paid only $135 plus a $20 upgrade for Cocobolo scales, I decided to keep it. The experience of multiple honings, while not fun, did teach me more about how to handle the honing of problem razors. Although the Hart was a new razor, I had to treat it as if were a vintage restoration.

Currently, Classic Shaving is listing a sale price of $125 on Hart satin finish razors. Cost for anything other than black plastic scales will be extra. They are not showing any polished blade production Hart razors. Polishing the blade would have eliminated the issue I experienced with grind scratches. Even at the current sale price, however, I cannot recommend purchasing the satin finished razors.

Classic Shaving is still listing Hart Custom razors. Hopefully, the quality of workmanship that goes into these higher priced razors will be far better than mine. However, I won't be spending my money on one of them.