Time for razor #2...Advice? TI/Hart others??

[TheGreatTwizz]

Ok, time for my second razor. Not so much as in progression, but now that I've confirmed I'll stick with this, my Dovo Best Quality doesn't quite suit my personal tastes in appearance, I'm certain there are finer blades available, and I feel like I'd prefer something a bit heavier.

So, currently, I'm split between Hart and TI Le Grelot or even the Crown Wing.
(If I go Hart, it'll probably be Baxter's blue steel offering; namely because I want the navy blue Horween shell case and square point.)

My questions start with: Does the Hart make up for what lacks in aesthetics with performance versus TI's offerings? Would I expect similar maintenance and usefulness with both, or are these entirely distinct products of which I shouldn't be comparing?

Please, any feedback is helpful...I have until Tuesday when shipping starts again.

[Easttexasman]

You sound like me a few months ago.I was comparing both of these razors and now I own both and you will too eventually.
There really is no comparing the two razors because there is nothing similar between the two.
I know nothing about the Crown Wing but if you can find a 1/4 grind LeGrot I suggest buying it but they are difficult to obtain.
I really enjoy my Hart Steel razor and the edge on it last a very long time,a simple touch up keeps it going forever.Also the grind on the Hart is advertised as 1/4 but to me it feels almost like a wedge.
If you like full hollow razors you might want to go with a TI first.


Paul

[Kentos]

I would buy the one that speaks to you aesthetically. After a while all your grinds will shave you well enough, but a razor that looks plain and boring to you will always look plain and boring.
I personally like the no nonsense look of the harts, but for the price there a bunch of options out there, new and vintage.

Like a Purist...

[TheGreatTwizz]

Paul: Here's the thing, I only have a full hollow razor, so I'm not sure if that's what I like. I would think that in the interest of trying other blade types, I should pickup a Hart instead of the TI as there is more difference in blade construction. but, that leats me to Kentos statements...

Kentos: Frankly, what speaks to me most aesthetically is the ivory scales and some of the more exotic woods. However, I'm not prepared to spend that amount until I've figured out which blades/grinds I prefer. With the Hart, aside from the Baxter version, I can get nice wood scales, which are aesthetically pleasing 'enough' to me, and I'm a BIG buy-american guy, so looking at 'Made in the USA' on my blade every evening is the most aesthetically pleasing of all. Maybe I'll come across some ivory scales and can put my Hart in those....

[Kentos]

:thumbup1: Sounds like a good plan. The Hart does seem to be the better buy for you.

[Easttexasman]

Sounds like you answered you own question.You are comparing very good razors,I believe you will enjoy either razor you pick.
You can pick up a 1/4 or 1/2 hollow razor that is less expensive for you to find out what you really like.
I like them all.

Paul

[Kentos]

Hey, what did you end up getting? Fathers day beckons to a new Hart razor...

[king1976]

I saw that Hart razors are something about 250-280 USD. I did not use them at all and can not speak about their shaving performances but for that money I will rather go with one of the Wackers.

1 st one Wacker "Stosser" Mod.4 13/16 Wedge 289.99 USD
2 nd one Wacker "Keilschliff" 6/8 Wedge 234.99 USD

...but if you want USA made produced razor than Hart is way to go.

[Wid]

You could get a Brian Brown custom.....Made In The U.S.A.

[professorchaos]

If you reconsider getting a Hart, they are excellent razors. The fit & finish is just exactly perfect, it is relatively easy to hone and shaves very, very well.

[Kentos]

In have heard that they are basically near wedges. Any chance of a hart owner posting a front profile pic? I have a few nice shaving near wedge vintages and wouldnt need a "new" near wedge just because.

[hartsore]

You could get a Brian Brown custom.....Made In The U.S.A.

Just for the record, I second this suggestion. I own one of Brian's razors, an 8/8, and it is a terrific shaver. He goes by Milemarker60 on this forum, and his prices are bvery reasonable.

[DogHair]

If you reconsider getting a Hart, they are excellent razors. The fit & finish is just exactly perfect, it is relatively easy to hone and shaves very, very well.

I have to agree. Harts are outstanding razors. Mine never fails to provide and outstanding shave.

[global_dev]

In have heard that they are basically near wedges. Any chance of a hart owner posting a front profile pic? I have a few nice shaving near wedge vintages and wouldnt need a "new" near wedge just because.

i think it's more 1/4 than near wedge


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QaYNe2Idjok/TWl8aObbFLI/AAAAAAAABn4/B6IXYQzpbNU/s640/IMG_20110226_164204.jpg

[global_dev]

BTW that MAKR/BAXTER leather sleeve is another $85..it's nice, but are there some skilled leather toolers here that could maybe make one for less? i don't mind paying for quality and workmanship, but a one-fold and sewn piece of leather sounds expensive

[Kentos]

Hey, thanks for that pic Jon. I always though half hollow referred to the depth of the hollow, but maybe it's more about how far from the edge the taper towards the spine begins. In hind sight that makes a lot more sense.
I think I need one now :lol:

Btw can I assume you love yours too?

[global_dev]

Hey, thanks for that pic Jon. I always though half hollow referred to the depth of the hollow, but maybe it's more about how far from the edge the taper towards the spine begins. In hind sight that makes a lot more sense.
I think I need one now :lol:

Btw can I assume you love yours too?

i have a hard time with trying to determine what i like... it happens with razors, brushes, soaps, creams...
The hart is really really nice.. i don't think i will soon get rid of it...

[TheGreatTwizz]

Hey, what did you end up getting? Fathers day beckons to a new Hart razor...

Actually, I'm on #5 at this point (go figure). #2 was a 1920's vintage Blue Steel from Vintage Blades (5/8 square point), while I like this razor, it is more of a touch-up razor for me than something I'd use in regular rotation. Bone scales and serious heft to the blade; #3 a vintage Dovo from BST, currently at another member getting honed; #4 a NOS Revisor from Vintage Blades that is absolutely spectacular. For fear of screwing up my only proper edge, I didn't strop it till the fourth shave and that was only out of guilt, not out of necessity.

For now, I'm considering a Le Grelot based on everyone's love of them, and my love of the NOS Revisor. My fondness for vintage steel is growing exponentially...looks like the wardrobe budget is going to get some reallocation.


I saw that Hart razors are something about 250-280 USD. I did not use them at all and can not speak about their shaving performances but for that money I will rather go with one of the Wackers.

1 st one Wacker "Stosser" Mod.4 13/16 Wedge 289.99 USD
2 nd one Wacker "Keilschliff" 6/8 Wedge 234.99 USD

...but if you want USA made produced razor than Hart is way to go.

Thanks for the tip, I'll be sure to look at some of his work.


You could get a Brian Brown custom.....Made In The U.S.A.

Where can I see a portfolio/website?


BTW that MAKR/BAXTER leather sleeve is another $85..it's nice, but are there some skilled leather toolers here that could maybe make one for less? i don't mind paying for quality and workmanship, but a one-fold and sewn piece of leather sounds expensive

To clarify on that leather sleeve, it is, for what it is, priced absolutely on-par. This isn't a simple piece of leather that is bound with great craftsmanship. This is a piece of Horween Shell Cordovan (horsehide), from the Horween Tannery in Chicago. Horween is the ONLY tanner of shell cordovan in the states, their product is recognized as the best in the world (superior to Japanese cordovan), and this is an especially unique cordovan in that it was tanned to a navy color, which, to my knowledge, is the first time Horween has done so. Generally their cordovan is tanned to the normal burgundy color we all associate with the term 'cordovan', or in a dark brown (Allen Edmonds shoes), Black, or varying shades of tan (Alden shoes). I, generally, find MAKR's products, especially those of shell cordovan, to be grossly overpriced, but not so here. The case being that color, and in that product, frankly, I would pay that for the sleeve as a single piece to carry a straight, or even more to have a two-case. There's a video around on youtube or the like showing the 27 step process that Horween uses. It's an interesting watch for anyone remotely interested in 'how it's made' stuff.

[Wid]

http://arazorstale.blogspot.com/p/custom-straight-razors.html

Brians website.

[Kentos]

Lol epic ADs:thumbup1:

[global_dev]

To clarify on that leather sleeve, it is, for what it is, priced absolutely on-par. This isn't a simple piece of leather that is bound with great craftsmanship. This is a piece of Horween Shell Cordovan (horsehide), from the Horween Tannery in Chicago. ...The case being that color, and in that product, frankly, I would pay that for the sleeve as a single piece to carry a straight, or even more to have a two-case.

sounds like you have it together as for the value of the piece. i'd be interested to see it in the flesh.