Thread: Is it too soon for nice steel?

Bob,
Thanks. I consider my vintage razors to be fine razors. I like them very much (but they do need some slab work though).

I am not expecting a better shave from a new razor, but I hope I find that I enjoy the shave more with a heavier and less hollow blade...only one way to determine that The only one I have that is not extra hollow is a very shallow profile (perhaps 3-4/8). I love it, but it does not answer the questions I have about a more chunky blade in a 6/8...or perhaps 7/8.

The reality is that I will probably rotate razors. I have already shown that trend. I am a tinkerer and a tester...anyone that knows me from the knife forums knows I am constantly dinking with things trying to make them perform better. At this stage of the shaving game, I am acquiring knowledge and experience and I think I will be happier buying some variants to play around/experiment with.

Unit

I was being a little tongue in cheek about my vintage razors but I understand fully why you want a brand new razor. You might just find you will really like a 6/8 with a slightly heavier grind. The new one that I got was a 6/8 full hollow but it has some weight behind it, heavier spine maybe? Others have said the key to liking full hollows and smaller blades is the they have to be very sharp. I am thinking that is true from my experience. Anyway, you are right, the only way to tell for sure is to try one. When you do go for it be sure and let us know your impressions.

Bob

A man needs variety, so yes...if you have the spare funds go for it. This veteran shaver prefers 6/8-7/8 square points, but I do have a few round points too. Find some shavers close to you and I'd be willing you will see something in their collection you haven't shaved with. Just keep in mind that it is you who must be satisfied, so asking an opinion on "what to get" is like asking what type of vehicle should I buy...I prefer a Suburban or Yukon XL 4x4 with the 6.0...you will get 10 jillion answers. Now for the facts: Hart makes a fine razor and if you decide you don't like you can always move it on the classifieds & find something else to try.

It's a never ending adventure...enjoy the ride!

Shooter,

I agree with you and appreciate your thoughts. I hope this did not come off as a what to buy...because I am all to familiar with the ubiquitous answer, "it depends".

I was hoping to gain greater understanding of WHY people like square points. I presumed that a shaver could possibly do a little finer sculpting with a spike or square, and then there is the aesthetics of it (which I like). I appreciate any insight you or anyone else can provide as to rational for a square/spike. Sure there is preference, but some things are not all that debatable (i.e. a full wedge will generally require more grinding to get a chip out than a deep hollow...or so it would seem).

Anyway, I fully understand that no one can tell me what will work best, but I did not want to make any classic rookie mistakes either

Thanks again!

If you go with a Hart, or anything else for that matter, go with the one that has jimps on the tang. Makes it so much easier to have a positive grip IME. I have them with and without but I vastly prefer them with jimps. IMO they are worth the extra $.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

If you go with a Hart, or anything else for that matter, go with the one that has jimps on the tang. Makes it so much easier to have a positive grip IME. I have them with and without but I vastly prefer them with jimps. IMO they are worth the extra $.

Thanks. I am not sure I have an opinion on jumps, but everything I have used has them. It sort of makes sense to have a good grip on a wet razor

Actually my first razor is a Hart. They are nice utilitarian shavers.

Once you master shaving, whether it's a spike or round or something else doesn't matter from a shave perspective. I think for most it just a style thing that you prefer. Some would say a spike lets you get to tight areas better though for me frankly it doesn't matter

I have quite a few razors and have gone through the stages of wanting big razors and heavy razors and light razors and small razors and everything in-between. At this pint in my life I view a razor as a precision instrument and I want something that will be an extension of my hand. I want something with great balance and that I can easily maneuver around my face. I've come to the conclusion a 5/8s or 6/8s hollow grind fits the bill. I still use everything but much prefer the smaller. A big huge chunk of metal on my face does nothing for me and some of those razors with too heavy scales or way too heavy blades don't thrill me either.

Certainly there is something for everybody and this is just my opinion as it relates to me. It's not meant to be a put down of big razors.

Personally, I think you'd be better off buying a couple of different styles / sizes on ebay, to get a feel for what you like / dislike.
Sell them again when you're done with them. At least then you'll know what you really want in a razor.

I've got just one spike that remains in rotation because the edge is so stellar. It's a hungry, snappy critter, though. It's too easy to get cut by the damn thing, and I'm a careful guy. If I ever am in a hurry, I reach for a round tip. Just safer. My blade with the best ergonomics--grip, mass, balance--also gives me the quickest shaves. I routinely budget a half hour for the shave, but the good ergo blades get me finished with more time to spare than I know what to do with, and it's not from trying to hurry.

So, in a nutshell, my opinion is skip the spike and go for user friendliness, for the blade that works best for rather than looks best to you.

Other than that, once you're committed to this sort of shave, no, it's never too soon for nice steel.

Best wishes to you.