Thread: Hello from South Africa

Gentlemen,

Hello from South Africa!

I guess I'm not exactly new - got my first straight 9mnths ago - but have never posted anything to the forum before today...

My journey started on Christmas 2013 when I received a nice Edwin Jagger brush-mug-soap set from dear friends. I've never used the nasty spray-can foam ever again...

Problems soon set in with the disposable razors which kept getting clogged with the great new shaving foam...so I started looking around for a 'real' razor. Being down in South Africa certainly didn't help - only a few Dovo's available locally but the stores stocking them didn't even know what 'shave-ready' meant!

So I needed to look further afield and came across SRD - what a fantastic company, run by true gentlemen! I initially wanted to get a stainless 7/8 but was amazed when Don at SRD advised me to get a far cheaper (and easier to manage) entry-level 5/8 Ralf Aust. He could've made a bigger sale but instead made a suggestion which probably saved my face more than my wallet! Like I said - a true gentleman!

Boy, what a great experience shaving with a straight has been so far!! I've loved every minute of the learning curve and now look forward to shaving, rather than dreading it...

I've re-scaled my Ralf Aust in ebony and maintained it with the awesome 3" Premium IV English Bridle Strop from SRD. No honing needed so far but I have been keeping an eye out for a suitable high-grit stone (I have a series of stones for my knives but nothing fine enough for a razor...)

Here's my pride and joy:

Welcome to the forum. There is also a finishing hone available from SA, just use the site search for Zulu Grey.

Bob

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Welcome to SRP

Hello, Ravens. Welcome to SRP!
Nice setup. I like the scales you put on the Aust.

Welcome to the forum. I am glad you are making your way. Thanks for the picture. I can't buy them all so I enjoy seeing the collections of others.

Welcome to SRP!

I love the rescale of the Aust in ebony.

Hello Raven and welcome to SRP.
You are going to enjoy it here.
Nice job on the scales of one of my all time favorite razors.

Hi & welcome to SRP. I love your razor done in ebony, it looks great!!! SRD is a great place to get a good affordable new straight & Don steered you in the right direction. You also got a great strop to go with it so it sounds like you're set! If you have any questions just ask. There are many very knowledgable people here to help!
Good luck!

Hi and welcome. The Ralf Aust looks great in that re scale. Would second the Naniwa 12k is a great touch up hone. Have also heard good things about the Zulu. Good luck with what ever you choose and any questions feel free to ask