Thread: Ralf Aust Razor Club

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

Glad to share. My prep is a little unorthodox, depending on your point of view. I have abandoned the hot towel, hot lather in a scuttle approach to a lukewarm or cool water wash with a good soap (I use Dove), followed by loading the brush with the same temp water, and either building some lather in a mug, or face lathering. Whichever I choose I get my face really wet first by splashing a LOT of water on it and then lather really well. As you commented in another post, I believe the lather and water combo on the face is the key IF you have a sharp shave-ready razor. When I get a sub par shave, I know it's my lather, and each soap or cream is a little different. While you're fairly new, I'd stick with one to eliminate that variable.
As to my razors, for new, modern ones I have the R. Aust like yours, a R. Aust 6/8 stainless, a Dovo Prima Klang 5/8, a Hoffritz 5/8 that was my first 30 years ago, a Boker 6/8 "Silver Steel", and a 7/8 Robert Williams custom. In the vintage category, I have a Wade and Butcher 6/8 in ivory scales (my favorite), a George Butler Art 6/8, a Taylor Eyewitness (6/8,I think), A Burrell Top Flight 5/8, and a Henckel 5/8 shorty that was a gift from a member. I've attached some pictures in no special order.

Very nice collection!

I am so new to straight razor shaving that I don't even know what soaps/creams I do like. On the other hand, I am experienced enough at DE shaving that I can tell you that I don't really care for Van der Hagen shaving soap. I have been using it exclusively for over a year now and have dealt with its short lather lifesoan. That was "okay" while DE shaving but it was a no go during my first attempt at SR shaving. Not only was it not "slickery" enough but it's short lather lifespan meant that I had to keep reapplying it during the shave process. I did get a sampler of AOS sandalwood scented "stuff" (pre shave, cream and balm) today, as well as Black Jack shaving cream, today that I am going to give a whirl.

My first shave went remarkably well with the Van der Hagen with only three small nicks. The SR blade was freshly honed from SRD and is VERY sharp. However, it did not travel smoothly across my face resulting in multiple passes over the same areas contributing to a fair amount of razor burn. Some Nivea Smooth Sensation lotion took care of that and my face recovered nicely. I am not willing to place all of the blame on Van der Hagen. Obviously, a large portion of the discomfort can be placed on less than stellar newbie SR shaving techniques but the soap could have been more helpful.

At any rate, I am hooked and I love being a SR shaving devotee. My technique will improve and I am committed to making this the only method of removing stubble from my face.