Thread: Raph Aust or TI?

I have a TI and a first i was ok with it. But after i used it for every shave she really came to become a fantastic shaver. I have not tried the RA.

I've got them both, but I see them as different expressions of the same art, for want of a better description...

Both great razors, but if you're looking for value for the dollars spent, the nod must go to Herr Aust!

I have austs in carbon and stainless and I have a bunch of TIs too. True, TI can have some QC problems and you won't go wrong with either but if I had to pick one over the other I think the TI has the nod over the Aust. Maybe the history or the French design thing over the German?

I'd just buy the one you like better. You won't regret it either way.

In my opinion but take just as an opinion, TI IS special you like it or not.RA is Moré a german razor if you get use to them you stik to them. I own a T I is fine ,can't complain but being spanish and user of Filarmonicas (4) I'm more confortable with RA. Just a Matter of taste

Welp, just dropped some cash on a Ralf Aust 7/8. Mainly because I don't want an uneven bevel that seems to be quite common with a TI razor, and no one has ever said anything bad about a Ralf Aust. I also wanted to try a carbon steel razor and found it difficult to tell what kind of steel TI uses.

Design/aesthetics-wise, TI razors are prettier. But in my opinion, the looks of a razor are the least important factor. Sort of like scent in a soap. If a razor gave the perfect shave, I wouldn't care if it was the ugliest thing on the planet.

I'll post back after I've gotten my first shave with it.

Got this yesterday-



Here's another view (opening video)

http://rasiermesser-manufaktur.de/

I have a TI also. Nice razor indeed. The new ones are made from a proprietary carbon steel (Carbonsong C135). Very hard and holds an edge quite well. I'll have to differ with you on the aesthetics; I think the two Aust blades I have (the one above and a 6/8 Spanish point w/olive wood scales-picture below) are nicer looking....



And are more nicely finished than the TI. Don't get me wrong. I like TI razors and believe they are a fine product; just that Ralf Aust has the edge (pun intended)

Originally Posted by Neckbone

I'm new at this, so my comments may be considered in that light. My RA gave a fair shave as received new shave ready. My Dovo was the same when received, but have honed it, finishing with crox to a great shave. I used the paste on the RA, but still get just a fair shave (without going to the stones).
When my two different loops arrive I'll go to the stones with the RA. I would rather be able to see what is happening with each grit before honing the RA.
The RA is very nicely finished with a narrow even bevel. I would definitely buy another one.
I have no doubt that it will be a great shaver after working out the honing.

I finally received my RA last week. I've had two shaves on it, and while I'd classify it as shave ready, the edge needs some work for my tastes. Can you or anybody else offer advice on what to do with my Shapton 4k, 8k, 16k glass stones to make the edge pop? I don't have any pastes yet.

after a quick session of 75 small circles+10 x strokes on a Naniwa 8000 SS, followed by 50 small circles 10 x strokes on a Naniwa 12000 SS. 50 laps on the strop (50 each cotton and leather). Result? Simply wonderful.

I am loving all this RA love. I just ordered mine a couple days ago. Can't wait to receive it.

Originally Posted by Phoenix51

after a quick session of 75 small circles+10 x strokes on a Naniwa 8000 SS, followed by 50 small circles 10 x strokes on a Naniwa 12000 SS. 50 laps on the strop (50 each cotton and leather). Result? Simply wonderful.

I finally took the RA back to the stones today to try this. I noticed right away that I was not getting a solid line of swarf all the way across the edge, only at the heel and toe. Then when I went to strop, I immediately saw that the middle of the blade was not making contact with the leather. I don't know why I didn't notice before, but the blade is very clearly warped.

I think I'm going to try to exchange it.