Can anyone share their experience with either of these manufacturers? For some reason the Raph Aust is speaking to me.....it says, "Buy me, buy me now..."
Printable View
Can anyone share their experience with either of these manufacturers? For some reason the Raph Aust is speaking to me.....it says, "Buy me, buy me now..."
I own both. The Aust would be my choice. Better finish and overall craftsmanship (although the TI isn't bad) to me give the nod to Ralf Aust. Also, the edge on my Aust blade is significantly better. It has a more uniform grind than the TI as well. Both are proper razors, but I'll choose the Ralf Aust every time.
I've read from many people that the edge is uneven on TI razors. I think you just convinced me. :tu
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've gotten 2 R. Austs from SRD, shave ready...and both are great shavers and well made.
TI and Aust: 2 completely different philosophies and very different products. I love the TI C135 because is rather rust proof and special and smooth shaving, I don't mind for the uneven bevel, it reminds me the very old blades with a lot of steel. The RA on the other side is very precise and "cold", it could be the perfect choice for a beginner.
I too am considering RA for my next purchase. Any more users?
For what it's worth re: Rampa's post above, One of my Aust's is a carbon steel 5/8, but the other is a stainless 6/8. Both are from SRD, both have black scales, and neither has had any rust or staining issues. As I said earlier, they are both great shavers. By the way, if you use the search box in the upper right, you'll find several threads on Ralf Austs. here's a pic of both.
I know that RA are excellent SR, I was just comparing 2 different approaches to SR making. My next SR will be a RA, I asked to Mr. Aust to send me just a blade, I'll make customized scales for it.
Not having both. I can't compare, but I have a very lovely TI 7/8 Bijou de France ( hollow grind, barber's notch). It's still on the factory edge and shaves as well as anything I own. I would have another if there weren't so many other temptations.
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-
Attachment 168550
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....
Attachment 168551
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)
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Neckbone
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.
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. :cenQuote:
Originally Posted by Phoenix51
I think I'm going to try to exchange it.
As many have said you cant go wrong with either choice! I have both the TI (6/8 Bison) and the RA (7/8) both provide great shaves but I will say that for me the TI provides a closer and more comfortable shave and I feel I don't have to work as hard to get a great shave with the TI...I know this sounds strange but for me this is true!
The C135 is great steel. I am a fan of modern TI.
I emailed Herr Aust yesterday about exchanging it and he replied right away and was very apologetic. With all the love of RA razors around here, I'm sure I just got unlucky and that this is not a systemic issue.
With that said, the other thing I noticed about this razor is that it was a little unwieldy around my face. Almost like it was too big. I thought that 7/8" was the sweet spot for me, but this RA razor turned out to be a hair over 15/16". So then I measured my other two razors I really like that were supposed to be 7/8" and found that they were actually smaller than 7/8". Now I'm thinking that maybe 6/8" is a better fit for me, so I asked to exchange for that size since (in my only experience with RA razors) they seem to run a little big.
Has anyone with an RA razor found they ran large? Or are they true to size?
I don't know...my two are "just right" and to my eye appear to be the same as my Dovo and Boker.! I'm not measuring mine, except in the satisfaction I get from it. No size complaints (pun intended).Quote:
Originally Posted by supersco
I have heard others say the Aust blades seem to run a tad large. My two 6/8 blades appear (to me) to be right close to that size when compared to my 7/8 Hart Steel (which is the only 7/8 razor I own).Quote:
Originally Posted by supersco
