Thread: My new Ralf Aust

Hi all, yesterday I received my first Ralf Aust with spanish head. I decided to order from Mr. Aust just the blade because I have at my home a good old italian maple suitable for customized scales. The blade is robust and rather heavy and it looks like a 7/8 instead of 6/8, also the workmanship is at higher level, it has a very thin bevel and I like the strong spine, shank and tang, at the same time it "sings" good. It was not so easy to adjust the new scales to the blade because a particular angle between the shank and the blade, but finally I reached a good compromise. Then I applied 2 layers of linseed oil to make it more water resistant and I left the razor to rest overnight. This morning the first shave with the new blade and scales, but first I gave it few passes on the chinese stone and 2 layers of electrical tape on the spine. The shaving was very comfortable and the blade cleaned my face without any problem. Although at this moment I prefer heavier blades from TI, I think that Aust represents the best tradition in straight razor making from Solingen. Also I hope that him won't be raged for a slightly TI looking scales on his blade.

I think you have a winner. The maple wood looks very nice.

Good choice for a razor and excellent choice for scales. I love the way the grain runs on the maple. Congratulations.

Just beautiful, very well done!!

Nice to know, I was not aware that Aust would sell you a blade without scales.

And I am very fond of his Spanish point, easy to trim around my moustache.

Wow, that looks sharp. I've been thinking about buying an RA

Yes, it is sharp and precise. Today I had a second shave with this RA and I have appreciated the precision and the Aust "philosophy": a substantial and strong spine above a thinner edge, the strokes have to be lighter, so 2 passes wtg and atg and your face is cleaned well without any irritation (yesterday I had my first shave with this new Aust, the same wtg and atg as today). Now I have to verify if it can hold the edge for a longer time, at least like my Pumas. My scales are a bit thicker on the tail, but they stand safe and firm in my hand. Thank you guys for appreciate my maple scales.

Great job, good looking razor.

Nice razor and scales!

nice scales for a nice blade