Thread: Ralf Aust

Relatively unknown on the North American Continent until 2013.
I've got 2 Ralf Aust 7/8's and one 6/8's round tip and French, the 5/8's i gave to AirColorado because he didn't have one and i had been talking them up somewhat.
I really do enjoy shaving with them and would like to find a replacement for the 5/8's.
The only downside is that they have been so highly recommended this last year that it shouldn't come as a surprise to see prices rise as inventory is eaten up by RSP members.
Maybe have to give Obie a holler as he seems to have a large stash of RA's.
Yes, some good pics in the RA thread.

Read this for some perspective: Straight Razor Magazine: Review: Ralf Aust 7/8 Prototype

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

Read this for some perspective: Straight Razor Magazine: Review: Ralf Aust 7/8 Prototype

Thanks Harold......was a great write up for sure. I think I may like this little gem when it gets here. Will throw it on the leather strop for several strokes then see what happens!

BTW- Would love to get my hands on one with real horn material!!! Those are quite blingful and look great! But that is superficial of me I know, as long as the blade cuts effortlessly is the main aspect.

Michael -- Do NOT strop until after you use it! Wipe off the oil (staying away from the edge) and then shave. Then dry and strop it a little.

hat way you will be able to tell for the next shave if your stropping is degrading an otherwise great edge, which it will be from Lynn.

Good shaving!

Harold

To copy the reviews here... I ordered a RA as my first SR from SRD and I love it. I realize that I don't know any better but sometimes you can get luck out of the gate. I am in no hurry to get rid of it, only to expand my experience with other razors more.

I think you will enjoy it.

Sometimes we "make" our luck. Ordering a razor from SRD is one way to do that! Enjoy!

Originally Posted by tom475

To copy the reviews here... I ordered a RA as my first SR from SRD and I love it. I realize that I don't know any better but sometimes you can get luck out of the gate. I am in no hurry to get rid of it, only to expand my experience with other razors more.

I think you will enjoy it.

Just got a update and it should arrive at the front door on Tuesday! Can't wait. States on the site to just wipe the oil and give it an initial stopping and ready to go. Now Harold you mentioned to just wipe the oil and shave then strop. Which should I do on the initial shave? I think I will grow a 3 day growth to put this razor to the test for sure. Also have a Shapton 12000 grit coming to put in the stable of stones. Should be a good few days coming with toys!

I need after last night with the high winds and power out. We have ridge vent shingles that blew off the house so today in 20 degree weather after church I have to climb on a house to repair any wind damaged shingles!!! Did I mention the older I get the more I hate cold weather! use to love deep snows and cold brisk air! My 45 year old bones no longer care for it!

I am four shaves in with my Round Point 5/8 Aust. Purchased from SRD. Last night felt like I was actually shaving, as opposed to just whacking hair off my face. Still sliced my mole open on the first pass, but the rest of the shave went very well, considering it was only #4 with a straight. I seemed to just "know" what to do at each little issue . . . blade stops drawing? Back off, more lather, redraw. Tricky bit under the nose? Mini strokes with the toe. Rough patch on the chin? Steady draw with the heel. Everything just seemed to come together nicely, bloodletting excepted. Even there, it would usually cause me a great deal of consternation and make the shave that much less enjoyable to make a mistake like that. Last night, it was almost completely ignored in favour of a pleasant shaving experience, with very satisfactory results.

I got one of the 5/8" round nose from SRD with their Premier 1 Strop deal. First time shaving with a truly shave ready edge showed me what I needed to do on the razors I have been attempting to hone and "shave" with. Nice smooth shave with the RA and my honing has improved immensely because now I have a benchmark to compare to!!