Thread: Received New Ralf Aust in the Mail From SRD!

Hey All,

Got home to find that my brand new Ralf Aust 5/8 from SRD was delivered today. Was so excited especially since I got home a little early. Well I open it up and it is something beautiful! The scales are rosewood, and the grain is distinctive and aesthetic! The blade itself looks great, and I really like the feel of the grip since it is on the top and bottom.
Well I immediately do a quick strop, then hop in the shower. I am starting to get a routine going with my prep, and that routine is feeling comfortable and quicker than the first time. Well after I am finished with my prep, I get the blade in hand and go in for the first stroke.
The edge felt extremely sharp to the touch, and had no problem cutting hairs on my hand. But the shave I got from this blade is not comfortable. I am actually quite disappointed after multiple suggestions saying SRD hones each blade beforehand. I am not an expert on straight edges, but I do understand that their should be a clear bevel to each side of the edge. Well this blade seems to be missing the bevel on one side.
The shave was quite painful, and the tip of the blade would not even cut on one side. I also could not get all the hairs on my face removed, no matter how many times I went over them. I am wondering if I just have impenetrable facial hair? Well I am posting photos of my new straight, along with photos of the edge. Can I please get some advice about the look of the edge?

Vincent the Newbie!

The photos are difficult, but there appears to be a bevel on each side, given the reflections on each side.

Looks to me like it has a bevel. Keep in mind, the guys that hone SRD razors have honed literally thousands of razors so the bevel is very small compared to others. As far as the comfortable shave part... It has a learning curve that can be steep at times. It takes lots of practice.

Originally Posted by 209to510

m.
Well I immediately do a quick strop,

Have you stropped before?
Have you shaved with a straight before?

Originally Posted by 209to510

The edge felt extremely sharp to the touch,

Yeah, don't do that.

Originally Posted by 209to510

I do understand that their should be a clear bevel to each side of the edge. Well this blade seems to be missing the bevel on one side.

The grind determines the width of the bevel. It is completely dependent upon the geometry of the blade.

Originally Posted by 209to510

Can I please get some advice about the look of the edge?

The look of the edge is irrelevant, as it can vary depending on the grind. I am curious to know how much shaving experience you have, as, quite honestly, the blaming of the razor using ends up being due to shaving inexperience.

Now, that does not mean that Lynn is infallible, but we've seen this issue arise many times and invariably it ended up being user error.

That said, could you please provide better photos of the bevels at similar angles?

Here are some more photos. Don't know if they are any clearer. Hopefully it shows better. Will definitely keep shaving with it. Hope shave number two will be able to get all the hairs!
I am also including a photo of my other razor and it's beveled edge.

I am new to shaving with a straight edge, but honestly it is not rocket science. And even if it were rocket science I would be able to do it as I have a degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering. Now, I have done extensive work with materials and material properties. And I understand mechanical processes such as grinding. But the top photo clearly shows the start of the bevel at the tip and heel of the blade, and the bevel drop to the slightest of an edge in the middle. As opposed to the bottom photo which clearly shows an even bevel across the edge. Now if that is normal than I just learned something new.

I'm not sure about the RA but the Art Of Shaving blade looks out of wack, hopefully it's just a photo artifact

Originally Posted by 209to510

I am new to shaving with a straight edge, but honestly it is not rocket science. And even if it were rocket science I would be able to do it as I have a degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering. Now, I have done extensive work with materials and material properties. And I understand mechanical processes such as grinding. But the top photo clearly shows the start of the bevel at the tip and heel of the blade, and the bevel drop to the slightest of an edge in the middle. As opposed to the bottom photo which clearly shows an even bevel across the edge. Now if that is normal than I just learned something new.

OK, are you able to shave with the A of S razor?

If you can understand the mechanical process of grinding, then I'll assume that you can handle geometry as well. As I already said above, the bevel produced by competent honing is entirely dependent upon the geometry of the blade produced by the grinder.

Originally Posted by 209to510

I am new to shaving with a straight edge, but honestly it is not rocket science.

No, it is not rocket science but it is a learned skill, and probably less boring. The AoS razor has a frown, the RA looks good. You may have rolled the edge on the RA while you were having a "quick strop". Learning to strop is as important as learning to shave if not more so. Take your time and stick with it. A good tip is to practice stropping with a blunt butter knife. Hope this helps.

edited to add: I'm jealous because your scales are gorgeous!!

I'm jealous!!!

I have a 5/8 Ralf Aust on order along with a English bridle strop and will be making the pickup in the store this coming Saturday. Problem is...Saturday will not get here soon enough!

My razor is the one with the plastic scales and it is my very first true straight. I've been doing the shavette routine for 3 months now and have now gone one full month without touching my face with a cartridge razor. So yes, I am excited for my purchase.