My first straight; a Ralf Aust

This past Saturday, I picked up my Ralf Aust from SRD in person. It is a really nice looking razor and Lynn put one heck of an edge on it. When I got it, Don was behind the counter and let me know that I will have to modify my technique after using a shavette.

After stripping, I put it to the test. I did better than expected. I was BBS on my cheeks and CCS on my chin and under my nose. But I know that with practice, I will be able to get those areas as close as I currently do with my shavette. Since I got BBS on the cheeks, I think it is safe to say I didn't roll the edge during my very first outing on the strop. :D

If there is one thing I would mention to anybody considering the Aust, or any other razor with plastic scales, be careful when you close the razor. The scales flex and if you're gripping the scales too tightly, you can possibly hit the scales with the edge.

All in all, I am satisfied with my purchase. I'm sure I'll really like it more whn I nail my technique and get BBS all over my face.

I got my RA from the guys at SRD as well. Such a great razor and Lynn puts an excellent edge on it. I've been very happy with mine so far and each shave it gets better as I do.

I personally have not used a Ralf Aust but I've heard nothing but good things about them. Sounds like you're off to a great start. You are correct about being careful when closing the razor too. This goes for any scale material really.

Pictures and congrats! Yes a RA is one of the best razors I have used. That is why I have more than one!

I purchased the same razor from srd as my first It's my first 30 days using it and the shaves are getting pretty good. I did notice the same thing about the scale flex. I try to hold it lightly as I close it

Great razors, I purchased one from SRD as well! Good point about the plastic scales, I have damaged an edge on scales before:)

Well, after my second shave, I have already noticed an improvement over my first shave. Cheeks are already pretty much BBS but I am showing some improvement in the areas around my chin and under the nose. ATG under the nose will be the biggest challenge. But as I learned the shavette, I can learn the SR.

While I am learning those areas with the SR, I can always use the shavette to get those aforementioned areas whenever I want anything more than CCS.

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Originally Posted by donaldjr1969

under the nose will be the biggest challenge.

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Ever do the "Fools Pass" for under the nose? I was taught this technique by some very seasoned str8 razor guys and it works and is very safe contrary to what one would imagine.

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Originally Posted by Michael70

Ever do the "Fools Pass" for under the nose? I was taught this technique by some very seasoned str8 razor guys and it works and is very safe contrary to what one would imagine.

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I've never heard of the Fools Pass. Basically my ATG pass is, as expected, vertically from the lip to the nose. With a sharper blade such as a feather, Gillette 7:00 yellow, or Astra platinum, that's quite easy.

How do you do the Fools Pass?

I got my RA from SRD, as well. It's my daily shaver.

What's the Fools Pass? I also just bought a RA from SRD and am eagerly waiting to try it! In regards to the plastic scales issue when closing it, does the same happen with wood scales? My new RA has beautiful olivewood scales that I would really love to keep in good condition.

Nice choice for a first razor. :)
The Fools Pass is a dangerous motion of the razor when shaving under one's nose. With the edge up, you shave upwards from the top of the lip towards the nose, against the grain. Although I like this pass, I'm always very careful & slow, as a sharp razor can easily slip and reconfigure your nose.

Ralf Aust is probably the best production razor out there. Great bang for the buck as well.

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Originally Posted by donaldjr1969

If there is one thing I would mention to anybody considering the Aust, or any other razor with plastic scales, be careful when you close the razor. The scales flex and if you're gripping the scales too tightly, you can possibly hit the scales with the edge.

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Glad you enjoyed that Aust. I have two, which were among my first.

Just FYI, all scales flex...some more, some less...it is part of the mechanical design that make the razor work as it does, and why most have a wedge at the toe instead of a straight filler. There is a whole thread or two (or more) on here somewhere about how it all works. It is quite ingenious.

Again, glad you're enjoyed your razor! :D

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Originally Posted by WolfMan77

What's the Fools Pass? I also just bought a RA from SRD and am eagerly waiting to try it! In regards to the plastic scales issue when closing it, does the same happen with wood scales? My new RA has beautiful olivewood scales that I would really love to keep in good condition.

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The "Fool's Pass" is shaving the upper lip by holding the razor with the edge side up toward your nose and you keep the razor perfectly still but move your head downward to the edge to shave your mustache area. Best method for that super close shave on that area.

Thank you all for the information! I'll have to give that technique a try once I become a little more familiar with my Aust and how it reacts

I thought the Fool's Pass was ANY pass in any direction with a cartridge or disposable razor??? :rofl2:

Anyway, I looked it up a short time after the post and found out I have been doing it since November of last year with my shavette. To offer some additional control, I put my index finger on the toe of the razor. Gives me more control of it on my coarse whiskers under the nose. In fact, it stopped a slip with my shavette as I first learned it.

Currently, my RA is just impressing me each time I shave! The last 2-3 shaves have been BBS and every bit as good as my shavette loaded with a Feather blade. And like others have experienced graduating from a shavette to a SR, little nicks and weepers have all but disappeared. If anything, I get abrasion nicks in areas under my lower lip and nose. I've been that way ever since I began to shave. My skin is very sensitive in those two areas but with the SR, they DEFINITELY are reduced compared to the shavette and especially cartridges.

FWIW, I seem to get the best shave WTG with the spine no more than 1 spine width off my face. The Fool's Pass and other ATG passes are between 1/4 and 1/2 spine width off my face.

Did I mention I LOVE THIS RAZOR??? :D

I never do the Fool's Pass. When I was taught it was considered a no-no because there are so many facial and proximity to cranial nerves in that area that any serious cut esp if it gets infected can lead to permanent damage

Congrats on your Aust. I bought one for my first(and still only...for now) straight and love it

Count me in too, I have nothing but good things to say about a Ralph Aust razor ! My thanks goes out to SRD also for their service and great prices on them.

My first and only straight I have used to shave is a Aust. I have no issues and it's gorgeous. I did pick up an old razor but not sharpened yet. Listening about shaving toward my nose has me liking the mustache I have....

Have a great day...

Got 2 Austs and you won't find a better razor for the money. It's in my rotation and holds a great edge.