Thread: 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.

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.

Originally Posted by donaldjr1969

under the nose will be the biggest challenge.

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.

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.

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.