Help with Next Razor Acquisition: Aust, Nate's, Koraat, B. Brown

I've got RAD, bad, but not enough coin or good will with the Mrs. to purchase everything I spy. With only one to purchase in mind, I've been eyeing the Aust, Nate's Straights, Koraat, and Brian Brown razors. Each are appealing for their own reasons, but I guess I would like as much input as I can get. If it helps, my two favorite shavers are restored W&Bs, but I think that has to do more with the steel than the size/grind. Needless to say, I want to branch out and a semi-custom/small production razor is what I want to acquire next.

I'd appreciate any thoughts. I'm really interested in performance/quality above looks, and I would be especially interested in opinions from members who have razors from all four.

Last, I don't want this thread to turn into anything disparaging (though I doubt that would happen given what I've read about the four I'm interested in)--in any event, please pm me if there are any particularly negative thoughts about any of the craftsmen.

I'd go with the Aust.

I would go with the Aust. You get a great razor at an affordable price. The others are fine, I have a Koraat but if your budget is limited, go with the Aust.

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Originally Posted by engine46

I would go with the Aust. You get a great razor at an affordable price. The others are fine, I have a Koraat but if your budget is limited, go with the Aust.

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Thanks! How would you compare the Aust to Koraat? I'm assuming that they both shave well, and it is a matter of feel.

I guess I should have specified that my budget is limited insofar as I can't get into the full custom realm. I'm looking at $500 or less for one razor. I don't know if that changes any of the opinions given thus far.

Hollow grind get an Aust. If you are looking for a heavier grind Koraat.

I have a couple of Aust I got from SRD, beautiful and awesome shavers. I also got a few Koraat. With the Koraat, the personal work with Ulrik was amazing. I got what I wanted and Ulrik was great to work with.

To keep the Mrs happy and supportive of the hobby, I probably would go with the Aust. You'll get a beautiful razor without breaking the bank.

Good luck with the search!

Sorry to throw another bull into the fight, but I looked at all the brands you mentioned when I started buying razors, as well as some others, and I ended up buying a Portland Razor Company Phoenix, quickly followed by their Western Kamisori, and soon to be followed again by the Strix. Both razors are fantastic and among my very best shavers. Their attention to detail is incredible and their customer service second-to-none. I can't say enough good things about them and hope to visit their workshop next time I'm near Portland.

Good luck with your search!
FIL

I'd go for an Aust.

Can't say about Nates, but his dad makes some of the finest. The other three are going to be top notch, I would look any further. The Koorat is a very nicely made ra or and Brian Brown is one of the smoothest grinders out there. Most of the guys in his price range are just wanna be,s. Aust is a great quality production razor, maybe the Best Buy of them all. Tc

You can't go wrong with any of them. You'll get a 1/4 grind with Nate's Straights and Brian Brown razors, a hollow grind with Aust, and most Koraat are near wedge grind and are heavier razors, although he will make a 1/4 or even a hollow grind. I haven't heard any negative comments from anyone who has owned any of these razors. If you are just starting out, I'd probably go with an Aust. If you know which grind or type of razor you prefer, I'd let that be your guide, or perhaps try one that is a different size or grind from what you have. I have very large hands and enjoy large, heavy razors, and prefer my two Koraat razors over the others. However, they are all great shavers.