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.

Quote:

---

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.

---

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.

Brian Brown can REALLY grind well :) his scales are well constructed also, with proper fit and balance to make the razor strop very easily

The RA is a no brainer they are a solid choice at a good price..

Thanks everyone for the input! It will be a hard decision, but I'll really start paying attention to my current razors, their grinds, weight, fit and finish to see what exactly it is that I prefer. Good to know that that I can't pick a bad one out of the three.

Honestly I've no experience with any but the Ralf Aust, and I would highly recommend him. If I'm not mistaken he is such a small operation that it is basically a custom razor. Anyway, call it what you will, his stuff is first rate and probably more reasonably priced than the others. Lotta bang for the buck.

I have Aust and Koorat and honestly the Koorat is in a entirely different class than the Aust and the Aust is a very fine razor. With the Koorat you are essentially getting a custom made razor at a bargain price.

For me I find the Koorat to be the perfect razor.

To throw my 2cents worth in.... I have an Aust and if I had to do it again, I would be going with a Koorat. The Aust is nice, but I just don't like those bellied, paper thin razors that make a racket while shaving. I also don't like wedges, as I find them too heavy. The Koorat in in the (I think it's 3/4 hollow) should be just about perfect for me. Light weight, but a stiff, firm blade.

My particular Aust was purchased directly from Aust and it does have some very minor issues I have to deal with. While minor, I feel they should have been caught by the maker and so that is another reason for me to look elsewhere. Had I purchased from SRD, I'm confident they would have either corrected the issues or sent it back and selected a different razor for me. As it stands, it's not worth it to me to send it back for these minor issues and I will simply correct them myself.

I've played with the customizer at Koorat and I keep getting a very drool worthy razor. That said, my vintage razors are giving me such good shaves that I honestly don't think I'll spend more money. In fact, I need to reduce the number of razors in my stable, now that I have retired. I don't want these razors to end up on the $2 table in a garage sale if I pass on before the Mrs.

In the past year, I've spent my money on Jnats and I've just had one of the best shaves ever, with a vintage Boker...The razor was in pretty sad shape with I got it off ebay, but with my friend Bekk fixing the scales I broke, and after a very nice shave off his hone job, I decided to see if I could tweak it just a bit more and my last Jnat purchase took it to that next level.... Durn near the same as a new Feather Pro Super blade. Silent and deadly sharp!

Regards

Christian

I've had 3 Aust's and now have 2. They shave great, hold an amazing edge and they are affordable.

My Aust is my favorite razor. I have a rotation, but I'm often inclined to touch it up before I work through other blades in my rotation, which shows my preference.

I have a very nice Aust and recommend them. With that said a Koraat would be mine if I didn't have some other things to purchase like food and water... [emoji12]

I don't know much about the others. I have been straight shaving 10 months. Got the Aust Xmas and decided i love straight shaving so I picked up 3 vintage razors and started a rotation less than two weeks ago. I still love the Aust fit and finish and am missing it since it went to Lynn for the free hone....

Have a great day...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jseitz

I've got RAD, bad, but not enough coin or good will with the Mrs. to purchase everything I spy. .

---

I hear you on that one. I would be very interested in what you go for. I have been looking at some Austs, but now I have to go and check out these others too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I have Aust and Koorat and honestly the Koorat is in a entirely different class than the Aust and the Aust is a very fine razor. With the Koorat you are essentially getting a custom made razor at a bargain price.

---

I am sorry to have to disagree here, Nelson, but here goes... Aust and Koraat are one man operations. Unless something has changed recently, both use Herkenrath blanks (which, by the way, is a very big plus in my book, because it means absolutely consistent quality). The Koraat designs are a too beaucoup for my taste, and I do not fancy really big, heavy blades. If you do, Ulrik makes fantastic razors - and with absolutely consistent quality from having looked at about fifty of them. So, you're getting "a custom razor" from both, and consistent quality. I like the look, feel, and handling of Aust razors, better, and would recommend them to anyone looking for daily shaver. Horses for courses, so to speak, and YMMV. Either way, you cannot go wrong with either in my experience.

[Edit] Here is a longish review of my Esbjerg by Koraat Straight Razor 8/8 Bog Oak With American Head and here is one of some of my Aust razors.

A Ralf AUst is the best razor in the price range I believe! But to muddy the waters have you looked at Revisor also!!!!! Buy direct still at a great price and they are just as nice and shave like a dream!

Don't you love those of us that muddy things up my friend! But seriously, I have two RA's and they are great. I can't say anything bad about the others for I do not have one yet. I have been eyeing Brian Brown though for some time and would love to give one a try!

Out of the choices I would pick the Brian Brown razor. I have had his razors and the Aust and while the Aust is a fine razor I just like the BB razors more. That is if you like a 1/4 grind, if not go with the RA.

I am going to try and keep this one short...lol...as I have an example of each maker in my collection...so here goes (pic of each included)

Nate's: Simple design, elegant, perfection. My example doesn't look like much from afar, but if you like smaller width (5-6/8) 1/4 hollows, this is the place to be. Up close the craftsmanship speaks for itself...the perfectly small yet even bevel, expert woodworking in the scales, perfect finish on the blade, and even a subtle almost imperceptible smile (at least on mine). Truly elegant in its simplicity, and an excellent shaver. Lifetime free honing to the original owner as well!
Attachment 242865

Brian Brown: In his non-custom department we are talking about another great maker here! I have 2 of these and both are among my favorites. 1/2 hollow grind here, and the customer can configure (6-7/8, scale color, etc). On this line, most scales are in various colors of G10 and are expertly made and pinned. Much like Nate's, expertly crafted and the subtle details stand out up-close. This is just a style thing as compared to above, but believe me you cant go wrong with these. I have purchased both directly from Mr. Brown and his service and speedy shipping are fantastic.
Attachment 242866Attachment 242867

Aust: I have a 7/8 Aust with horn scales purchased from SRD. Full-hollow/extra hollow and expertly crafted. These may be the biggest bang for the buck so to speak, but they do lack the subtleties of the two makers above, and for good reason...this is more of a volume operation. I have nothing bad to say here...my example holds its edge well, showed up flawless from the factory/SRD, and has served me quite well since purchased. It hones easily and feels great in-hand.
Attachment 242868

Koraat: I purchased mine second-hand and was built as a semi-custom from the configurator online. It is still pictured on his website in the gallery:
Attachment 242863
This one stands apart from my others in its form and weight. It is 8/8 and is heavy. It is perfectly crafted, near-wedge, and I don't think that subtle is a word for it...ever. It is a lovely shaver (I LOVE using it after not shaving for a few days and watching it mow over the growth like it was never there). Craftsmanship is over the top on this thing and I do love it. I save this one for special occasions. The hones up beautifully and is a pleasure to have. It is a step away from any of the others, however, due to size and weight so just know what you are getting into there!
Attachment 242869

Hope that helps!

Yeah, thanks for this thread... Now I have a Nate's Straight on order ;) don't tell the wife.

Can't wait to get my grubby mitts on it, I will let you have the verdict when it arrives. That could take some time as I am in the UK, but hopefully not too long. I was also considering an Aust, but they are quite readily available over here and so I thought I would go for something that wasn't.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Porl

Yeah, thanks for this thread... Now I have a Nate's Straight on order ;) don't tell the wife.

Can't wait to get my grubby mitts on it, I will let you have the verdict when it arrives. That could take some time as I am in the UK, but hopefully not too long. I was also considering an Aust, but they are quite readily available over here and so I thought I would go for something that wasn't.

---

Can't wait to hear what your experience with the Nate's has been.

I am looking into getting one myself. My only current razor is a Dovo Bismarck so want to try a 7/8th if Nate makes 'em.

Any other experience with Nate's Straights from anyone?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 400E

Can't wait to hear what your experience with the Nate's has been.

I am looking into getting one myself. My only current razor is a Dovo Bismarck so want to try a 7/8th if Nate makes 'em.

Any other experience with Nate's Straights from anyone?

---

Thanks for the reminder, I totally forgot to update you. The Nate's Straight I have is an 11/16. The build quality is excellent and it is my current favourite razor. I always look forward to it coming round in my rotation. I really can't imagine anyone being disappointed with one. Truly excellent.

It's worth following his Facebook page as he sometimes puts offers up on there.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Porl

Thanks for the reminder, I totally forgot to update you. The Nate's Straight I have is an 11/16. The build quality is excellent and it is my current favourite razor. I always look forward to it coming round in my rotation. I really can't imagine anyone being disappointed with one. Truly excellent.

It's worth following his Facebook page as he sometimes puts offers up on there.

---

Great idea. I am not really up to speed with social media, but time to start!

Aust is fantastic fit and finish in a production razor. I have their shoulder less 6/8 round point and 7/8 Spanish point, both in horn, both full hollow. Both razors are very good shavers and great value for the money.

I have two of BBRW 7/8s one square point one Spanish, both 1/4 hollow, but they shave like full hollows. The fit and finish on both of Brian's razors are excellent, but it is his grinds that set them apart from other 1/4 hollows, they shave like full hollows. Brian also does a great job on his scales, although I did have the ghost jade scales replaced by Alfredo with Briarwood in a more traditional shape.

I have one Koraat 8/8 near wedge in stabilized Birch burl scales. Ulrik's product is superb, fit and finish are top notch. The one thing about the near wedge is...its very heavy, almost to the point of feeling unbalanced; it took several days of straight use to feel comfortable and become accustomed to the blade's weight.

Maybe I missed it, but did the OP ever state his decision?
The Aust round point is a bit oily ...didnt wipe her down bf the pic
Attachment 249787Attachment 249786Attachment 249785Attachment 249784Attachment 249783

That birch is gorgeous...

Attachment 252994

Got this one of a kind Nate's Straight razor for Christmas and am delighted. Nate is a real craftsman. He includes a couple of small Torx screwdrivers so the owner can tweak the tension on the pivots. He signs the package that the razor is packed in.

I've only used the razor once but it is truly shave-ready right off the bat. Really beautiful razor with good balance. Highly recommended!

Revisors own brand are also a excellent choice I hone lots of razors all custom and every kind of production model, I've a very high opinion of Revisors.

My preference is with the Koraat but I have to agree that Revisors are really excellent shavers and affordable (but the owner is undergoing surgery and will be closed until Februari). That said two new Koraats are being build for me right now (full hollows, one of them being made with the new 14 blanks inspired blade). Aust is also very good but the finish is sometimes a little off, BB is out of my reach because the very high cost when importing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by celticcrusader

Revisors own brand are also a excellent choice I hone lots of razors all custom and every kind of production model, I've a very high opinion of Revisors.

---

I do like mine. It is an excellent shaver as are the Aust and Wacker blades.

Wow, I ordered a Koraat 8/8 spike point full hollow blade only and had it scaled in ivory...this is my new favorite razor.....Ulrik's near wedges are nice, but heavy...this is simply a fantastic grind. Attachment 253003Attachment 253004

Just bought a Portland Razor Company Razor. Quarter grind. Excellent fit and finish. Will do custom scales in beautiful wood, if that is your desire. I have a Sprite with maple scales and a walnut spacer. You can buy a lot of handmade skill from a US manufacturer, and they are the best people with whom to deal you will meet. They are closed until after new years, taking some well earned time. Take a look, give them a call...

Of the razors mentioned, the only one I have is a Ralph Aust and it is a fantastic razor, especially at its price point. Its quality is flawless and the shave excellent. I recommend it highly.

However, I just purchased another razor that I consider to be equal in quality to the RA. That razor is a Le Grelot produced by Rasoir Sabre. Like Aust and Korat, it appears to be a one man operation, in this case the craftsmanship of Ertan Suer. My razor is the 7/8" Le Grelot Barber's Notch with black horn scales. The claim is that it was made from historic Le Grelot blanks. Smaller sizes are produced from new blanks. The quality is flawless and the razor is truly shave ready from the factory. I would add that razor to your wish list.

I have tried all mentioned. Personally if you want a US razor I think Brian Brown has the best grinds. Overall I would go with a Revisor. They are traditionally made Solingen razors and their variety of sizes, styles and scale options are a treat to choose from.