Thread: Ralf Aust at Shaving Shack

Beluga, I hadn't considered scales other than that they looked nice, do you need to oil and maintain wood scales?

I think the decision is made to go with Ralf Aust, I'd still really like to hear from anyone who has purchased from Shaving Shack, can you comment on the readiness of the shave?

Originally Posted by AMarsReject

Beluga, I hadn't considered scales other than that they looked nice, do you need to oil and maintain wood scales?

I think the decision is made to go with Ralf Aust, I'd still really like to hear from anyone who has purchased from Shaving Shack, can you comment on the readiness of the shave?

Never bought from Shaving Shack, so unfortunately I can’t comment.

Generally, hardwood scales don‘t need much care, but some African or South American hardwood (e.g. African blackwood, cocobolo, or bocote) might work better for your first Aust razor. You can always try olive wood later, it is nice but not quite as dense and hard.



B

The woods Beluga has mentioned are excellent woods for scales. The African Blackwood is awesome, very dense, hard, and naturally oily. If sanded to a fine grt., it will polish up on its own, without the use of a sealer/ top coat.

A very attractive wood.

Originally Posted by outback

The woods Beluga has mentioned are excellent woods for scales. The African Blackwood is awesome, very dense, hard, and naturally oily. If sanded to a fine grt., it will polish up on its own, without the use of a sealer/ top coat.

A very attractive wood.

As for some woods, a once a year light coat of teak oil wouldn't hurt, if their not a sealed wood. Too much, and you'll never get the proper tension at the pivot. I've also used bees wax n orange oil with good success.

Some Murphy's oil soap would work too.

Interesting points! Sadly, the blade design I like is only in Olive wood or plastic scales, think I'd rather go with the olive wood. I'll have a look around, are there other UK vendors I should look into for Ralf Aust?

Brexit hasn’t come to pass yet, so there is no duty or tax, and you could order from Ralf Aust directly and ask him to mail the razor to you.

https://rasiermesser-manufaktur.de/en/razor/

I do not live in the UK, but I have been doing this with most of my Austs and it worked very well.


BV.

I have six...all 6/8 or 7/8
Each is a truly fine razor. All were pretty much shave ready right out of the box. I believe Ralf Aust makes the finest production razor on the market.

PS. Herr Aust will custom make about any blade style and scale shape/material you like. He is a great guy with whom to do business. No extra “custom” fees either..

I hadn't considered that... What exactly does serated edge mean on a SR, is that just the jimps on the tang for a better grip? And what difference does a Schorkopf grind make?

I have 3 Austs all bought several years ago and they have been variable as to shave ready condition. One was absolutely shave ready out of the box. Another just needed a light touch-up and the third needed some serious work.

Once shave ready they are all quality razors.

Jimps (serrations)-pretty much individual preference. I prefer them over a smooth shank.
Schorkopf-kind of a beveled toe. Sort of like this:


Again...mostly aesthetics and individual preference