Thread: D. Ralph razors finally coming out...

I agree with urleebird. Ivory can be stabilized. It will still "move" with humidity changes but not nearly as much as without stabilization. The time trouble occurs is when a pin or solid point or two goes through the ivory and the ivory "works" against two points, then it will crack. A poor man's stabilization technique is to soak the ivory in mineral oil. With less surface area expose for moisture contact, less movement occurs.

Stabilized ivories can be had though. Meteorite is very cool. So when is Darrel going to shift production of these razors to the Chinese factories? Maybe he'll come out with a kit version for home assembly?

I've had ivory stabilized without too much trouble. The owner of the stabilization service I use suggested stabilizing ivory to prevent, or minimize the "movement" that can occur. I was just wondering if there was a special reason that mammoth ivory could not be stabilized. I've had it done, but it's an obvious comment so I was wondering about the ideas behind it. He uses mammoth and walrus on his razors, so it can't be too bad.

I've got antique ivory straight razors that I love to use. I'm careful to avoid dropping or throwing them and I wipe them off after each use. I've never had any trouble with them.

Hello all,

My name is Darrel Ralph. I want to thank you all for taking the time to make comments on my first attempt at Razor making.

I do have cnc machines in my shop.
Believe me they just rough the parts close.
There is a ton of had work in these razors.
I hand grind every blade also.

As for the folks that wanted the older look to there razors if you post what you like I will be working on my next models.

As for the ivory, what you see is stabilized. It will stop some movement and cracking. Use with care would be your best bet.
I am making some razors now that are solid carbon fiber handles,
Faux Tortoise, and other materials to stop all movement.
I would welcome comments and pictures of what you all like.
I would appreciate your ideas about what need to be improved on the razors that are available today that you really use.


Thanks for the ear.

Originally Posted by threeputt

Before you ask (I already did) Mastodon or Wooly Mammoth ivory can NOT be stabilized for use in a wet environment...

Darrel, is this comment misquoted or incorrect, or is it a good idea to avoid stabilizing mammoth and mastodon. This is the first I've heard of it and I just want to make sure I understand.

So, since Jeff hasn't given these babies a spin yet, why don't you answer the million dollar question! How do they shave?! Also, are they easy to hone or more difficult. Honing is one of my largest road blocks on the road to straight razor success, so the easier the better.

Thanks and welcome,

I think the DR razors are awesome, and a work of art as well. I am just waiting for Jeff to get his piece, and tell us how they shave

Hi Darrel, and welcome to the SRP. For the less expensive models and the old school look the guys are talking about, you can check www.classicshaving.com, they have nice selection of modern razors for sale.

My self, I wouldn't mind some of those space age models in my collection, if I could afford them, that is


cheers,
Nenad

Welcome aboard Darrel. It's good to have another guy who knows his metals. Even though your designs are a bit on the extravagant side for my tastes, I appreciate the quality of the workmanship and I'm sure there are plenty of members who would prefer more of a techno look. I am also curious about how you hone your blades.

Why did I have this nagging suspicion that Nenad would love these designs?

Awesome! I never thought we'd see Darryl Ralph on here! If you grind the blades yourself, that qualifies as handmade in my book. There are a couple makers out there who CNC mill even the bevels into their blades. I'm kinda partial to the older style razors, but my comments weren't meant as a slight to you. You are, after all, the King of Bali-Songs, so whatever you're doing obviously works. Makers like you give me something to aspire to. Glad you dropped in, and come back often!

What really sucks about your razors, though, is that you say this is your first attempt, and they're friggin' incredible. You're only gonna get better...those of us working toward our first won't ever catch up!

I like 'em! But, yes ... How's the shave?

X

Originally Posted by shavethebadger

Darrel, is this comment misquoted or incorrect, or is it a good idea to avoid stabilizing mammoth and mastodon. This is the first I've heard of it and I just want to make sure I understand.

So, since Jeff hasn't given these babies a spin yet, why don't you answer the million dollar question! How do they shave?! Also, are they easy to hone or more difficult. Honing is one of my largest road blocks on the road to straight razor success, so the easier the better.

Thanks and welcome,

Jeff is right .
That is what I said. After thinking about it a few splashes would not hurt it I do think.
I didn't consider that you folks are very careful when you use your babies.
Elephant and Walrus are more dense and stable for this purpose.
I still recommend oil and mentioned already or wax to bead the water off. Walrus has some very beautiful colors to it.
The Mammoth I use is stabilized so it can take a little splash here and there.
Pearl will work well for a handle inlay.

I am looking for good materials for this purpose right now.
I will be offering a user level razor soon in the 450.00 range.
It will have a full carbon fiber handle at this time.
I will be looking for other good materials.

I will also be offering Carbon steel with a twist that I will not talk about here yet.
They will be awesome.

As for sharpening I think the material I am using right now is very nice to sharpen. I have a few secrets that I am using to make the edge very durable.

At this time I am using a stone to get the edge to what I conceder fairly good edge. I have started to shave with one of my test razors so I feel they will be sharper and more shave ready over time.

I am using a very deeper hollow now. That was the first change I made in my set up.

Last:
I am looking for your ideas for razor design.
As for old style what do you like?