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

Can someone tell me how to turn on the html?
Or how can I link my site in my signature?

How do they shave???? I am a beginner but from what I can tell pretty good. As I said I am looking for sugestions to make them oneof the finest razors in the world.

Originally Posted by Joe Chandler

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!

Joe,
Thanks for the great words.. About CNC machines. People have been led astray in this respect. A cnc is a tool like any machine. Crap in crap out. They are great for roughing parts but as I said there is a ton of finish work to make them good.
This is not much different than sawing them out or other ways of making parts.
I hand grind every blade out of my shop for all knives and razors to maintain the highest quality that I can.

I don't think the DR razors look too bad. Definitely a modern look. It's too bad it took this long to see somebody close to a modern manufacturing setup get into the line. Now, if they only shave well....

I've seen mammoth/mastodon ivories "move" around on handles. WCCI in Iowa stabilizes ivory when requested. I can't see that it would hurt the ivory and likely save a nice set of scales if needed. Best to start with no cracks and hope none develop.

I've got two razors at home with ivory handles. Likely turn of the century and both are in fine shape with no problems but obviously well used. I'm very careful about drying and putting away clean.

Originally Posted by Darrel Ralph

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

Barber notches -- no modern mass-production manufacturer is doing this. For me, this makes an attractive & classy-looking blade for a straight razor. If not a true notch, at least dress up the end with some faceting or something.

Smiles -- again, mass-produced stuff pretty much has a straight edge (uh yeah, they're called "straights." ). However, a blade with a smile makes fitting into the hollows of the neck so much nicer (honing gets a litle dicier though?).

Originally Posted by mparker762

I like the bit in the description on the second razor about the fluted walrus inlay providing a sure grip when wet :-)

Hmmm. I think I may have fluted a walrus once. Hard to remember, though - I was pretty drunk...

Originally Posted by xChris

However, a blade with a smile makes fitting into the hollows of the neck so much nicer (honing gets a litle dicier though?).

Nah, honing a smiling blade is duck soup. They're great if you like barber's hones because you don't have to worry about keeping the blade flat on the hone - you can hold the hone in one hand and the razor in the other and quickly whip it into shape.

OK, seriously? Darrel - those razors are friggin' works of art. I mean - I like (and own) the old school designs and vintage restorations as well, but those are positively stunning. If they shave even remotely as good as they look...

Oh, damn it...! There's that weird tingling sensation in my wallet again...

Originally Posted by xChris

Barber notches -- no modern mass-production manufacturer is doing this. For me, this makes an attractive & classy-looking blade for a straight razor. If not a true notch, at least dress up the end with some faceting or something.

Smiles -- again, mass-produced stuff pretty much has a straight edge (uh yeah, they're called "straights." ). However, a blade with a smile makes fitting into the hollows of the neck so much nicer (honing gets a litle dicier though?).

The Barber notches should not be a problem.
I can try a smile

Those are some awesome razors! DR you are a welcome addition to the SRP forum. Most of us would be really interested in knowing the hardness of the blades, in RC scale.
For us that is very important because most of us hone our own razors. Our frame of reference is about 59-60RC. An RC of 62-63 is considered very hard and difficult to hone. This discourages people from buying the razor. So let that be your guide.

Here is a link to one of the classic blade and handle styles that is currently very popular


You might also look at the razor that Bill Ellis is grinding for JLStorm.. It is in the Restoration forum/Josh's Christmas present.

In terms of pricing there is a much larger market for the sub $200 razor. Not many of us can afford more than that.

Glad to have you here,

Darrel, as you are a beginner when it comes to straight edge shaving, you may want to send your blades out to the honemeisters for testing. I nominate Randy Tuttle as he's got a mean reputation for honing and complete neutrality.