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

Hey guys, I know I've been scarce for awhile. All is well, though. Been playing a lot of golf and brewing a lot of beer I've been following the boards though, and manage to get a word in edgewise now and then. Anyway, I don't know if many of you remember, but last winter, a world class custom knifemaker and longtime friend of mine, Darrel Ralph, began to show interest in making a razor or two. We had a little discussion going on here about it. Nenad and myself shot emails back and forth to him over several months with inputs and ideas. I sent him a few prime examples of factory razors to study, namely Puma, Dubl Duck, and a TI or two. Below are a couple of links to his first models. You will undoubtedly notice that these are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. His prices are justified, I will attest to that. Cruise around his website and take a look at some of the knives he's done. Nothing he crafts is cheap. He has built several knives for me over the years and his attention to detail is incredible. These are his initial offerings, and less expensive models will likely follow. He is thinking of making a "user" with carbon fiber scales or maybe some other synthetic material. I am partial to the look of imitation tortoise, but he can build nearly anything you want. Before you ask (I already did) Mastodon or Wooly Mammoth ivory can NOT be stabilized for use in a wet environment... I have not seen one of these razors up close yet and so I cannot speak for its balance etc, but I know his work well. I am having one made similar to GSR-2. I will be happy to provide a full report with detailed pictures after I take it for a test drive. I hope everybody has been well!

Jeff

Darrel's page...
http://www.darrelralph.com/1mainfram..._main.htm~main

and the three first razors at True North Knives(two are gone already)...
http://www.truenorthknives.com/tnk_1...items.htm~main

Wow. Those are some wicked cool looking razors. Very industrial air about them. I don't know that they're quite my style, but they look cool nevertheless.

You weren't kidding about the prices, either. My jaw hit the keyboard when I saw how much they are. I'll bet they're dang nice, though.

I agree. Definitely very cool - looking razors. I like the effect on the top 2 blades of the true north site.

The site says that several grades of ivory are available. Does that mean that the ivory is not mammoth or is it a mistake. I've got a few dozen antique elephant ivory razors with great scales that are at least 100 years old, so ivory wouldn't need to be stabilized, would it?

Is there a big difference between elephant ivory and well preserved mammoth? I've worked with them and haven't found a big difference, but if there is info out there that I'm missing, I'd love to hear about it.

The razors remind me of the feather at first glance. A very post-modern design. It's nice to see some custom work from a new point of view.

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

About the Mastodon, etc.... don't know. That's just what Darrel told me. I suppose you could give it a coating or some such. I have several knives, razors, etc with various natural materials, and I have always kept them dry for the most part. Even stag will absorb water and swell if left wet for an extended period of time. That happened to me with a Case slipjoint folder that my son left out on the driveway in the rain. After it dried out, the swelling went down. As for OLD ivory, it might be alright for quick splashes as long as it's dried very thoroughly after use. Me, I wouldn't risk it unless it was stabilized somehow. Mastodon and damascus do strike a chord in me though, always have. Maybe a little meteorite in the handle! That would be cool.

Jeff

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 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

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.