Thread: Ralf Aust Razors

I just purchased the Ralf Aust 5/8 black from SRD. It is my first straight razor but I am very pleased so for. It is a full hollow. Very nice polish on the razor.

Originally Posted by str8tlkr

I just purchased the Ralf Aust 5/8 black from SRD. It is my first straight razor but I am very pleased so for. It is a full hollow. Very nice polish on the razor.

It's a great razor and I have nothing but good things to say about srd, some of the fastest shipping, great customer service, and not only does it come honed but if im correct I received a slip for a free honing!

This might help:

Review of the Ralf Aust Razor Manufacture 6/8 Spanish point razor - a new star from Solingen is born | Cut Throat Chronicles | Fashion fades, only reality remains

rs,
Tack

Originally Posted by Tack

This might help:

Review of the Ralf Aust Razor Manufacture 6/8 Spanish point razor - a new star from Solingen is born | Cut Throat Chronicles | Fashion fades, only reality remains

rs,
Tack

Cool read, thanks!

Originally Posted by str8tlkr

I just purchased the Ralf Aust 5/8 black from SRD. It is my first straight razor but I am very pleased so for. It is a full hollow. Very nice polish on the razor.

Is the full hollow hard to learn on, or should I buy a half hollow razor as my first straight razor?

Originally Posted by JamesM387

Is the full hollow hard to learn on, or should I buy a half hollow razor as my first straight razor?

I am new to straight razors myself, only bout six months in but I think you'll find learning on a full hollow relatively easy and enjoyable. Before anything though you should tear this sites wiki up and learn as much as possible. Utilize the tools that are here, it'll make learning that much easier!

I don't know if the grind affects the learning or not. I've just started and it is going slow but I'm making progress with each shave. I think the hollow grind has more to do with ease of honing than anything. Others, please correct me if I'm wrong on this. I know that this razor and other full hollow ground razors such as the Dovo Best Quality are recomended for first timers, possibly due to the lower cost. I have not heard or read that a half hollow is better to learn on. Most recommend starting with a round point as opposed to a spike point and a 5/8 or 6/8 max.

The heavy grinds like wedges and half hollows are more forgiving to bad technique. As they will shave even if the angle is not perfect.

Full hollows if you don't have the angle right tend to just stop or skip and jump.

So half hollows may be easier to learn on but you will improve you technique quicker with a full hollow.

Full hollows give you great feedback as you shave which I think is important to someone starting out. As the hollow decreases the feedback vanishes. Wedges and part wedges give no feedback at all.

Gents, here's another review with pictures of a 7/8" Ralf Aust.
Straight Razor Magazine: Review: Ralf Aust 7/8 Prototype