Hi, after having used various razors, from DE, SE, an AC Clone and a Sedef with an injector blade in it (last one only a few times, but I really like the angle and challenge.) I've decided to get into straight razors and I'd like to ask for help in this matter.
I've been in contact with an old barber in my country, who may be the last professional here to use straight razors to shave clients. And he sells all the equipment one needs, including Ralf Aust razors. I had a long chat with him over the phone, where he told me that actually has more of a preference for wedge razors, but that it is hard for him to find a modern alternative to these, hench why he setteled for the Ralf Aust's. Despite them not being a wedge. (From my understanding)
In the past he sold Eskilstuna straights and Ersen straights. He didnt have anymore of these, but he told me that he ordered 9 wedge straights in the past, from an American who no longer makes straights. He has one of these left, not listed on his site and he offered me a good deal on this with a strop included. Obviously he sells these razors shave ready, since he is able to hone and everything, due to his education as a barber in the late 60's.
On his site I've also seen that he at one point sold custom straights from a smith in Lithuania, which also seems to have been of the wedge design. So to me it looks like he really swears by them.
When I add up the prices between that offer + stone, and the Ralf Aust + equipment it becomes about even. So I am in a pickle about what path I wish to take here. And I was hoping that the people here with more experience could share their thoughts on the matter.
On one hand, I've read that Ralf Aust is a good brand, but the wedge straight razor also sounds appealing. Considering his sincere communication on the manner, as well as his enthusiasm for straights.
I've been in contact with an old barber in my country, who may be the last professional here to use straight razors to shave clients. And he sells all the equipment one needs, including Ralf Aust razors. I had a long chat with him over the phone, where he told me that actually has more of a preference for wedge razors, but that it is hard for him to find a modern alternative to these, hench why he setteled for the Ralf Aust's. Despite them not being a wedge. (From my understanding)
In the past he sold Eskilstuna straights and Ersen straights. He didnt have anymore of these, but he told me that he ordered 9 wedge straights in the past, from an American who no longer makes straights. He has one of these left, not listed on his site and he offered me a good deal on this with a strop included. Obviously he sells these razors shave ready, since he is able to hone and everything, due to his education as a barber in the late 60's.
On his site I've also seen that he at one point sold custom straights from a smith in Lithuania, which also seems to have been of the wedge design. So to me it looks like he really swears by them.
When I add up the prices between that offer + stone, and the Ralf Aust + equipment it becomes about even. So I am in a pickle about what path I wish to take here. And I was hoping that the people here with more experience could share their thoughts on the matter.
On one hand, I've read that Ralf Aust is a good brand, but the wedge straight razor also sounds appealing. Considering his sincere communication on the manner, as well as his enthusiasm for straights.
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