Thread: Japanese Razor

I hope nobody will be mad that I'm posting this, but I saw this razor and couldn't help but posting it. I have seen a few of these on ebay, but this one is in very good shape. Does anyone have one like this, and how do they shave?

Looks really nice except I see two rather small nicks near the tip. They can be seen in the main photo against thw white rug or towel and again with it lying on it's case.

With a little work it could be a wicked user!
Tony

Yeah, I was pretty close to bidding on it, but I can't justify it right now. I have spent a lot lately and I need to save a bit. I am really tempted though, as I really want to pick one of these up and you don't see them like this much. I saw the nicks as well, but in this condition I feel it would be well worth the work. Arg two of my loves mixed together, Japanese culture and straight razor. I just can't win.


Matt

I have aTosuke razor which is a similar style and would probably shave the same. They can give exceptional shaves once you master the honing technique which is very different than our usual razors. Also these razors are one handed so they can be a challenge to use. I would steer clear of these type razors with nicks. These are not hollow grinds and the steel is very hard. taking a chip out of that baby would make taking a chip out of a 8/8s wedge look like childs play. Not that it can't be done just thats its a real project.

I was the person that won this razor. I bought a tosuke from the Bigspendur and have been shaving with it exculsively for several months. I was able to hone it into great shape with a sharpton 15k. Its much better than any other razor I own. Like a wedge on steriods! I am hoping to be able to restore this one. If not, I hope one of the masters (chandler or lynn will be able to do so). These are basically samurai swords for shaving, works of art, and very amazing shavers. I hope this one will be of the same quality as the Tosuke razor.

Any advice on the honing technique for the Japanese style razors specifically? I have a few that I need to hone, with varying levels of rust and a few small nicks, and I want to proceed carefully so as to avoid damaging them.

Why would we be mad? That is one nice looking razor and while I share Bigspendur's concern, I'd still love to own ito. Oh, and gratz Darby - John

Nice buy.
At that price it's not a steal, but I am sure it's worth it once you de-nickified it.
Congratulations.

Originally Posted by Evan15342

Any advice on the honing technique for the Japanese style razors specifically? I have a few that I need to hone, with varying levels of rust and a few small nicks, and I want to proceed carefully so as to avoid damaging them.

The basic method is to use a 12K hone and use 3-4 strokes on the concave side followed by 2-3 strokes on the convex side. You need to apply alot of pressure as you hone. Just maintain that ratio. As far a getting chips out I would guess the usual routine for any straight would work but as far as normal honing goes you need to use that routine not the usual european straight pyramid with little or no pressure.