Thread: My first Japanese straight razor

Originally Posted by BeJay

That one looks to be a western grind. The majority of the Japanese folding razors are western grinds, but there are many with asymmetric Japanese grinds as well.

OK, that makes sense the ones I have been looking at are not folding razors. I really like the look of them (almost miniature Samurai swords ) I was wondering if the technique for using them is very different.

Originally Posted by Porl

OK, that makes sense the ones I have been looking at are not folding razors. I really like the look of them (almost miniature Samurai swords ) I was wondering if the technique for using them is very different.

See my post above. The traditional asymmetric razors you are describing are called Kamisori. They come in both simple straight handle and Western folding style with scales. I have both types. I hold the straight handle types differently because I'm not comfortable using a regular straight razor grip with them. The grip I use is similar to holding a toothbrush.


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Japanese razors are available in both Western (symmetrical) and Kamisori (asymmetrical) grinds. They are some of my favorite razors, now comprising about 40% of my collection. The Kamisori grind does take a bit of learning in regards to both shaving and honing, but the techniques are easily learned. Glenn (gssixgun) has posted a video on YouTube on honing them that makes it easy. Shaving technique is straightforward, you just keep the edge at the proper angle to the skin - which means holding the blade at a higher angle on one side and lower on the other. As with any razor, you feel when the angle is right and adjustment becomes automatic very quickly. Every one of my Japanese razors, no matter what grind, give absolutely first rate shaves.


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Originally Posted by sqzbxr

Japanese razors are available in both Western (symmetrical) and Kamisori (asymmetrical) grinds. They are some of my favorite razors, now comprising about 40% of my collection. The Kamisori grind does take a bit of learning in regards to both shaving and honing, but the techniques are easily learned. Glenn (gssixgun) has posted a video on YouTube on honing them that makes it easy. Shaving technique is straightforward, you just keep the edge at the proper angle to the skin - which means holding the blade at a higher angle on one side and lower on the other. As with any razor, you feel when the angle is right and adjustment becomes automatic very quickly. Every one of my Japanese razors, no matter what grind, give absolutely first rate shaves.


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Haha, you must have posted this as I was typing my question. Thank you for the clarification. I will definitely look for the Gssixgun video, I have learned a lot from his other videos.