Originally Posted by
OLD_SCHOOL
Japanese razors are hones considerably more on one side than the other, which makes them more or less unusable on both sides. I have tried it once for S&G, it was very unpleasant and painful.
Other opinions is that it is not "traditional" to shave with both sides, but again, that basically comes down to the honing. Some members don't care about the "traditional" effect as much as they do comfort, and proceed to hone their razors exactly as they would a western straight, so they can swao hands, and use both sides of the razor. Whilst that may work in the short term, in the long term they have created a frankenrazor which may not last as long as it would if honed the proper way.