Honing a new kamisori

Quick question for everyone. Just bought a brand new kiya kamisori that was as I thought not shave ready when it came despite the claim that it would be. Honing these look pretty simple and straight forward just by watching both Glenn and Lynns videos. So here's the question. Considering it's new should I start at an 8k or a 12k stone and work up? Do y'all think I need to drop as far down to a 4k- it pops hairs but is def not shave ready?
Any responses are much appreciated!
Glenn or Lynn if you're around I'd like to hear from you guys as well!
Thanks to all in advance.
Tony

You'll be fine with the 12K...Kamisoris like the higher grit hones. Glens vid is great and if you follow it you should have little difficulty getting that blade to shave like a champ.
I should add...when I got my Iwasaki I honed it on my vintage coticule which is quite hard.

Thanks catrent, Glenn pretty much says that as well now going back and rewatching the video. Thanks for the response!
T

For general touchups and minor honing a 12K is perfect for a kamisori. You want to stay away from lower grits unless you have big issues. You can screw up a kamisori very fast if you are unsure what you are doing.

Thanks TBS!

Have you just tried stropping the blade and shaving??

I did try stropping it- no dice! Thanks for the reply though! On another note I'm following Glenn's video to the t and cannot seem to get this razor sharp. Should I just keep going on the 12k? Maybe it was really dull?
T

Keep in mind that Kamisori are very easy to refresh, they just are..

However if they are not set up properly then all that goes out the window, and you can really mess them up fast..
There is IMHO only one trick to the Traditional setup, and that is learning that pressure shift..
The pressure shifts from the bevel to the spine depending on how you are honing it..

For clarity I only hone them the traditional way, just like I show in my vid, I have not messed with the other ways to be able to give any advice on them.. I guess it also might depend on how the Honer did the setup originally, you might be trying to reverse the entire edge :shrug:

Thanks Glenn- imma watch ur video again and make an attempt tomorrow.

I had the pleasure of honing this Kamisori for Anthony at the L.I. meet this past Sunday. As Glenn thought, the Kamisori had not been set-up. I kept it all Japanese Natural setting the bevel with a Striped Iyoto, followed by Asano Yae Botan, Botan, Tenyjou, Atsu, Mejiro, Tsushima Kuro nagura, Asano Koma, Nakayama Tomo on a Nakayama Asagish Kiita. 30/60 Rough Leather/Smooth Leather on a SRD Paddle Strop. The sharpness test was ridiculously good.

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Originally Posted by Bayamontate

I had the pleasure of honing this Kamisori for Anthony at the L.I. meet this past Sunday. As Glenn thought, the Kamisori had not been set-up. I kept it all Japanese Natural setting the bevel with a Striped Iyoto, followed by Asano Yae Botan, Botan, Tenyjou, Atsu, Mejiro, Tsushima Kuro nagura, Asano Koma, Nakayama Tomo on a Nakayama Asagish Kiita. 30/60 Rough Leather/Smooth Leather on a SRD Paddle Strop. The sharpness test was ridiculously good.

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What ever Bayamontate said, I second that.
The man is Houdini with a Razor !

I agree with svcaramia. We had the pleasure of seeing it in person. It was a pleasure to watch Nelson work. He has forgotten more about razors that I will ever learn. Dude is in a complete different level. Already looking forward to the next one. Nelson eres un Maestro, fue un orgullo.

Luis

Agreed with the above- that kami was boss in person. I'm sure it's gonna shave like a dream after Nelson 'rocked' it.

Enjoy it tony!

I will be shaving with it in a few hours I will post on its response to me! Sure it will be great!

Thank you Gentlemen, it was my pleasure honing your razors for you. It was actually very easy with the quality of razors at the meet, Livi, Chandler, Kamisori, 200 year old Greaves, Dovos, amazing.

I one day hope just to be able to hone with a norton 4/8.. Nelson was honing with so many different stones and slurry it was amazing..

I started with a King 1K, Norton 4/8K and a Daybrook Barber's Hone as a finisher, that's it. Put in the work and it will happen for you.

Now admittedly this blade was scary sharp (thanks Nelson!), I have yet to master the kamisori so it wasn't the most comfortable shave. Still a dfs though! Gotta work on the kamisori style of shaving, def not used to it!

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the shave but it does get better, I didn't venture outside the flat parts of my face when I started with Kamisori for many months. Lather is a very important factor as well.

Yeah you know my lather was a bit dry looking back. Still scary sharp my friend! Looking forward to that ralf Aust next! Thanks again!

Let me know how the Aust goes, I pushed that to the max.

From what I've seen, the Japanese are not into copious amounts of lather. I've tried thin, thick and everything in between and found that sort of watery works best for me. It makes sense when you consider that the typical Omote is 6-7 mm wide and if used traditionally on the face all the time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bayamontate

Let me know how the Aust goes, I pushed that to the max.

From what I've seen, the Japanese are not into copious amounts of lather. I've tried thin, thick and everything in between and found that sort of watery works best for me. It makes sense when you consider that the typical Omote is 6-7 mm wide and if used traditionally on he face all the time.

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I'll have to try that thinner lather out next time. That could be the problem I had. It didn't seem to glide like you said it would but it was definitely sharp enough I know that much! Plus I might have used the wrong side also which didn't help half of the face! Def got a damn fine shave even with everything....
I'll keep you posted on the aust for sure.
Thanks again!
T

So I gotta say, though it's off topic I finally shaved with your ralf aust hone job Nelson and it was superb! The best shave I've had in a long time! It was so sharp I cut myself and didn't notice it till I saw the blood! Awesome job with the stones Nelson- many many thanks!
Tony

My pleasure Anthony! While I hate getting cut, when I do, I prefer for it to be in the way you describe. They heal rather quickly and nicely too. That's a beautiful razor, enjoy.

Thanks you again my friend!