Thread: 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

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.