Thread: Kamisori Honing

Safe to say a Kamisori is a Kamisori and you can't compare it to anything else.

If you shave with both sides and hone it in the classic manner the stamped side will seem harsh however I think that is because many use it or try and use it like a western with symmetrical sides. I've always found when you switch sides you need to switch technique too as far as angle goes especially.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Safe to say a Kamisori is a Kamisori and you can't compare it to anything else.

If you shave with both sides and hone it in the classic manner the stamped side will seem harsh however I think that is because many use it or try and use it like a western with symmetrical sides. I've always found when you switch sides you need to switch technique too as far as angle goes especially.

So, do you use more or less of an angle to your face?

Mine shaves very well but I can definitely tell when I switch sides.

Thanks

BTW, I have used Glen's technique with excellent results but my Kami was new.

I add about 6º of angle extra to the stamped side for my face. The other side is used almost flat against my face. It acts like a regular straight there. Raising the spine of the Kamisori stamped side more changes the attack angle to about the same as a regular straight blade.
Practice make the wa Kamisori a nice shave.
~Richard

For me the Omote side is flat on the face, the stamped side at a bit of an angle, this works fine always.

Thanks. I use a little more angle than that on both sides and get a great shave. May try backing off the angle a little for comparisons sake.

I hone many new Iwasaki and vintage Kamisori's and as Glen as already stated they are possibly the most difficult razor for a beginner to hone IMO, there's no two Kamisori's the same and because of the more prominent onesided bevel this is where most of your strokes will go they always will develop a burr very quickly while honing them, so it's a case of really being able to call on much of your knowledge and honing experience when dealing with these razors.