Thread: Kamisori honing.

My gf bought me a somewhat restored kamisori (don't know anything about it really.) Anyways she paid decent money for it like 60 or 70 bucks. I've tried to hone it but for the life of me I can not get a shaving edge on this thing. I've been using a 7:1 honing ratio for the asymmetrical grind and I used a 3k to set bevel, followed by 8k then 12k. What am I doing wrong?

Kamisori can be tricky. I recommend marking the edge with a sharpie and making sure your edge is contacting the hone. Try using more pressure than you normally would use on a traditional straight, they can handle more pressure, at least for lower grits.

Newest one I just did a couple of weeks ago, it starts with a bevel correction so it might be a better one for you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m87oGTAKV7I

The older ones

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNCVe3Alye8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRIQ3_6Cs5o

What gssixgun said! Watch his videos. That is what I did and it works. I had never honed a kamisori before and I had great success. Thanks Glen!


Mike

Gonna watch this when have the time to sit down and hone. Thanks

Good luck. I'm hoping to hear of your success! Smooth shaves to you.


Mike

the ratio is ok(you can do also 8:1)
Have you do a bevel test? I usually when set bevel I do nail test and verify if "bite" nail. If bite just a bit i try again on naniwa 2k, if not i use naniwa 800 for few passages( 800 isn't so fast)
Once set right the bevel the rest is a piece of cake
Try a strip of tape on the bevel

I know it is not as it is supposed to be done but I hone them in the same way as a Western razor. Works for me.

Correct me if I am wrong but, the reason for honing one side with less strokes is that that side has softer metal. It will wear faster due to the softer metal and decrease the life of the kamisori.


Mike

Originally Posted by mglindo

What gssixgun said! Watch his videos. That is what I did and it works. I had never honed a kamisori before and I had great success. Thanks Glen!


Mike

I agree. I bought a NOS Tasuke and following Glen's method I had a super sharp razor in no time....a bit too sharp in fact - major major cut on Super Bowl Sunday - I wasn't paying attention and paid the price... Excellent shave tho, when I watch what the heck I'm doing!