Thread: Japanese Method

I have read a few and seen a few Howtos for putting an edge on a str8. They all seem to favor, for lack of a better term, the "American" method. Has there been a discussion of the Japanese method of going back and forth on one side so many times then flipping and repeating?

If so can you help a Noob out.

Thanks.

"Western" might be a more fitting term than "American."

I sometimes use the "Japanese" method when I'm working to set a bevel, especially if it needs a lot of work. I find it more comfortable than the circles method (where you move the razor in small circles rather than back and forth).

In the "Videos" section, there are some clips of Livi honing razors. He uses both the "western" and "Japanese" methods on a few different stones.

I believe that either method is just fine, so long as you keep the number of strokes per side even, otherwise you will get uneven wear and a strange shaped bevel.

I have also been told my someone with far more metalworking experience than I (I have just about none) that, if you use the "Japanese" method and work for too long on one side before switching sides that you run the risk of warping the blade. I think it was something to do with de-stressing the metal...

There is some discussion, but I cannot find it now… however while there are some rules; there is no “right” or “only” way to sharpen a razor (or anything for that matter). We are all different, and in different geographical reasons people get the same result using different methods.
The same goes for stropping a razor.

Have a look in the Video Section of the forum; there is a thread with video of one of the respected master razorsmiths (Mastro Livi ) sharpening his razors… It would appear he uses both methods.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...vi-videos.html

I love for a mod to edit the extraneous BS from this thread
http://straightrazorpalace.com/basic...akamisori.html

maybe it will help a little

Thanks for the help. I will read the article later.

Is Mastro Livi using yellow strop dressing?

Japanese razors are totally different than western razors so that's why they have developed differing honing strategies for them. Of course you do what you need to do when you hone depending on the stage you are at to get the job done. Its true you can use back and forth honing with western razors to remove nicks and chips and evening things out and I've used western methods to set bevels on japanese razors but for final honing and touch ups the asymmetrical honing and use of pressure sets them apart from western razors.

I think what you are saying is that single sided work on a western razor is not japanese style razor honing as that is all about something else.

single,

I think the yellow on the Mastro's strop is the color imparted to the leather by the tanning process. The green on the other side is chromium oxide.

I use the Japanese style in the bevel setting stage, just as Holli pointed out, I also use Circles, X strokes, Rolling X strokes, Swooping Strokes, Heel foreword strokes, Flat straight strokes, I use just about any stroke that keeps the bevel nice and even, and continues me on my way to a "Shave Ready" razor....
The ability to nail down which stroke is going to work on which razor is way more then half the battle, it is the whole battle....

The methods of honing and stropping by mastro Livi look very rude, but they seem to be very sure and have a good result. After watching the video I tried the stropping on my hypothenar and it had a good result, the hair was cut only by pushing.
The movement of mastro Livi has fascinated me and this is possible for me to move my razor like this.

I want to say thank you to Masto Livi for his learnful video.

Best regards,

Paysbas