kamisori handles rattan / ivy skin

**isshou** · 09-23-2009, 02:56 PM

Hi,

Some time ago, I bought myself an iwasaki kamisori, however I have been reluctant to use it, because as it comes without any proper handle ( just the raw steel), I don't feel comfortable at all.

Looking around SRP / Internet I have seen some people just use a blue plastic tosuke handle to them, others, and this is the more traditional method wrap the handle with some rattan. So far I have found some one on e-bay who sells the rattan for it, but does any body know the proper way to wrap the handle ?, as far as I have seen there seems to be different drawings that could be done with the rattan,
any Internet pointers / vids / manuals on how to wrap a kamisori handle ?

thanks in advance,

**Bill S** · 09-23-2009, 03:37 PM

Hopefully Lynn will see this thread and chime in. He just had a couple of razors wrapped with rattan (I think). I have seen them in person and they look great. He might be able to post a picture and give you some direction.

**JokiJo** · 09-23-2009, 05:19 PM

BWAHAHAHAHA!

**SiRed8** · 09-23-2009, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by isshou

Hi,

Some time ago, I bought myself an iwasaki kamisori, however I have been reluctant to use it, because as it comes without any proper handle ( just the raw steel), I don't feel comfortable at all.

Looking around SRP / Internet I have seen some people just use a blue plastic tosuke handle to them, others, and this is the more traditional method wrap the handle with some rattan. So far I have found some one on e-bay who sells the rattan for it, but does any body know the proper way to wrap the handle ?, as far as I have seen there seems to be different drawings that could be done with the rattan,
any Internet pointers / vids / manuals on how to wrap a kamisori handle ?

thanks in advance,

OLD_SCHOOL is one I could think of who's done rattan recently:

First Restoration - Japanese Razors. - Straight Razor Place Forums

I posted this on another thread here and figure you might be able to make use of it:

Look into these awesome threads:

Razor:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razors/40960-italy-vs-japan-lengthy.html

So my Iwasaki razor arrived...now what? - Straight Razor Place Forums

Tosuke Japanese Straight Razor - Straight Razor Place Forums

Honing a Japanese Straight - Straight Razor Place Forums

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razors/35058-japanese-razor-profiles.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razors/35204-japanese-razor-part-names.html

My first Japanese Razor - Straight Razor Place Forums

Japanese Razors - Straight Razor Place Forums

iwasaki - Straight Razor Place Forums

Japanese Razors - Straight Razor Place Forums

Tamahagane Razors? - Straight Razor Place Forums

Honing:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honing/41227-two-worst-honing-videos-evar.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honing/40957-honing-lesson-my-barber.html

Pyramid Honing - Straight Razor Place Forums

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honing/25623-sharpening-wakamisori.html

Honing: Advance

http://straightrazorpalace.com/advanced-honing-topics/23775-tales-nippon-honing-miracle-worker.html

Livi's Honing Setup - Straight Razor Place Forums

These are but a few I have. I didn't feel it necessary to link you 70 some honing threads/

isshou -

There's nothing wrong shaving with raw steel.
By sheathin it with rattan or handle of some kind, you're only disguising true beauty of being able to shave with raw steel handle. But that's subjective. I still like the look of rattan wraps as it certainly does give it flair. You're main concern if I'm to surmise is that it may slip out of your hands.

I've only been shaving well over month and in no way an expert as I've still more to learn. I've nicked myself more with a western SR than Japanese ( JDM ) razor. Only once did I nick myself with Iwasaki but that's because I tried to shave the wrong way for kicks on mustache area and thus nicked myself. :hammer:

So far having shaved with it twice no nicks. Simply put, it's best shaver one can have compared to any western SRs. However this is my experience. Take what i said at grain of salt because I'm n00b.

Talk to Lynn, JimR, or OS when it comes to shaving with J-spec razor. I'm sure there are many others I'm leaving out. But you can't go wrong with the 3 I mentioned.

Best of luck mate

**CraigJ** · 09-24-2009, 01:04 PM

I picked up a tosuke handle for my iwasaki. They are cheesey looking but work great. When I bought the handle I had to buy three so I have extras. Drop me a PM if youare interested in a cheesey looking blue handle.

**JimR** · 09-24-2009, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by CraigJ

I picked up a tosuke handle for my iwasaki. They are cheesey looking but work great. When I bought the handle I had to buy three so I have extras. Drop me a PM if youare interested in a cheesey looking blue handle.

Yes, they look cheesy. Yes, they make it easier to shave....

Where'd you pick them up, if I may ask?

**Lynn** · 09-24-2009, 02:08 PM

I noticed there is a pic posted already. Old School did a great job wrapping both my Iwasaki and Tosuke razors.

That wrapping not only looks good, as you can see, but really helps in gripping the razor for shaving.

Lynn

**isshou** · 10-20-2009, 08:16 PM

Thanks to all of you, and specially to SiRed8 for all those links.
I have not words to say how much I appreciate your time and consideration.

My apologize for not saying a word before, but due to time constrains I haven't been able to follow SRP lately.

I think I got a very close idea, even more, thanks to JimR blog Eastern Smooth: Handle Wrapping... I have seen you can train yourself up with waxed cotton line, much more convenient and easier to obtain. Further more, I have bought a couple tousuke handle from JimR. Thanks a lot Jim !

**JimR** · 10-20-2009, 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by isshou

Thanks to all of you, and specially to SiRed8 for all those links.
I have not words to say how much I appreciate your time and consideration.

My apologize for not saying a word before, but due to time constrains I haven't been able to follow SRP lately.

I think I got a very close idea, even more, thanks to JimR blog Eastern Smooth: Handle Wrapping... I have seen you can train yourself up with waxed cotton line, much more convenient and easier to obtain. Further more, I have bought a couple tousuke handle from JimR. Thanks a lot Jim !

It was my pleasure, Ro. Good luck!

**thebigspendur** · 10-22-2009, 10:33 PM

You can also use parachute chord or waxed cotton. To tell you the truth though I prefer mine with the raw steel it makes me feel more macho.

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