Iwasaki, Livi & Takahashi Norikazu

[JimmyHAD]

Thanks for the review. I haven't tried the Japanese style straight yet. It is very interesting to read the comparison and the shaving impressions. If biz ever picks up there will be some of those type razors in my future.

[SiRed8]

I don't know what's wrong with me. I neglected to include the shave.

How did it compare to the Iwasaki(s)?
Absolutely stunning! The fit and finish is similar but it's indeed on the rough side as far as handling is concerned though it doesn't bother me.

Was your shave comfortable? How about close? Your opinion is that after a good-significant stropping is enough?

The shave was comfortable it's so close to the Iwasaki it's not noticeable. As it stands I shaved with Iwasaki 13 times now 30 on latigo before and after the shave. No other linen whatsoever. I have as of late been using veg-tan leather but for purpose of the test I didn't use it upon shaving when comparing the 3.

Next time what Ill do is shave one side with one razor and one with another as opposed to alternating which I did initially. Perhaps I shall employ the "long pass" which seems to be the general method around here.

With regards to stropping, I remember distinctly the Livi didn't shave as comfortably as I'd hoped initially. It was only after good stropping did it shave nicely. Not as close as the Iwasaki but it's up there.

The Iwasaki I acquired from Jim is no different from my first Iwasaki. It's equivalent to surgeon's tool. Precision-style cutting. Hands down the best in comparison to razors in my arsenal. I'm not saying this because I love all things JDM.

That said my preliminary assessment shaving-wise would be:
Iwasaki ~ Kanetake > Livi

The reason I rated the way I did above was due to remote closeness of shaving between Iwasaki and Kanetake. Whether or not you have a Japanese razor, Norikazu's Kanetake is no joke. It's razor to be reckoned with.

For those reading this, don't misunderstand. I love all my razors and wouldn't give any up. It goes without saying, Livi's razor is nice and from aesthetic standpoint one can say it blows both Japanese razors. But this is subjective as others prefer more extravagant look while others prefer the simpler look. The latter is my preference in general. I've always been the function over fashion type of guy. But this doesn't stop me from getting rather ornate piece such as Livi's. It is the opposite of the adage All show and no go. It indeed performs providing nice shave.

[JimR]

Lots of info Ivan, thanks.

For the record: So Yamashita at japantools (who knows him personally) told me that Shigeyoshi Iwasaki is not dead, but has retired due to age and health reasons. Ryuichi Mizuochi is now in charge of making Iwasaki razors at Sanjokajikobou, in Sanjo city in Niigata prefecture; my supplier told me that there are some people making them under his supervision, but they are new and not very experienced, so he has to do most of the work still.

[hleonard]

I am pretty excited to have my first shave with it. I am pretty new to straight razor shaving but have read enough to know that it will probably be a unique experience.

[Spartigus]

Im getting my hands on an Iwasaki from So from Japan Tool, i cant wait!!!