Questions about Japanese Straight Razor

I have been thinking about treating myself to a Japanese straight razor; however, I am fairly new to the art of straight razor shaving and was hoping to get a few questions that I have answered.

The reason I am looking at a Japanese straight is because I have been using a feather folding style straight in my rotation and their are some distinct differences about this razor than a western style straight that seem to help me out. The main one being the overall length of the blade, I have fallen in love with the shorter blade length that the feather has.

With that said listed below are a few of the questions that I have:

1) Is it absolutely necessary to use the flat side of the blade to shave with?

2) Do you strop a Japanese style straight the same as a western style straight?

3) Does a rubber or a wound handle make a difference, the only reason that I ask this question is because the razor I am looking at buying does not have either of these on the handle?

4) Any other advice or things that I should consider would be greatly appreciated.

1) No, but that is the way that most users do it. There are a few guys here that use both sides. I stick with one side.

2) Yes, although on the away stroke (for a righty) you need to tilt the razor slightly to put edge on the strop. Be careful here, because you still must keep the honing flat on the strop throughout the stroke.

3) it makes a difference. Is it better or not as good? Dunno, it's a personal preference. Bear in mind that there are people that will wind a very nice handle on your razor. You can also buy the rubber grips, if you want one. Both of my kamisori have plain steel handles.

4) The buying advice is the same as any razor. Buy the Seller first. Make sure you can either hone the razor to shaveready condition (or are willing to send it out) or that you are getting it from someone that knows how to hone it and will do so.

I think using a kamisori is a blast. I used one yesterday and had a lot of fun with it and got a superb shave. Go for it.

Bill,

thank you for taking the time to answer the questions that I had posted, lots of good stuff in your reply. That's very interesting on stropping on flat part of the blade, I would assume that this rule also applies to sharpening the razor. I am also looking at buying a Kamisori:) from SRD, I am planning on contacting them Tuesday to make sure that they can send the razor shave ready.

Once again thanks for your reply.

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Originally Posted by lincoln233

Bill,

thank you for taking the time to answer the questions that I had posted, lots of good stuff in your reply. That's very interesting on stropping on flat part of the blade, I would assume that this rule also applies to sharpening the razor. I am also looking at buying a Kamisori:) from SRD, I am planning on contacting them Tuesday to make sure that they can send the razor shave ready.

Once again thanks for your reply.

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You won't be disappointed. Everything from SRD goes out shave ready and they know their way around a kamisori. You are looking at an Iwasaki, correct? I have the same razor they sell, as do a lot of guys here on SRP, and it is a great shaver.

Yes correct, the Iwasaki I, I am attracted to the 2" blade over the 2.5" blade.

I got one of those Iwasaki's myself and that thing takes an awesome edge.