Thread: Japanese Straights

That is a beautiful razor Phrank. There is just something about Iwasaki kamisoris that I love so much.
Yes, you can hone them up stupidly sharp. Its hard to explain but on the second pass I use very long slow strokes, the kami sucks to my face, squeegee like, its a very nice experience.

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

That is a beautiful razor Phrank. There is just something about Iwasaki kamisoris that I love so much.
Yes, you can hone them up stupidly sharp. Its hard to explain but on the second pass I use very long slow strokes, the kami sucks to my face, squeegee like, its a very nice experience.

Ha! That's exactly what happened with this first shave. One thing I like about the Kami experience, is it takes longer to shave, something that's been bothering me lately.

To the point now, where I can get the lather whipped up in the scuttle, lathered up, and have a 3 pass shave in 5 minutes with a normal straight.

This kami, first pass was nice and slow, you have to take your time.

Second pass, just like you said, I found myself going from my collar line, straight up to just under the middle of the nose area, just felt like it was almost peeling the skin off my face and had a mind of it's own. Did 3 passes, and I've had my share of BBS shaves, uber close shaves, but I guess Kami's get real close and personal.

Thinking maybe I might be using too much pressure even though I felt and was trying to actively not use any pressure.

Slapped the aftershave on afterward, and Bazinga! Haven't felt that electric sting in awhile....haha...but there isn't a stray rough spot, or whisker left.

And it was nice not to be done my shave in 5 minutes...that was a major bonus...of course, I won't have to shave for another two weeks after it....

I too enjoy the much longer and slower shave with a Kami, I'm amazed it takes so little time now to do 2-3 passes with a regular straight. It makes the Kami a very refreshing shave for me.

Fantastic razor, Phrank. I also prefer folding kamisori razors. The three I have are incredibly sharp and provide an extremely close shave.

My fourth razor hailing from the land of the Rising Sun.
Waited quite a while to pull the trigger on this one. Watched it on the bay over a year.
Finally RAD kicked in. It was worth the wait.
This razor ticks off all the requirement for a razor IMHO. Fit in the scales, finish, grind, balance, edge it is capable of taking. All top notch. As the blade etch denotes "Super Extra Special Made". That is no lie.
My first covered tang. A subtle tactile difference when wielding it.
Great addition to my humble collection. Folks there is a reason this thread is presently 105 pages. My $.02 Ken.

Nice one
Another very similar to the Diamond Hayashi. I swear they are all made in the same place.

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

Nice one
Another very similar to the Diamond Hayashi. I swear they are all made in the same place.

Yes indeed, Japan!