Thread: Japanese Straights

I have heard the term Western Grind Kamisori many times.
What is the definition of Kamisori? I thought it translates to 'Razor'?

The powerful OZ will tell us.....

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I have heard the term Western Grind Kamisori many times.
What is the definition of Kamisori? I thought it translates to 'Razor'?

The powerful OZ will tell us.....

It does translate to razor , that said folks are arguing over the traditionality of what is a quote unquote kamisori. I did learn something tho traditionally a tradinal Japanese asymmetrical kamisori is bimetal hard steel forged to a soft iron back. you could have a asymmetrical kamisori and if it is monocore it is not traditional!

Well, All razors are different....somehow!

I was only half kidding about the "sombrero." Often foreigners to a term or product improperly use or translate words and form them to their own meaning...like the sombrero de charro which is the proper term for what we north of the Rio Grande know as just a sombrero. Does the fact that we use their language wrong make us right in naming things incorrectly? I mean, c'mon. Even you who will NEVER admit they are wrong (you know who you are...or sadly maybe you don't ) can't say yes to that.

Add to that that language is a fickle mistress. When I lived in California in the 80s the Mexican guys I knew called each other "cuñado." I asked them what it meant and they said "It doesn't translate. Literally it means brother in law but that's not what it means. It's like homeboy. It doesn't mean the same in Spanish as what you mean in English."

I find it kind of interesting because I haven't got a clue of the langauge or writing or history. And while it just be an insturment to shave with, it just points out the history, culture and the people who used the same stuff we do now. Looks like we haven't progressed at all!