Thread: My first japanese style razor

Hi everyone! Here is my first "japanese style" razor. Made by UHB 20c carbonsteel.

That looks very cool!

I have been thinking about trying one of these out, myself. Especially because I tend to like smaller blades, and often have the scales of my western style razors straight out like the handle of a Japanese blade.

Beautiful looking blade.

Though I enjoy my European style razors, there is a large piece of me that prefers the simplicity of the Kami. I think you will enjoy it if you can hone it.

Best of luck and happy shaving.

Can we see the other side ??

Is the razor made with an Kamisori (asymmetrical) grind or are the sides equal and made with a Western style grind ???

Nice looking razor

Gssixgun: what effect does grinding an asymmetrical kamisori style razor out of a single piece of high carbon steel, versus forge welded low carbon and high carbon steels? Is it only a matter of tradition and saving high carbon steel in the process? Or does it have a particular effect on honing and the resulting edge? Is one easier or harder to maintain?

[edit: I'm thinking the biggest difference is how you would apply pressure or torque to the blade in honing.. Aside from that the wider 'bevel' at the spine that I think is typical of kamisori would make up for the difference in hardness.]

Difference in honing
Difference in handling
Difference in feel on the face

Pretty much the same differences you would find between different grinds on any other razor..

Now IMHO a Kamisori grind is easier to maintain, but harder to establish it in the traditional manner..

(Keeping in mind that there has been much conjecture about honing and shaving even traditional Kamisori)

Only honing consideration I have found with two piece forge welded Kamisori is the the spine is somewhat softer than the bevel area and can erode more quickly during honing.
For sure see Glen's Kamisori honing video:
gssixgun Kamisori part 1.wmv - YouTube
and
gssixgun Kamisori part 2 - YouTube
They helped me get 7 used ones to shave ready.
~Richard

The other side is hollow ginded, but not a "typical" kamisori. I made some mistake, during making this blade. "the first razor made by your enemy"