I have a very strong preference for the straight handled one piece 'form' of kamisori. I had two, a NOS Kenwa and a 'higher end' traditional form Kamisori. I have just never quite gotten great shaves from them. They are "not the razors I reach for first".

On the other hand, I have a Dovo and Jorco that give beautiful shaves. But the combination of long blade and hinge make it hard (not possible) to really get into neck hollows. Stubble there bothers me because "coat and tie". A few months ago, I picked another Kenwa western grind from ebay.

It is a dream razor for me. What's different on this one (apparently all these are hand made???) is the blade thickness. It's paper thin. So thin, I can't imagine it could possibly be anymore hollow ground than it is. It's shaves beautifully--just like the Dovo and Jorco.

So...what's the point? First, different horses for different courses. Second, I think I've discovered that FOR ME, the paper thin highly ground blades are the thing. Which is a good discovery because it will save me money on not buying another standard kamisori or not buying a Hart. Also, if I should ever get more money and even less sense, I now know what to ask for if I decide to have a custom razor made.

Parenthetically, while I am no where near a 'honemeister', my honing of this new razor has brought me over that hump where I can now good 'good' to 'great' shaves off of any of the 6 stones I have that could be considered 'razor hones'. Except the coticule. Still giving me trouble that one.