Thread: First Japanese style razor

After using one Id say yes. It was made to be used on one side. But as you said, you can use both sides. Thanks for the answer on stropping. I can see KAD starting. Too bad they sell for so much.

Nice addition, Jerry. Tom sent one to me to play with, once. Gotta great shave, but I didn't care for how it felt in my hand. Guess 30 some years with a typical straight, has this ol dog set in his ways.

Haaki Saki waa... Jerryson.

I thought the rubber handle would not be to my liking, but it helped to keep it solid in my hand. Id like to get one without the rubber sleeve to see how it feels holding. Thanks for the comments guys.

Originally Posted by Gasman

I can see KAD starting. Too bad they sell for so much.

There is a seller on the bay that sells lots of older, well used kamis for not that much in vintage storage boxes. Out of the lot I bought, five out of the six were able to be cleaned and honed to be fantastic shavers.

My favourite of all razors to hone, I love honing Kamisori razors, they can take killer edges, you may have to sort out the Omote before you get an even bevel.

Explain this sorting Jamie. I seen a lot of them with hone wear a 1/2" wide. Id be afraid they would have lost too much thickness. Id like to hear more.

And please let me know what seller you are talking about. Via pm would be best. Id like to take a good look. I plan on shaving with mine again tonight. It can only get better.

Originally Posted by Gasman

Explain this sorting Jamie. I seen a lot of them with hone wear a 1/2" wide. Id be afraid they would have lost too much thickness. Id like to hear more.

I think Jamie may be referring to hollowing out the omote so you have two points of contact for honing rather than honing on a fat wedge-like bevel ?
They are intended to be used down to a stub but of course geometry changes can make them like a piece of obsidian on a stick

I've seen a few worn down very little. Thanks for the explanation Oz. Can this hollowing out be done with a round backer and sandpaper? Just like a Western? It must be some hard stuff to shape?

Goodnight all.

Originally Posted by Gasman

I've seen a few worn down very little. Thanks for the explanation Oz. Can this hollowing out be done with a round backer and sandpaper? Just like a Western? It must be some hard stuff to shape?

Goodnight all.

Sure, no problema & it's easy to shape as it's simple iron, forge welded to the hard steel back. Japanese use a file called a Sen but it's hard to get a neat job like sandpaper unless you have the practice.

Jerry, Oz explanation is spot on, you may need to even out the Omote so the entire edge is sitting correctly on the hone.