Even using the razor on both sides is an entirely different experience. The steel is very different.

As So explained to me it is the Japanese forging process that creates smaller crystals. With the smaller crystals you get a sharper cutting edge.

Caompare visiting Amsterdam: some tourists think the whole experience includes visiting a coffee shop for a spliff, others think you even need to visit a prostitute in the red light district. Most are happy with a visit of the old town centre.