Thread: Psst, Hey Sonny Want to Try a Kamisori?

Is it still possible to join this list?

If so, I'd be very interested.

Just PM me with the requested info and I'll put you on the list for the second pass around.

I have a 50-year-old Nihon Kamisori that is in good shape except that I would like to refine the edge. Do you have any tips for honing a single bevel blade like that? Do you only hone the bevel side or both ways?

Thanks,
Don J.

Originally Posted by maxfarce

I have a 50-year-old Nihon Kamisori that is in good shape except that I would like to refine the edge. Do you have any tips for honing a single bevel blade like that? Do you only hone the bevel side or both ways?

Thanks,
Don J.

Assuming the blade is in good shape and the bevel is in great shape and you only need a touch-up the recognized way to do that on a Japanese Traditional Razor is to use about a 3:1 ratio of strokes with the greater number on the shaving side of the blade using a 12K hone doing back and forth (washboard honing) and applying pressure as you hone.

However to tell you the truth if you spoke to many here who use them they will tell you to use 1-any finishing hone you have 2-Do almost all your honing on the shaving side and do very little on the other (kind of a play it by ear thing) 3-You can also use a pasted strop. I find Diamond at .5 to be good.

You really have to experiment. If you do the washboard honing thing the art is knowing how much pressure to use. Just mind the wear on the blade and spine as you hone.

Thanks! That is kind of what I have tried so far, so I'm glad to see I'm working in the right direction. It shaves better than some I have used but not as well as I'd like yet. I kind of like using it, too, the way it feels in the hand.

Don J.

LOL, I don't even know what the current order is...I'll just be surprised one day when I get it in the mail

I have it, but haven't successfully used it yet. Stand by...

Just an update.

I have the razor back in my possession at present. It suffered a mishap but doesn't appear to be the worse for wear. I should be able to send it to the next on the list next week.

The razor is back up to snuff and I'll be send it out today.Next up is Zacsdaddy.

this is a realty interesting thread and that razor is viscous looking i like it