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

I have noticed increasing interest among members to have trial use of a Traditional Japanese Straight Razor. I am now in a position to make that happen.

First let me say this isn’t some sales pitch or come-on to buy. I sell nothing and provide no fee services period. The only exception was many years ago I did sell Tosuke razors but that’s ancient history now. Also this is in no way officially or unofficially sanctioned by the management of SRP and they have no liability arising out of it. I know the subject of a pass around razor has come up often here however it has come to nothing mostly because of the pitfalls too numerous to mention. Since I paid 0 for it and got experience for my time I’m out very little.

So here is the deal.

A friend of mine had sent me a kamisori(Traditional Japanese Straight) razor about a year ago and it was a worthless rusted piece of junk when I got it. I have been working on it on and off (mostly off) for the past year cleaning it up and getting it to shave. It’s taught me a lot about what makes these things tick having to totally reestablish a bevel and rework everything.

I have no idea who made this or the type of steel it is made of other than the fact it’s very hard. Other than that it’s vintage. I’ve named it Hirohito’s Revenge.

If you want to use Hirohito’s revenge PM me. This razor is NOT for sale and never will be. I’ll make up a list in PM order and send it to the first person to begin this thing. This will be a huge experiment so we’ll see how it goes. Remember to say in your PM that you have read and agree to all terms. ALSO, VERY IMPORTANT-SORRY OUT OF U.S GUYS BUT FOR THE TIME BEING I’M LIMITING THIS TO GUYS IN THE U.S. MAYBE LATER I’LL INCLUDE YOU GUYS BUT FOR NOW I HAVE TO CONSIDER FOREIGN MAIL SYSTEM’S AND DELAYS AND ALL THAT.

The terms are as follows:

1-you must mail it via USPS Priority mail SIGNATURE CONFIRMATION

2-You can use it for two weeks and then you must pass it on to the next person on the list that will come with the razor

3-YOU are responsible to ensure it is sanitized before use (I told Festus not to shave Baaaby’s err …hmm… you know what with it but he didn’t listen)

4-Feel free to strop it on a plain linen and/or leather strop. Any more than that PM me and we’ll discuss

5-agree to exercise good sense and care for the razor like it was your property. Keep the blade oiled between use. I will assume all responsibility for loss in the mail and damage to the razor itself (pretty good eh?)

6-agree that I will not be responsible for any injuries that may occur to you or anyone who may use this razor either with your permission or not. So in other words you are indemnifying me from all responsibility of any kind. You will keep it locked up and away from all children at all times and all non straight shavers and those missing parts of their brains.

7-you must give me your complete residence address, your name, your e-mail address and your telephone number and say you agree to all terms. (I spent a career in Federal Law Enforcement so if the razor is pinched some very burly gentlemen with big guns will pay you a visit)

6-you must also send me your first born as collateral, if you don’t have any kids send me the deed to your house and if you don’t own a house I’ll send Lucifer over. He knows what to do. (Just kidding).

Some friendly advice:

1-you can shave using either side however it is optimized for one sided shaving with the concave side or the side with the writing on it

2-Use very short strokes unlike a western razor where you might use longer strokes

3-Be prepared to use a higher angle than with a western razor. How high? I’d start with 40 degrees.

4-my advice before actually using it is practice holding it and taking mock strokes holding the razor an inch or two above your skin until you get the hang of it

5-Use very, very, light pressure (even lighter than normal with a western razor or you will get razor burn like you tangled with Godzilla)

6-The toe end is a SPIKE, it is like all other spikes but for two weeks it is your spike which makes it special. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Don’t take care of it and your face will look like Freddy Kruger. Seriously though, it will bite you unless you know where that spike is at all times and the short blade makes it even worse and did I tell you the spike end is sharper than, well, its damn sharp.

7-Enjoy either the closest shave of your life or the wrath of Hirohito’s Revenge.

8-Use this post to discuss the razor and your experiences with it and any questions and comments.

9-Now lets get rolling.