Thread: Japanese straight razors

I still find the symmetrical western to be a superior design,
and it took me awhile to get one to match the sweet shave i get from the occidental. But I love 'em. It is fun to shave with
I still have a problem with the idea that one should use the wakamisori without any wrap or handle. Yes, they are sold that way, but intended to be used like that- I don't think so.

I know, I have read all about how you guys love the simple look and have no problems with it.modeff

I'm curious about the Japanese razors - since once side is wedge and the other is hollow, do you always use the front/back or do you still use whatever side you would normally use with a western? I would think using a single side could get tricky as you work across your face...

Originally Posted by BingoBango

I'm curious about the Japanese razors - since once side is wedge and the other is hollow, do you always use the front/back or do you still use whatever side you would normally use with a western? I would think using a single side could get tricky as you work across your face...

One side is not a wedge and the other hollow. Even a wedge is hollow. The feel of w-k is nothing like a full hollow. or even a wedge

Do you strop a Japnese razor the same way as a Western razor?

Max, which model do you own ?

Originally Posted by Maximilian

My thoughts exactly. I only recently started shaving with a Japanese razor and I had no issues at all. Maybe a few awkward moments and movement hesitations but had a wonderful and extremely fun shave. If anything I find it easier as the blade's cutting edge is smaller, one uses even lighter and shorter more precise strokes. And I gotta tell you, those blades are wicked sharp. I'm definitely hooked. And did I say it's lots of fun to shave with one too

Originally Posted by Domino

Max, which model do you own ?

He has my 50mm iwasaki, not sure if he's gotten one of his own yet, but I think that's what it will be

Originally Posted by kevint

I still find the symmetrical western to be a superior design,
and it took me awhile to get one to match the sweet shave i get from the occidental. But I love 'em. It is fun to shave with
I still have a problem with the idea that one should use the wakamisori without any wrap or handle. Yes, they are sold that way, but intended to be used like that- I don't think so.

I know, I have read all about how you guys love the simple look and have no problems with it.modeff

All I can say is, the ones I've seen in barber's hands have all had the rubber handles.

A bit of an aesthetic mismatch, yes, but hey--you don't want your lathery hand slipping and taking off a customer's ear, do you?

Originally Posted by Domino

Do you strop a Japnese razor the same way as a Western razor?

Basic daily stropping? Yes exactly the same way.

Yes, like Gugi said an Iwasaki as it's his but I have another one on my way and so far I have no clue who the maker is so hopefully Old _School will be able to help some with the stamp readings. Jim also helped with some of the stamp translations.

I enjoy mine a lot.
I actually had an easier time learning to shave with those than I did with a western straight.

There are some technique issues, and there are differences of opinion on whether or not you ever strop them or not... but I get a real thrill out of using a Japanese straight. If you have facial hair its actually a lot easier to make the precision maneuvers to keep your beard just as you like it with a Japanese straight... IMO.