Who uses them? Are they easier to use than western style straights? Is there any specific advantages or disadvantages in useing them?
I think they are cool looking and i will probably end up getting one later on down the road.
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Who uses them? Are they easier to use than western style straights? Is there any specific advantages or disadvantages in useing them?
I think they are cool looking and i will probably end up getting one later on down the road.
They are more difficult to use.
In my humble opinion, they are more dangerous as well. They are all square point at the toe and most have a square point at the heel. This fact, coupled with the fact that they are shorter blades (forcing you to work more with the tips) make for a dangerous blade. Both my serious cuts were from my Iwasaki.
I don't know yet, but I am on a list to try one out. I'm pretty excited about it, but with a healthy dose of respect for the blade I think it should go just fine.
there's a waiting list for one?
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...-kamisori.html
Topmost sticky in this forum.
Like anything else it's just a matter of educating yourself. Once you do its like shaving with any other straight. It's just that period while your educating yourself you have to be careful. As far as advantages go personally, I thing they shave the closest of any straight out there.
I didn't find it any 'harder' to use than my western style straights. It was definately different using only one hand and one side of the blade, and the contortions were a little more exagerated, but overall not as daunting as it was when I initially started straight shaving.
I think they have simplistic beauty to them. I think i want one.
Eastern Smooth: The Store!Quote:
Originally Posted by mattmatney
Jim's thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZethLent
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 :)
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.:soapbox:mode:off
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.:mace: or even a wedge:DQuote:
Originally Posted by BingoBango
Do you strop a Japnese razor the same way as a Western razor?
Max, which model do you own ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximilian
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 :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Domino
All I can say is, the ones I've seen in barber's hands have all had the rubber handles.Quote:
Originally Posted by kevint
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?
Basic daily stropping? Yes exactly the same way.Quote:
Originally Posted by Domino
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximilian
Max, I'm pretty sure the name is Norio...
Welcome to the club Max! Even better when you shave your head with it ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximilian
I can see it now you posting a review and lo and behold like overpriced Filarmonica or Dubl Duck, kamisori's will be highly sought after and Jim's stock of Iwasaki's will be gone faster than you can say JDM razors p3wn > * :P
If I can add one other thing, I think the Japanese razors are easier to hone. I'm still having trouble with the whole process of Western razor honing, but putting a wicked edge on a kamisori could not be simpler. Anyway, not sure if that helps anyone decide, but if you are on the fence, maybe it will.
Russel Baldrige made one for me with a symmetrical grind which is a lovely shaver. I don't like the Japanese asymmetrical grinds.Quote:
Originally Posted by kevint
http://msmvps.com/cfs-file.ashx/__ke...5F00_front.jpg
http://msmvps.com/cfs-file.ashx/__ke...n_5F00_box.jpg
WOW, thanks for posting that picture! Beautiful razor! And because it's a symmetrical grind, you can flip it over and use it just like a Western razor? Very cool! Now you got me thinking about another razor I need . . .
Yep. Except of course for the way you hold it in your hand, it shaves just like a western style razor. The line you see in the blade is the hamon which resulted from the clay coating during heat treatment.
That's what we call a frankenrazor. (I don't mean that in a negative light). It has the outward appearance of a traditional Japanese razor but the grind is basically western. It's really more western because the grind and shave experience is really western.What really makes the Japanese Razor is the asymmetrical grind.Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffE