Thread: Japanese straight razors

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


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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.

Originally Posted by mattmatney

I think they have simplistic beauty to them. I think i want one.

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Jim's thread

Originally Posted by ZethLent

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.

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