kamisori razors from japan, any diff?

Hello,

I have a chance to get a Kamisori from japan, are these good shavers and anyone know if i strop them the same as a straight or do i need special equipment. I have heard they are amazing and wana get one but need some info first.


james

Hey James, I'm going to move this over to "Razors" where it will get more traffic from folk who have used a Kamisori. I believe we have a number of members who will chime in on this...

Kamisori are great shavers and a ton of fun to use IMO. You can use the same strop and basic stropping technique. They do require a different honing technique as a result of their assymetrical profile, but that is well documented here on SRP.

You will have to evaluate the specific razor you are considering on it's own merits as there are certainly good and bad Kamisori, as there are with any razor.

I use mine either way, but when I have the time I will use a flat paddle or you can put your strop on a table. Since its a stiffer blade it really wont hurt it to use a hanging strop. Remember it's just a stiff blade.

Personally I think you can get the best possible shave with one over a western style because the edge is really optimized.

Learning can be a chore but in the end it's like everything else. You use it and learn.

I've only used a Kamisori once (don't remember the manufacturer). Lot's of fun. If you aren't familiar, one side is a wedge grind, the other hollow. It was suggested that I use just one side of the razor, but I guess that's just preference. Using just one side has it's own learning curve to it.

IIRC, there's a thread going around where you can sign up to take one for a test spin - but that may be really old.

I got a Kamisori about a month ago and I really like it. They are great little shavers and really fun to use..!

As others have said, you strop them the same way as a western style straight razor, but the technique of shaving with them is a little different.

Theres a great video in the videos forum of JimR shaving with one which will give you some good pointers.

Good luck and keep us posted!

They are great shavers and gorgeous artifacts.

I'm still not used to using only one side though although it appears (see some messages up) it IS possible to use both sides.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

Stropping is the same as a western straight, but honing is much different.

I'd like to add that Kamisori is the Japanese word for razors (and is only associated with straight razors.) calling one a Kamisori razor sounds a bit odd, it's like saying razor razor. ;)

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Excepting of course the Kamisori brand razors which everyone should be assured we are not talking about in this thread as they are the typical south asian junk.

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't shave with both sides of the razor . You can , and it works great .

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dave5225

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't shave with both sides of the razor . You can , and it works great .

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It's not a matter of whether it works great or not. There are many tools designed for a specific purpose you can use to do other things with and they work even though they may not be designed for it.

Yes, your right it works but it's not designed to be used on both sides.

James;
There are different japanese style razors for sure. You'll have to experiment on your own to determine which works best for YOU. That's what makes it fun.. All you have to do is, get to it. Good luck.

Awesome replies, cant wait to try this thing out.
So i strop it the same as my str8, what is diff with honing?
Is it harder or just completely different?

Anyone know where I can buy a kamisori carbon steel? My friend is now jealous. lol

James