Thread: Japanese Straight Razor help

1) I don't consider my skin sensitive, but I've had few feather razors. The razors are really well made tools and the blades are excellent - they're sharp and smooth. Of course, you'll have to use reasonably good technique with them. I've never nicked myself with them (out of a dozen or so times), so I like to think that people who find them unforgiving, just need to be more attentive.
That being said, for some reason to me they felt more like a DE razor than a straight.

2) Iwasaki is the most popular, but I think there are a couple more makers. That's the current production japanese razor that I have.

3) You can purchase Iwasaki at straightrazordesigns, and there was one more place in hawai that sells them, I think they may be selling one more maker too.



My question though is how do you know you like the way these razors handle if you don't already use one?

I like them because I have felt a few when I was in Korea visiting. I have also felt the feather versions. It just feels MUCH better in my hand so I assume I will like it better than folding style.

They're also available in the UK now and the price also looks good to me Japanese Iwasaki razors

ian

Originally Posted by gugi

My question though is how do you know you like the way these razors handle if you don't already use one?

He's right on this. Although I haven't used the Feather AC, comparing it to a traditional kamisori is apples & oranges. Trad kamisori like Iwasaki is a very hard laminated steel. It's essentially a single-sided razor that will be used and held a bit differently from the Feather whose double-sided blade appears intended to mimick the technique of a western straight or as one member indicated, even a DE. To really feel the benefit of a trad kamisori, you will need to invest in a good array of stones to sharpen and maintain it although it will hold an amazing edge for a really long time. The Feather is intended to completely eliminate this process, so while they're both made in Japan, that's about all they have in common.

Still, it may be a simple solution for your skin issue, as feather blades are renowned for their quality, and I use them in my DE. Maybe someone who owns the AC can chime in?

Originally Posted by thebighappyface

Hello,

I have trolled this forum for some time and am happy to be a part of the community now! I have been shaving with a DE razor for 2 plus years but I still am getting some burn on my neck, even after "perfecting" my technique. So I have decided to move over to straight razors. I do not care fore the way a western straight razor feels in my hand, but LOVE how a Japanese style feels! That decided, i am torn between what to do.
so i have 3 questions for all of you

1) What do you think about feather AC for people with sensitive skin? I like the idea being able to not have to sharpen the blade myself (but would not mind getting into the zen of it)

2) What japanese blades are out there to purchase new (I do not want a vintage blade)

3) where do i purchase these razors

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

With respect, if you're getting burn on your neck, maybe you haven't quite yet perfected your technique.

If you like the feel in the hand of a Japanese style straight, without the honing or stropping, Smallflower sells the non-folding Japanese style Feather RG and Feather DX. They also sell blades for them. Use a VERY light touch with them, and you should be OK. Straight shaving is harder to learn than effective DE shaving. Good patience builder.

And here's a great youtube video showing how to use a non-folding Feather AC:

YouTube - Shaving with a Japanese Non-Folding Feather Razor