Iwasaki kamisori 2

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03-19-2011, 04:19 PM
senoreme

3 Attachment(s)

Iwasaki kamisori 2

Attachment 59070I was recently given this beautiful japanese straight razor. It is a work of art. I'd like to ask about stropping. Does anyone have experience with stropping this type of blade just prior to shaving? What about oil? What type and how often? I am not even going to attempt to hone this gorgeous piece of steel so I am not asking that. How and in what, do your store the razor after use? Just one more thing, please? Anyone knows how to make or where to buy some type of grip for the handle of this blade? Thank you so much for your help.

Attachment 59069

Attachment 59068
03-19-2011, 07:48 PM
pixelfixed

Can you post a pic of your razor?most kamisoris have simple bamboo or twine wrapping on the handles,many have nothing for the simple reason that you do not hold the Kamisori by the handle when using it.
03-19-2011, 08:30 PM
drgreen

Sorry to intrude, but on the topic of japanese razors, do you guys know what the price range is on a good japanese razor? The ones I've seen on reputable online vendors are quite expensive, and then you have the other end of the spectrum of dirt cheap ones on ebay that look to good to be true for the price, in which case it probably is.

Is there an equivalent of a Dovo best quality for japanese razors just for those who enjoy some variety down the road without spending too much?
03-19-2011, 08:32 PM
senoreme

I have uploaded so pics.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I looked around the internet. The best price I could find for the Japanese razor which I have posted the phots of, goes for approximately $475.00. Thank you:aargh:
03-19-2011, 09:06 PM
senoreme

Thank you for informing me of that

and please accept my strong apology. I in now way meant any disrespect to anyone. Have a pleasant day. William
03-19-2011, 09:11 PM
holli4pirating

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Can you post a pic of your razor?most kamisoris have simple bamboo or twine wrapping on the handles,many have nothing for the simple reason that you do not hold the Kamisori by the handle when using it.

It is a typical Iwasaki. The black on the "spine" covers the entire handle, too. It has a bit of a texture, and I would also assume it is rust resistant. I prefer no wrapping because grip is not a problem for me at all, and with a bare handle I know if it is dry or not.
03-19-2011, 09:15 PM
gssixgun

Quote:

Originally Posted by senoreme

and please accept my strong apology. I in now way meant any disrespect to anyone. Have a pleasant day. William

No harm no foul Thanks for understanding
03-19-2011, 10:00 PM
gugi

Quote:

Originally Posted by senoreme

Attachment 59070Does anyone have experience with stropping this type of blade just prior to shaving?

I strop it like any other razor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by senoreme

What about oil? What type and how often?

I don't use any on mine. I store them on a shelf with the more hollowed side up so that the edge is in the air. The iwasaki goes into its box.

Quote:

Originally Posted by senoreme

Anyone knows how to make or where to buy some type of grip for the handle of this blade?

Some vendors used to sell the blue plastic sleeves for Tosuke razors. I don't really have a link for you though. If you search the internet you'll most likely find instructions about wrapping rattan around it in all kinds of patterns. There was somebody on this forum who used to do that but then they disappeared. May be somebody else offers that as a service if you don't want to try yourself?

As far as prices go I don't think there's the equivalent of "Dovo best quality", the current production of such razors is more like 'customs', or at best on the level of hart with the corresponding prices. Ebay is a good place to buy all kinds of junk, so if you don't have an idea it's probably better not to waste your money gambling with it.
03-19-2011, 11:05 PM
Bill S

I have a couple of Iwasakis and just put a little oil on them after shaving and drying and put them back in the box. If I don't think I'll be using them soon I put them back in the paper wrap and plastic sleeve.

I don't have handles on either of my kamisori, but if I did I would use a rattan wrap instead of the Tosuke style sleeve. For these razors I think that simpler is better.

The only unusual aspect of stropping is that on one side you have to tilt the razor so that it rests on its edge and honing flat. It's pretty obvious when you are stropping because the edge doesn't sit on the strop if you don't do it.
03-19-2011, 11:07 PM
dave5225

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Can you post a pic of your razor?most kamisoris have simple bamboo or twine wrapping on the handles,many have nothing for the simple reason that you do not hold the Kamisori by the handle when using it.

I hold mine by the handle when I use it , and when I hone and strop it . I've been doing it like this for the past 3 years , with excellent results .
03-19-2011, 11:29 PM
Bill S

Quote:

Originally Posted by senoreme

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I looked around the internet. The best price I could find for the Japanese razor which I have posted the phots of, goes for approximately $475.00. Thank you:aargh:

That's due to two things, the provenance of the razor and the fact that it is a size 2.

The razor in this picture is a size2 and it was about 4 times the cost of the more standard size1. Same maker but different steel and size. I would go with a size1 made by a known maker. You may get lucky and find one used, but I would just bite the bullet and get one from SRD. At least then you know what you're dealing with. Plus a free honing on a kamisori is not a bad thing to have.

http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/u...amahaganeu.jpg
03-19-2011, 11:46 PM
gssixgun

Ok I knew something looked funny, senoreme yours is a left handed razor or something is reversed in the pics...

Or am I just seeing this all wrong ???? I can't actually see the edge bevel to know for sure
03-20-2011, 12:08 AM
gugi

Glen, the pictures are in a mirror or just flipped, it's the normal razor (take a careful look at the stamps and you'll see they are mirrored, or the pictures on the wall if you want it easier :)).
03-20-2011, 12:59 AM
thebigspendur

If you don't have experience I would not be experimenting with honing one of these things. You can really screw things up really fast.

Depending on what you are trying to accomplish I would not be honing one the same as a western. That will mess up the geometry over time.
03-20-2011, 01:22 AM
onimaru55

Well spotted on the reversed pics gents :)

As for storage, there was a recent post on display stands here:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/show-...kamisori+stand

I keep mine in a box edge up. Just need to design a retainer of sorts. Pic below
http://straightrazorpalace.com/745925-post81.html
03-20-2011, 01:50 AM
senoreme

Great advice from all of you on srp.

beautiful storage boxes, where on Earth can I get these? I love em.
03-20-2011, 02:04 AM
Rekonball

Quote:

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

It is a typical Iwasaki. The black on the "spine" covers the entire handle, too. It has a bit of a texture, and I would also assume it is rust resistant. I prefer no wrapping because grip is not a problem for me at all, and with a bare handle I know if it is dry or not.

If I'm not mistaken there are two pieces of welded together either hot hammered or electrically(somebody help me out) which is why they metals look different. About stopping I put my strop on a table so I can go slower.
03-20-2011, 02:04 AM
salazch

I've seen a couple videos where this is used as an alternative to paying lots of $$$ for a classic Japanese razor. Anybody used this?
03-20-2011, 02:13 AM
Bill S

Quote:

Originally Posted by salazch

I've seen a couple videos where this is used as an alternative to paying lots of $$$ for a classic Japanese razor. Anybody used this?

That is definitely an effective alternative, but it really isn't the same thing. One of the traits of the Kamisori that I enjoy most is the asymmetrical profile of the blade. As far as I know, all the Feathers are symmetrical, which would actually make them easier. Less interesting, but easier.

BTW, I have a Feather AC that I use from time to time, so the "is a Feather a real straight razor?" thing really isn't a factor here as far as I'm concerned.
03-20-2011, 02:15 AM
salazch

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill S

BTW, I have a Feather AC that I use from time to time, so the "is a Feather a real straight razor?" thing really isn't a factor here as far as I'm concerned.

I just ordered the Feather AC. How do you like it? I've heard that its pretty heavy and kind of hard to use.
03-20-2011, 02:20 AM
Bill S

Quote:

Originally Posted by salazch

I just ordered the Feather AC. How do you like it? I've heard that its pretty heavy and kind of hard to use.

Well, in my experience it's not heavy and it's very easy to use. Casual or sloppy technique is not advisable, however.
03-20-2011, 02:25 AM
onimaru55

Quote:

Originally Posted by senoreme

beautiful storage boxes, where on Earth can I get these? I love em.

That one was a gift from a friend in Thailand. It's Burmese Rosewood. He found it in a market up north whilst on holidays.
03-20-2011, 02:33 AM
sharp

I store mine in this box. The little "table" is a piece of wood with magnets mounted in it and then wrapped in leather. I wrapped the handle in waxed cotton line.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/...1076bbff_z.jpg
03-20-2011, 03:49 AM
cpcohen1945

FWIW --

I was in Kyoto last week, browsing a knife shop in the Nishiki Ichiba market. [There are not that many knife shops in Kyoto; this one was well-stocked with very costly sushi knives.]

In a display case, along with farm implements, chisels, and other "non-knives", was a new kamisori. It had a rather short edge. It was about 20,000 yen ($240, roughly).

Since it was outside my price range, I didn't inquire about its provenance.

I don't know if it was hand-made, or factory produced. And it was displayed "shiny side up", so I don't know if it was laminated, or ground from a single piece of steel. But it suggests that there is a "mid-price" quality (or size) of kamisori, on the Japanese market.

The comment that kamisori's are used by holding the blade, instead of the handle, leads me to wonder:

. . . Could one shave "freehand" with an SE razor blade?

I've never heard of anyone doing that . . .

Charles
03-20-2011, 06:31 AM
JimR

Wait, what? Who shaves with a kamisori by "holding the blade"? I hold the handle. My barber certainly holds the handle. These folks hold the handle.

It's a handle.

CPCohen, I wish I'd known you were looking for knives in Kyoto, I'd have recommended Hayakawa, much better priced and much better service than that place in Nishiki.

As for the razor, that's probably a Takahashi, they're getting popular in Kyoto knife shops right now.
03-20-2011, 07:04 AM
drgreen

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharp

I store mine in this box. The little "table" is a piece of wood with magnets mounted in it and then wrapped in leather. I wrapped the handle in waxed cotton line.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/...1076bbff_z.jpg

Wow sweet! Looks really nice. Do you feel like a samurai when you shave?:D
03-20-2011, 07:45 AM
onimaru55

[QUOTE=JimR;758615]Wait, what? Who shaves with a kamisori by "holding the blade"? I hold the handle. My barber certainly holds the handle. These folks hold the handle.

It's a handle./QUOTE]

:roflmao Yeah I'm all about the handle too or I'd shave with a kanna (plane):D
03-21-2011, 05:31 AM
cpcohen1945

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimR

. . .
CPCohen, I wish I'd known you were looking for knives in Kyoto, I'd have recommended Hayakawa, much better priced and much better service than that place in Nishiki.

As for the razor, that's probably a Takahashi, they're getting popular in Kyoto knife shops right now.

Thanks for the information. I was just browsing the shop; Japanese knife prices are out of my range. Even a less-expensive shop would be expensive.

I did buy a little Kyocera ceramic paring knife -- it's a gem. I hope it's not as delicate as Kyocera makes it out to be. Time will tell.

I also did my first eBay search for "kamisori". There are a bunch of "mid-priced" blades, several from one seller in Osaka. Maybe one day . . . <g>

"Shaving with a plane" sounds even better than shaving with a bare SE blade! <g>

Charles
03-21-2011, 05:32 PM
thebigspendur

I think, if someone uses one by holding the blade and not the handle they are the ones doing it differently.
03-26-2011, 02:23 AM
senoreme

Is there such a thing as a left-handed or right-handed Iwasaki Kamisor?

Is there such a thing as a right-handed or left-handed Iwasaki kamisor? Does one she with either side of the blade against the face or should it be as one other user suggested, only the side that does not have the stamp on it, goes against the face? I noticed the blade is turned somewhat to the left, the side with the stamp. Can anyone help me out here? Thanks.
03-26-2011, 03:59 AM
gssixgun

In this thread every Kamisori is right handed the only one in question was yours because of the pic

In this link in post number 23 are some pics of both RH and LH

http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...-gssixgun.html
03-27-2011, 11:45 AM
sicknote

Quote:

Originally Posted by senoreme

Is there such a thing as a right-handed or left-handed Iwasaki kamisor? Does one she with either side of the blade against the face or should it be as one other user suggested, only the side that does not have the stamp on it, goes against the face? I noticed the blade is turned somewhat to the left, the side with the stamp. Can anyone help me out here? Thanks.

i shave with both sides on face. traditionaly this should be used with one side only on face, i dont care about this. :D it works good. need some practice to get the right angle on the stamp side

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