Hey everyone!
I am looking into getting a Japanese straight razor. But I have no idea about the brands.
Are there "leading" brands of the Japanese straight? Such as a "Dovo" of the Japanese straight world?
Thanks!
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Hey everyone!
I am looking into getting a Japanese straight razor. But I have no idea about the brands.
Are there "leading" brands of the Japanese straight? Such as a "Dovo" of the Japanese straight world?
Thanks!
Are you talking about a WaKamisori the small asymetrical bladed non-folder???
One of these ???
Attachment 121560
Yes, the non-folding kind. I'm guessing you specifying that I don't want a Japanese folding? Or are there multiple non-folding types?
The Japanese did actually make western style folding razors which is why he's making sure you want a kamisori. I actually own a Gen Takahashi Japanese frameback which is a folding razor. I also have an Iwasaki kamisori and a Takami double bevel kamisori. In general I feel most people default to the Iwasaki kamisori which are quite nice. There are other makers to choose from though. There's a really nice shop for these razors called Japanese Razor on yahoo. You can also get Iwasaki kamisori from straight razor designs. Hope this helps! If you have any questions about how to use these razors don't hesitate to ask, kamisori are quite different in use from a western straight razor. Unless you're lazy and buy a double bevel kamisori which is basically a western straight without scales.
Thanks! Unfortunately SRD is sold out I am going to have to look at the yahoo site. Are there any other reputable dealers? I am definitely going to need to do a lot of reading for shaving and honing with them!
Here is a folder with a Bi-Bevel Grind (Western) Jamie just happened to post pics today so I snagged up the thread :)
http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...otic-teak.html
The WaKamisori or Traditional, that Steel mentioned are a good target, Iwasaki and Tosuke are two of the best known brands, the Tosuke are becoming a bit harder to find now,,
Whichever brand you buy I would Very highly recommend that it is purchased Shave Ready, they are a bit different in the honing deptment and actually quite a challenge to "Hone" yet are a breeze to "Maintain"
The shave that they give is amazing once you learn your part :p
If you google "gssixgun, Honing, Kamisori" there is a vid up on my channel on how I hone them, which I really tried to not use any Japanese terms to keep it as simple as possible
I use only a La Dressante Coticule for my straights. Looks like I'm gonna have to get another. What was the stone you finished with?
I wouldn't recommend anything yet :) see if you even like the razor first, Kamisori are an acquired taste :) after you shave with it awhile then try your Coticule and use every trick in the book, see what happens.. If the magic isn't there, send it out for honing to somebody that has the experience and the high grit finishers to take the razor to the next level then shave it again..
At this point you are into the razor cost and maybe $20 for the honing,, Then decide which direction to go
Ok cool. Thank you so much!
I have four Iwasaki razors. You can purchase them at JNS in Denmark, and RasurPur in Germany. Both sellers are reputable and very easy to work with. You may have to hone them to get them perfect, but when perfect these things literally melt facial hair. Remarkable. Truly remarkable shave. Also, watch the Utube of Jim R shaving with kamisori and most important honing a kamisori. Actually very easy to hone when one understands the technique. I use a Wasaka for my kamisori and it does a wonderful job of keeping a sharp edge. I also recommend that you consider the small (5/8) size. It is my favorite and gives a dream shave. Gets in tight spots easily. Good luck on this wonderful journey.
Iwasaki and Henkotsu seem to be popular on here
for a look at them + other makers, see TAMAHAGANE MARU SEI | Tamahagane Honsha – Japanese Straight Razors and Knives [no affiliation, yada, yada]
the original Iwasaki was rightly legendary, he was a metallurgist who also worked on classifying Japanese Natural stones,
as well as having a hand in developing new steels in Japan
tho he did use tamahagane also
as do other Japanese razormakers ..
hm, is this the Yahoo site mentioned above: JAPANESE RAZOR
this is 'aframestokyo' he has many styles of Japanese [as well as some German] razor
ive not bought any razors from him, but i have bought stones
his English seemed good in the email exchanges i had with him
Takeshi Aoki at Aframes is a pleasure to deal with. I have purchased several Japanese western style razors and a strop and stone or two from him.
The other vendors mentioned in this thread are great to deal with.
Have you ever bought from Tamahagane Honsha.Quote:
Originally Posted by etorix
Do they ship the razor in oil to prevent rust?
Thanks!
Iwasaki only was involved in researching and classification of Nagura , and no other Jnats.Quote:
Originally Posted by etorix
Do you have any source of information about Iwasaki taking part in developing new steels? I know he modified Swedish Carbon steel to be close to properties to Tamahagane and that steel is what is used today for Iwasaki razors and also kitchen knives by some Sanjo smiths
@OP, most kamisori you will find are vintage, there is no maker that makes new stock other than Iwasaki.
You can also get Kamisori grind folding straights, they shave just as well as the traditionl ones.
Actually there is a guy who makes them currently. The mark is Kanenaga. They sell them on eBay. Not expensive. They are only yellow steel but I honed one yesterday & was impressed with the shave.Quote:
Originally Posted by mainaman
Isn't Takahashi Norikazu still making some?
Ah yes I forgot about those, and also there is another maker that does not stamp his, they pop on Aftrames Tokyo from time to time.Quote:
Originally Posted by onimaru55
ive seen benchstones for sale with 'Iwasaki Choice' stamp, intended for razorsQuote:
Originally Posted by mainaman
i dont have a linkie handy for the 'developing new steels' bit, but ive seen several sources claiming this, one very recently, next time i come across one i will post
Iwasaki were never swordsmiths, the only steel that was developed was the steel that is currently used for their kamisoris and also for their western straights. It is modified Swedish Carbon to resemble Tamahagane in properties.Quote:
Originally Posted by etorix
i only recently got my first kamisori .. a vintage Henkotsu [not as old as me]
and it arrived oiled with camellia oil, from Japanese Traditional Straight Razor Kamisori Vintage 01210 | eBay
chage9064 id buy from again .. so 50bux for a decent maker, ex-barbershop razor [with issues]
its my 3rd razor, but my first hone-to-shaving-sharp attempt
so far its making lots of bald spots on my arm and hand, i wasnt expecting this to be easy
PerseveranceFurthers ..
suits123 .. got one yet? lets see
Yup. I got two. I sent the as soon as I got them to gssixgun for honing and polishing. I'll post they as soon as I get them back. Should be pretty soon.Quote:
Originally Posted by etorix
Two whats tho? and yeah he looks like hes done it before [gssixgun] hm, do i mean whichesQuote:
Originally Posted by suits123
I got a vintage Tosuke. And a vintage Novio. Both were used in a barbershop. I'm looking at another vintage, but less used tosuke if I like these two a lot.
I'm planning on buying one as well, from Aframestokyo. I'm just making up my mind before I go forking over 3 bens. Any thought on which brand and where you're going to purchase it from?
I wouldn't spend that much on a kamisori. Atleast at this point. I now have 3. 2 in hand and they are great but all 3 of them I paid a little over $300Quote:
Originally Posted by odinrazor
KANETAKA? I don't mind spending a pretty penny, I'll have it in a week or so. I like having something nice at home, and spoil myself from time to time.Quote:
Originally Posted by suits123
I so wish I had the money to buy a $300 razor right now. Post some pictures when you get it!Quote:
Originally Posted by odinrazor
I will, just for you. ;) Eventually I'll save up and post other things as well. In the future I might get myself a Tather.Quote:
Originally Posted by suits123
