Thread: Looking at obtaining my first Japanese Straight

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 ???

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

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.