Thread: Kamisori technique questions

Nice one mate, they take a bit of getting used to but once you get there im sure you'll love it. I absolutely adore using mine, I love the way it sucks to my face like a squeegee.

Are these made for left handed users or just right handers or does it not matter?

Originally Posted by SHING

Are these made for left handed users or just right handers or does it not matter?

No clue if they come in both right and left hand versions. During the one and only shave I did with one I used both sides of the razor by adjusting the angle suit as mentioned by previous posters. Not very traditional but it works and still a PITA regardless, at least for me.

Bob

The only Kamisori I have and used was made by Silverloaf. So I'm honestly not sure if it is a Western grind.
But I use both hands, and about the same angle as a regular SR. It does a fine job.
I will say, it is a bit different in the way you have to hold it as it doesn't fold. So the handle takes some getting used to

Originally Posted by BobH

No clue if they come in both right and left hand versions. During the one and only shave I did with one I used both sides of the razor by adjusting the angle suit as mentioned by previous posters. Not very traditional but it works and still a PITA regardless, at least for me.

Bob

Whats that saying about old dogs and new tricks?

Originally Posted by SHING

Are these made for left handed users or just right handers or does it not matter?

You can buy left and right handed kamisori but the left handed ones are rarer. As Bob said you can use both sides and adjust the angle.

Much mystery surrounding kamisori. For some time folks were spreading the story Kamisori were designed to be used solely by a barber and no one in Japan ever shaved themselves (back in time of course).

You won't find many left handed kamisori. Actually up until the last 30-40 years children who were left handed were made to use their right hands and become right handed and there is a litany of things you don't do with your left hand in Japan.

Even today you won't find many folks using Chop Sticks with their left Hand.

Jp single bevel tools are predominantly right handed. I think left handed ones are a rarity & a more recent adaption as tbs suggests.

They are 99% of the time used with the bevel to the job & that way the part being cut falls away on the ura or flatter side.
Visualise cutting sashimi. You always cut from left side of the fillet first. Like wise using a plane or chisel, you rarely use the flat side but we have to allow for the 1%ers

Traditionally weapon manufacture was the priority & popularity of the razor geometry is because it takes such a small amount of the precious tamahagane to make the razor, when the majority is just wrought iron or similar. It was a nice side effect that it also creates such a screaming sharp edge.

I don't believe the Japanese shaved much at all as they are one of the least hirsute races around . If you have any Japanese friends you know what I mean . It's curious tho, that in Kurosawa's Seven Samurai The monk shaved the samurai's head to disguise him, rather than just handing him the razor. I can't help thinking it was considered a menial task.

My theory /belief is that the Wakamisori was used used only by monks to shave their heads, to express humility & the Samurai class to maintain the top knot which would be a heck of job to do solo.
I think shaving by the general public only became popular after Meiji.