Kamisori technique questions

I have been wanting to get a Kamisori razor to try, but recently I read where the traditionally ground ones are supposed to be used only on one side of the razor. My main question is: how do you get around your ear on the WTG pass and likewise on the other side with ATG? When I use a western razor, the tang is always pointing towards the center/nose area or down, not at the back of my head or my forehead. I just can't seem to figure out how you're supposed to get the hard-to-reach areas. Any help would be appreciated.

Jim's vid is still one of the best out there

There are other good ones too but I would start here,, Also keep in mind that you can use the reverse side too, you just have to be more careful and adjust the angle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBDRP6tSOWo

I think there are certain strokes you perform with a western that are not possible with a kamisori. Your example of the WTG pass on the wrong side - Jim overcomes by going straight for an XTG.

I really don't see the point - regardless of tradition - and taking Glen's remark about changing the angle, if you have shaved with a beat up old razor you've probably got enough technique to manage the angle difference on two sides of a kamisori.

I use asymmetrically ground razors almost exclusively (mostly folding razors, with the occasional fixed blade for variety), and use whichever side of the razor suits the job (although I only use my dominate hand so nearly all strokes are with the omote against my face).

If you have shaved for a while (and/or use different razors regularly) the adjustment needed to use either side is almost unnoticeable. What you will notice is the difference in grips that can be used between a fixed blade and a folding blade, but that is itself not too hard to get a handle on.

Some might say shaving with a straight is like one hard to reach and shave area. Of course with practice you master it. No different with a Kamisori. You acquire the skill with practice.

You learn by doing. No magic there.

There's really no issue. You will naturally adjust the angle on the 'off' side to where it cuts smoothly.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Some might say shaving with a straight is like one hard to reach and shave area. Of course with practice you master it. No different with a Kamisori. You acquire the skill with practice.

You learn by doing. No magic there.

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Hi Spendur - my wording 'not possible with a kamisori' was probably clumsy - I meant far more difficult. I use just one hand and would find certain manoevres impractical if trying to use just one side - in fact I'm not sure they would be any easier if I switched hands.

Out of interest do you always use just the omote side yourself?

Personally, I've used both sides and I've used just one. When I first started it was strictly one side and yes it was difficult, very difficult in certain areas. I thought it was like learning to use a straight all over again. With time it became easier. These days I use both sides which makes it much easier. When you use two sides the change in required angle from side to side is really drastic and that takes some getting used to.

Thought I'd resurrect this necro thread as I just got my first traditional non folding Kamisori today. Hung a beating err ah I mean honing on it. A pita to use a new honing style but not too bad. Took an edge as good or bad as any I have put on a western grind razor. Shaved about the same too. Being lazy I used both sides with my dominant hand. Felt awkward as heck to use. Glad I got to satisfy my curiosity but I doubt I will get another any time soon. Just too different from the rest of the herd. Oh yea, almost forgot to mention that stropping on a hanging strop was a thrill a minute too.

Bob

Thanks for bringing this up Bob. I had wondered about the different sides of the kamasori and how it would be used. Figured id just have to find a left and a right, ha. I might pick one up some day.

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?

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Originally Posted by SHING

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

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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

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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

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Whats that saying about old dogs and new tricks? :angel:

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Originally Posted by SHING

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

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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 :p

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.