First Shave With a Kamisori!

So, been shaving with straights for almost 6 years now. The COVID isolation is driving me a little crazy (unfortunately, I cant work from home), so I have been getting back into hobbies again. In the case of straight razor shaving, I decided I was going to start... as the Vapers sing... Turning Japanese-uh.

So I bought several kamisori, some JNats and nagura, etc... as some of you may have seen in the Workshop forum, my work on the first partial restoration of a kami was a fail. But I had yet to try shaving with one.

One of the ones I bought was a NOS Inoue Tosuke, which the seller made shave ready.... so I used that one this morning for my shave.

It was cumbersome and awkward at best, as I am trying to shave "traditionally" on the omote only. (I think I am going to throw in the towel there and shave with both sides) And trying to remember to hold the edge at the correct angle (and finding that angle) was sometimes a task.

But the shave was surprisingly smooth and comfortable, considering this was my first time using a kamisori. And so the hairs slipped away into the sink without a fight, as wave after wave of bonzi attack overcame them.

As I did my final rinse, I was happy to see that none of the things I expected from my first kamisori shave had happened: No redness. No patches of stubble. No weepers. Just smooth, clean, happy skin.

So I was quite surprised when I splashed on the Speick AS, and my face was suddenly on fire, quickly proceeded by the reddening of my neck like it was a Christmas tree light! HOLY SHEITE! I had forgotten what razor burn felt like... I hadnt felt it in years, after all.

My heart sank thinking I went from victory to defeat. At least until I reminded myself this experience was better then my first DE shaves. And better then my first straight razor shaves.

But the burning on my neck continues as I type this... a reminder not to take my shaving skills for granted. And a reminder that like all stumbles in life... this too, will get better in time.

But man... ouch! ;)

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I bought a Kamisori just because I didn't have to try. I honed it, shaved with it and it did feel awkward too. Never really used it again.

Bob

There is a lot to learn when shifting to a Kamisori

You can actually adjust the finish to make the transition from front to back easier if you are using both while shaving, try doing a 1:1 finish

Remember the angle is actually lower than a Western grind much like the difference between Western Kitchen knives and Japanese knives and single side Knife bevels

Technically they can be "Sharper"

The best advice I can give

Use a thinner lather than you would use for your regular SR
Don't shave your face, just barely shave off the lather let the edge do the work, it is even MORE important with Kamisori
The edge MUST be stupid sharp or it just won't work well, remember the edge is smaller so using the same pressure as you would a longer blade actually applies more psi to the skin...

I found after the second try with mine it all came together. And i used both sides. Just kept the angle as low as i could and watch the preassure. I do enjoy them and would like to add a few more to my collection. But good one seem to cost even more than a western.

Word... 500 to 700 for a razor I dont even know I will like? Not so sure about that!

I remember the first time I used a kamisori. It was a Tosuke and it wasn't pretty. I think trying to use one side and being left handed and the short blade kind of ganged up on me and the lack of knowledge about them was another issue. Just the idea of wielding this monster and feeling so awkward in my hand was scary enough. However like anything else with practice you will master it.

I found the pressure thing and the right angle and keeping the thing absolutely straight was paramount cause it's really a double spike which is another issue. If you tilt from one side or another either spike can get you. I found it to be sharper than a typical western style razor. I don't know if it really is but it's asymmetrical edges allow it to be honed to wicked sharpness.

Many years ago I used to sell these before they became the rage. I got them from a hardware store chain in Tokyo for around $85 each. Imagine that-har har.

I suppose I have that going for me... I have shaved with nothing but shorties for the past 4 years, so I am used to small blades. Maybe that it why I didnt get any nicks or weepers from the spikes?

Bigspendur, its too bad you didnt come across that stash today!

Second shave with it. Much better, especially since I am using both sides of the blade.

Today's issue with the spikes on both end. Not used to that, even if I do use shorties all the time. Never did nick myself, but I could feel the spikes digging in here and there, giving me time to stop and re-angle.

I am finding the shave so comfortable, though! Like... really comfortable.

Very cool. I've always been intrigued by them but never used one. Maybe that's another adventure for the future. Glad it's warming up to you though.