Thread: Shaving with Japanese razor

Originally Posted by kevint

I have a question: What is there to shaving another, as barbers did/sometimes still do, that precludes the use of both sides of the standard straight?

I am 99.9 % sure that your barber will use both sides of the razor to give a shave.

When I use a w-k (japanese razor) I only need one hand. The right hand, being right handed as I am. This does create some problems figuring out a way to grip, which results in reversing the direction the handle points, rather than simply flipping the razor to its opposite face.

Perhaps you guys have some things which work well one day, but not so well the next. That seems to happen often when learning how to hone, strop and shave a straight razor. (it does to me at least) That's what I find when using both faces of the w-k.

Usually I have a few spots when I just don't feel like i have a secure hold of the razor when reversed and I'll just turn it so the ura is against my face to get those bits, because it's quicker and easier, and it goes just fine. I have, a few times, shaved it just as I would with a regular straight with very little discernable difference other than angle- i don't know why.

I'm not sure I understand your first point. Western razors are symmetrical so you can and should use both sides whether you are shaving yourself or someone else. Japanese straight are asymmetrical. Thats a big difference.

If you are able to use a japanese razor using just your right hand and do it the proper way I really bow down to you because I could never do it and still have any skin on parts of my face.

Originally Posted by CraigJ

I just go one of these and I was determined to learn how to use it with the concave side of the blade to my face. My first time out I found that when going up the side burn area it was easy on one side but impossible on the other. My ear got in the way of the handle on one side. Eventualy I stopped trying and went with the wedge side and adjusted the angle of attack accordingly. If I was only going to go XTG this would not be an issue.

This is probably my favorite razor because of its comfortable shave, smoothness, and nonirritation qualities.

If your using one hand only its impossible for me also. If you use two its not. You just have to think about how you are going to attack that part of your face and figure out how to hold the thing. Some of the holds are very awkward at first and you seem to have little control of the razor which is not a good thing when you have any sharp object at your face or throat. However if you take it real slow you can do it. You just have to find a way that's best for you. If your using the iwasaki it has a flat part on the convex side which is where your supposed to put either you thumb or forefinger and that kind of guides you.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

If your using one hand only its impossible for me also. If you use two its not. You just have to think about how you are going to attack that part of your face and figure out how to hold the thing. Some of the holds are very awkward at first and you seem to have little control of the razor which is not a good thing when you have any sharp object at your face or throat. However if you take it real slow you can do it. You just have to find a way that's best for you. If your using the iwasaki it has a flat part on the convex side which is where your supposed to put either you thumb or forefinger and that kind of guides you.

What happens is that when I switch sides of my face the handle starts bumping into my ear when I come up the sideburn. If the handle points to the rear it is going to bump into my ear no matter which hand I use. The other parts of my face I switch hands and I keep the the concave side in.

I also don't see what difference it makes what side is to your face. The edge of the blade is say 17 degrees (or so) bevel. As long as you maintain a constant relative angle of attack (in relation to the cutting edge) I would think it doesn't make a difference. Of course you will need to change the blades angle of attack to maintain the same angle of the cutting edge when you switch from concave to wedge side.

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

I'm not sure about benefits, but in respect to shaving with both sides, the only way this can be accomplished is by inproper honing technique. In which case you are going to throw off the angle of the blade and the design, basically rendering it a "Frankenrazor".

Reference: The word Frankenrazor is quoted from Bigspendur.

That's a bigspendur trademark.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I'm not sure I understand your first point. Western razors are symmetrical so you can and should use both sides whether you are shaving yourself or someone else. Japanese straight are asymmetrical. Thats a big difference.

If you are able to use a japanese razor using just your right hand and do it the proper way I really bow down to you because I could never do it and still have any skin on parts of my face.

It was surmised that the asymmetry could be attributed to its exclusive use by barbers to shave others, which is to say that only when you barber can one sided use be employed. Which I don't believe to be the case, because western barbers use both faces as do shavers. With the w-k both users make use of the single side. Except for those that use both which is an shave angle thing

I say that I am trying, I still prefer a western razor, but these are great fun to play with too. As you say some of the positions do not feel secure which is why I like a handle built up on the tang. I grip the notch usually, one way or another. Should it slip from a light hold the bare,narrow, thin tang is little to catch on to especially with so much soap and water near by.

I use the concave side only. The edge isn't the same with the convex.

Then again, I hone using a ratio, which is the correct way to hone a Japanese razor. That upholds the original angle of the edge as the razorsmith intended. Many people hone the razor like a Western razor - equal number of strokes to both sides of the blade. While that may allow the user to use both sides freely, in the words of thebigspendur, you'll end up creating a frankenrazor.

On SRP it seems we can have even headed discussions about politics, religion, worldviews.....


But nothing quite stirs the pot like talking about using a Japanese razor!!!

I'm frankly guilty of not knowing any better. No body told me I couldn't shave with both sides. It' not my fault!

And, ignorance of the law is no defense...live and learn.

This is why I have stayed away from Japanese razors. Being a dominant hand shaver. If I ever get to the point where I go through the learning curve of using both hands I may get one and try it. Then there is the honing ratio thing. If I did get into it I would want to do it right. Seems like more trouble then it is worth.