Thread: shaving with Japanese razors.

JimR, KevinT, and OLD_SCHOOL are few of the many to talk to about Japanese spec razors. I dealt with both Jim and OS in particular and they're very knowledgeable.

They're not only easy to use ( in my 2 month of SR shaving experience ) but hands down own any razor out there. Take what I say as grain of salt. I'm gonna make it point to own more JDM/J-spec razors.

I'm pretty sure there are people out there who use both sides and claim to have "good experience" and how it's ok. But the way I see it, if you're driving a stick, just because you can downshift into first gear does not mean it's ok. I don't need to get into whole "how to drive a stick" I'm sure some if not most of you already know how to.

The only time I have ever nicked myself was when I used the opposite side ( omote ). I nicked myself on my moustache area. Now if any of you do have a JDM razor, try going for neck shave. Just before you do, look at the angle of it-how it cups. Look scary don't it? That's exactly how I felt. It's not only risky but the wrong way to shave.

Cheers mate :beer:

Originally Posted by onimaru55

I should have seen it coming. First I buy J-nats now I want an Iwasaki
Does the A.D. never end ?

Originally Posted by FloorPizza

Well, great... now I gotta have one, too.

Maybe we can get one of our Japanese razor and Japanese natural hone officionados to clue us in to what brands and where to buy the razors, and maybe an educational course on their use? Possibly the same information for Japanese natural hones, as well?

Maybe we can do a group buy on some Japanese razors?

A few months ago, I watched a TV show showing the making of true Japanese Katanas from start to finish. They even showed the making of the steel. It was *very* interesting. The more I read about Japanese razors and hones, I find myself become just as fascinated as I was watching the Katana show. I could easily spend days reading all about Japanese razors and hones if I could just find some good, *reputable* sources of information... in English.

Here you go :beer:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/vendo...s-iwasaki.html

Some threads I bookmarked:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...zor-works.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ght-razor.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...-now-what.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...-straight.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...-profiles.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...art-names.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ese-razor.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...se-razors.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...7-iwasaki.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...se-razors.html

A Honing Lesson from my barber - Straight Razor Place Forums

Sharpening Wakamisori - Straight Razor Place Forums

JimR's video on Japanese razor honing

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...ones-info.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...ese-hones.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...-maruichi.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...le-worker.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...ing-hones.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...-nakayama.html

I had a lot of straight razors. Old stuff from Germany, England and the States but also new one from Wacker.

Meanwhile I sold all of them.

Why?

I started with a Tosuke and when I tried my first Iwasaki, I had no fun using my other razors. Cause of that, I sold all western razors, my Tosukes also and bought Iwasaki`s - more than I need for a seven day set.

Iwasaki`s have broken edges and cause of that, they are easier to handle, than japanese straight without that. Iwasaki offers an outstanding handcraft for an acceptable price. The design is simple and reduced to the need.

When they are sharp, they keep tha sharpness longer than western ones. I recommend a Kanayama strop. Since I use one, it seems that the Kanayama horsehide gives the Iwasaki extra sharpness.

The only negative is, that they have to be stored careful because of the uncovered edges.

Holy Awesome! I'm interested but Japanese razors are definitely outside the budget of a student.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

I haven't shaved with them before and always had this question in my mind how in the world someone could use that?
I ended up recently honing 2 of them and did test shaves.
I couldn't believe Actually Japanese Razor's seems like easier to use then regular razor. Just wanted to know who uses them do you have same experiment or else.

I think that's my Tosuke?

I can't wait to try it out!

Yes indeed 1 of them was your Blade. Let me know your experience after shave. i hope you like it.

See, now I was interested, but not at the expense of disliking all my other blades...
OMG, What if that happens, What if I use a Japanese str8 and and can't use a western blade anymore...I already like Sake, have some Katanas, and a Nakayama,
Wait a minute, I think, yes, I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.....

Originally Posted by JimR

I'm feeling somewhat sad now...

Doh! No offense intended, Jim!

I didn't bother to take a look at your signature information before that post. Many thanks for the links and info.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

It is really fun to shave with them. i think i am going to buy 1 for myself.

Sham,

I own three. A Tosuke, an Iwasaki and a Livi. I have honed a bunch of them and when they are sharp, they scare the whiskers away.

They really are fun to shave with.

Lynn