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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.
In my limited experience, yes. I think they are kind of...Self Guiding. Angle and grip seem determined by the razor, so there's less futzing. And The smaller cutting edge really helps, I find.
I definitely get easy, close shaves from them...
Well that's a worry. Now I want to try one. :p
It is really fun to shave with them. i think i am going to buy 1 for myself.Quote:
Originally Posted by onimaru55
I should have seen it coming. First I buy J-nats now I want an Iwasaki :gaah:
Does the A.D. never end ? :rofl2:
I'm making a shave video this weekend, due to popular demand...they really do shave well, once you get used to the little differences...
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.
I'm feeling somewhat sad now...Quote:
Originally Posted by FloorPizza
Just emailed you about that last #1 Jim (or when you will have #2 in stock as I like the chunkier one). Would be interested to see how others use these, so be sure to let us know when you have done your vid.
Uhm....JimR maybe???? Check his sig.Quote:
Originally Posted by FloorPizza
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:
Quote:
Originally Posted by onimaru55
Here you go :beer:Quote:
Originally Posted by FloorPizza
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. :D
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.
I think that's my Tosuke?Quote:
Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl
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.....
Doh! No offense intended, Jim! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by JimR
I didn't bother to take a look at your signature information before that post. Many thanks for the links and info.
Sham,Quote:
Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl
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
To me it's not about the most ostentatious scale, file work, extravagant jimps, crazy inlayed tangs or size of razor. I find that simplicity is best represented with Iwasaki size 1 ( size 2 meant for heavier set beards and 2x price of size1 ). Where the function of razor supersedes fashion.Quote:
Originally Posted by DPflaumer
In spite of the few razors I have, this maybe too presumptuous but Iwasaki is indeed an impressive razor compared to my shaving arsenal. This along with the Livi J-spec inspired razor are ones I've been using of late.
Craftsmanship: Japanese culture value asymmetry and refer to it as Wabi-sabi
Front and back of razor are blackened to help reduce rust ( does not prevent )
Balance: excellent balance very light in comparison to other razors I shaved with. Total control of the razor. You are essentially "one" with the razor. I know it sounds cheesy but that's how I feel. There's a saying "Jinba-ittai" rider and horse are one. From shaving standpoint, the Iwasaki exemplifies this saying. Granted it's only designed for someone else to shave you with but with preparation and respect of razor, you will find this will give you one of the best shaves second to none.
Collectability: If you love razors in general or would simply like to try something out of the norm, this would be great addition to your shaving arsenal.
Price: For such an exquisite shave with simple yet functional design-it definately is worth the price. You won't regret it.
Overall: You can take my review with grain of salt as I've only been shaving 2 months. Still there isn't a shadow of doubt as to quality and craftsman work of Iwasaki. This literally "chased hairs" away from my face! Highly recommended.
Hello fellow members,
Bought a nos Tosuke and cant get it to shave smooth. The raozr pulls on every whiskers and it feels like an angry samurai is individually pulling on them.
So I tried to shave with the hollowed side and it feels unnatural. Should I hold it with the flat side against the skin. I am right handed and trying to shave with the hollowed out side with the writing makes it feels like I should be left handed and I know it cant be right.
A shaving video would be most helpful. Lastly, the honing ratios on here are anywhere from 3:1, 3:2 and 7:3. So, which is the right one
Regards,
Dom
P.S. The .3 micron lapping film will make my Western razors the sharpest i have ever seen and they always pass the HHT
doesn't matter what razor you use for shave it should be shave ready first. it seems like it is not shave ready.
Ratio you can use 3/1--.7/3 etc
About video sorry i am useless on this .
hope this helps.
If you look at the blade from the toe end down the spine you will notice the blade is canted towards one side. The concave side bends towards your face and that's why shaving with the other side feels unnatural. It is unnatural. Honing a japanese razor is not like honing a western razor. The usual method is using a 12K hone and doing back and forth strokes with a 2:1 ratio with more strokes on the shaving side and using pressure as you hone. The real art comes in knowing how much pressure to use. Alternatively you can use a diamond pasted strop .50. Same ratio but not back and forth of course.
Your razor just isn't sharp.
Sharpening Wakamisori - Straight Razor Place ForumsQuote:
Originally Posted by dgtirl1971
A Honing Lesson from my barber - Straight Razor Place Forums
JimR's video on Japanese razor honingQuote:
So today I took my rock and steel to the barber shop. My barber had agreed to give me some lessons in honing, and so I took him up on it.
It wasn't earth shattering, what he taught me--he focused on technique, strokes and pressure and whatnot. It helped me, indeed, but there isn't a lot I can share here except for some facts about honing Kamisori.
He raised a HEAVY slurry on his Kiita, really digging the nagura in there, and started to hone. First off, he said you start with your body position--the hone on a table, your body centered above it with your eyes aligned with the center of the hone (which should be nice and long). This position helps regulate the length and proportion of your strokes.
Put the razor on the hone at a slight angle, handle leading, Omote ("flat" side, NO kanji side, etc) down. Place the first two fingers of your left hand in the hollow of the blade ("ura" or Kanji side up) and put pressure on the blade--not a lot, but some. The right hand on the handle is only for balance--no pressure at all from the right hand. In that position, do about TEN back and forth strokes--Up and down. Then, flip the razor (Kanji side DOWN now) and do ONE spine leading stroke.
If the razor needs more sharpening, continue that pattern until it's done.
My barber says he can tell a good edge by looking. He insists you go PAST mirrored until it looks a little dark--black? He also says the HHT is a good test...
SO, I trust his skill in the maintenance of edges. I've shaved with a few of his edges, blades he's used for decades, and they are all exceptionally good. Smooth and sharp. Of course, all of his edges would have been MAINTAINED, I doubt he's done much bevel setting, (But I could be wrong...He does sharpen other people' blades, scissors too, and he says they are often in terrible shape...).
So that is how I will hone Kamisori from now on. No controversy for me--he says it, I will do it, and gladly.
Oh, and one more thing. He said when I hone three razors to his satisfaction, he'll give me his Kiita (Which cost more than $1000 40 years ago...it's at least 12"x3"x2". HUGE)...So practice time is here!!!!
If you've any questions KevinT/JimR/OLD_SCHOOL are the guys to go to
Suffer the mythos of it all.
When you shave with a usual razor there is a narrow range of grip, direction, angle of cut that best approaches any particular patch. I do all my shaving one handed fwiw. I try to use a best cut face-mapping, finger following technique to get the cleanest first wipe I can.
If you use wakami_ one sided, right handed, with the ura on the face it is far more difficult than using the omote. The movements are just easier. Regardless of side I find there a spots where turning is a welcome relief when it coincides that the cut works well and the grip simplified.. Both sides can and do cut well but not in all situations.
I hope i am not the only one noting distinction in different schools or philosophy of the one true side. both for sharpening and shaving
I sharpen with more strokes on the omote. So the stamped ura receives very little. But I need to do enough to keep the omote bevel in check. Otherwise it may grow too far out of proportion.
Deciding which side or direction, angle is never an either-or / equal choice for best cut. which may fuel the one side line, along with the razors innate assemetry. In essesence the same is true of our more familar usual occidental razor.
as an example: one best stroke with my fav jo elliot -If I turn my face to the left and flatten out the right side of my face with the toe down S by WSW stroke. I found the best way to cleanly shave my lower jaw. I am not looking but feeling my way. It took awhile to learn that. If i forget to do it in the beginning I still need to at the end. -which is how i learned it. To make that cut i do not have a choice of which side to use or the direction. The beard along with my technique-interpretation of body mechanics lol determines how to use the razor
The tool I purchased had neither handle nor instructions included. The message in that is clear- right? you are suposed to know what to do;)
What I have learned is this; if it is right for the beard, the shave, it is right for the razor.