Thread: Quick Iwasaki Help

Friends,

I got an Iwasaki in the mail this week (beautiful razor!) and am now a little confused about the proper shaving side. I've check out the previous posts here but those still leaving me questioning the flat side from the bent side.

In my view the stamped side looks flat; the other, unstamped side looks bent. Without knowing otherwise, I would start shaving with the stamped side against my face, but I am starting to think that that would be an incorrect position.

Now, when using the pasted strop, what is the ratio here (stamped: unstamped)?

Thanks in advance!

Where are the pics man I want one of those razors so badly

JimR has an excellent Vid on one side Kamisori shaving

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...tml#post780615

To be honest I cheat and use both sides

Stropping is the same, be careful using a pasted strop start with 1/2 of your normal routine

Originally Posted by gssixgun

To be honest I cheat and use both sides

Glen I am a cheater too, it works just fine for me.

Originally Posted by Rev

Friends,

I got an Iwasaki in the mail this week (beautiful razor!) and am now a little confused about the proper shaving side. I've check out the previous posts here but those still leaving me questioning the flat side from the bent side.

In my view the stamped side looks flat; the other, unstamped side looks bent. Without knowing otherwise, I would start shaving with the stamped side against my face, but I am starting to think that that would be an incorrect position.

Now, when using the pasted strop, what is the ratio here (stamped: unstamped)?

Thanks in advance!

To the extent you can, shave with the UN-stamped side towards your face. It will be the short side.

In my limited experience, you can shave with both sides, you just have to go way shallow and steady with the long stamped side. If you were to try to shave with the stamped side the way you would with the un-stamped side, you'd dig in like a chisel. In fact, testing this out with a common wood chisel and a piece of pine lumber, going with the grain, may be the best way to see this work.

Good luck, don't quit.

Cheers,

Jack

Great! I think I understand the purpose now. I think I'll do what I can to shave only on the unstamped side, which appears to be the traditional method. The left side of the face should be exciting.

I'm still unsure about the diamond paste ratio, but I'm sure someone will reply soon.

To tell you the truth, I have never seen any really authoritative anything on the subject. Personally I go by logic and it tells me to use the stamped side. Oh and since you have the Iwasaki you will notice there is a flat area on the unstamped side. That is a finger rest. Try keeping your finger there and see what happens as you shave with the unstamped side.

I have to admit I use both side also but try to use just one most of the time.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

To tell you the truth, I have never seen any really authoritative anything on the subject. Personally I go by logic and it tells me to use the stamped side. Oh and since you have the Iwasaki you will notice there is a flat area on the unstamped side. That is a finger rest. Try keeping your finger there and see what happens as you shave with the unstamped side.

I have to admit I use both side also but try to use just one most of the time.

Ah, a finger rest! The angle makes perfect sense now. Thanks!