Thread: Kamisori Shaving Video (First Try)

Thanks for the great video. I have a Kamisori but wasen't 100% sure how to shave with it the way I undestood was that you could use both sides of the razor. Thanks for clearing that up. Now I can start shaving with mine. One quick question do you strop it like a western razor? I know it's honed differently. Once thanks for a great viedo.

Originally Posted by Slamthunderide

Thanks for the great video. I have a Kamisori but wasen't 100% sure how to shave with it the way I undestood was that you could use both sides of the razor. Thanks for clearing that up. Now I can start shaving with mine. One quick question do you strop it like a western razor? I know it's honed differently. Once thanks for a great viedo.

Yes you strop it just like a western. No need for the 3-1 ratio.

I finally got a chance to watch this. Thanks for posting. It gives me a starting place. I just shipped my Japanese strait to Lynn for a honing. Looking forward to getting it back and giving this a try.

All in all a good show.

Jim, do you make the same short strokes with the occidental symmetric?

I have to say you have definately peaked my interest in a Kamisori razor. Thanks for the video!!

Originally Posted by kevint

All in all a good show.

Jim, do you make the same short strokes with the occidental symmetric?

Thanks, Kevin. Usually, yes, but I actually find it kind of difficult with the bigger blades I like.

One thing I definitely prefer about the kamisori is the smaller cutting length. It seems to make it really easy to control and easier to do precision shaving.

hmm. I'm not sure why that would be. if I understand a longer blade, you say, makes short stroking more difficult.


In a 'round about way I'm asking why do you make short strokes. I wondered if it was wakami_ exclusive.

I reckon I do some too, but I think I'd rather not, preferring a long clean stroke.
But maybe you have a better reason for using it?

Originally Posted by kevint

hmm. I'm not sure why that would be. if I understand a longer blade, you say, makes short stroking more difficult.


In a 'round about way I'm asking why do you make short strokes. I wondered if it was wakami_ exclusive.

I reckon I do some too, but I think I'd rather not, preferring a long clean stroke.
But maybe you have a better reason for using it?

I guess difficult is the wrong word...awkward is better, I guess? Not just longer, but bigger--I like 7/8 or 8/8 blades, so short little strokes with those feel somehow strange...I still find myself doing them, though.

I'm not sure why I do them, I guess it feels more controlled to me, more comfortable. It's almost instinctive, I guess.

Jim, thanks so much for the video!

I can't believe no one else has posted a Kamisori video before now

Maybe once I finish barber school I will get one, and shave people with it, but I need to be able to afford a hone to sharpen it with before that :P

Darn it! Too much stuff to buy

Originally Posted by avatar1999

Jim, thanks so much for the video!

I can't believe no one else has posted a Kamisori video before now

Maybe once I finish barber school I will get one, and shave people with it, but I need to be able to afford a hone to sharpen it with before that :P

Darn it! Too much stuff to buy

Thanks!

The hone isn't actually the biggest problem--I've heard from several sources (including my barber, and Mizuochi-san himself) that a high grit waterstone like a Shapton Pro 12K/15K, a Naniwa 12K, or a Glass 16K is sufficient for honing a kamisori. Of course, the ideal is a Japanese natural, but not an absolute necessity.