Thread: Kamisori Shaving Video (First Try)

Originally Posted by JimR

I'm not sure what you're trying to say, Kevin, but my kamisori leave very little stubble, and the short, controlled strokes are the way I shave. If I am doing it wrong, forgive me.

And my razors are sharp. Sorry yours isn't.

2x

I've always done short strokes with combination of scything and buffing. With these razors in my experience, it's not even necessary to do ATG because I'd end up with razor burn. That's how precise and surgical these razors areas-it truly provides closest shave compared to its western counterpart.

Jim now you've really convinced me to go au naturale with stones.

Ok having watched this video again, I have a few questions.

Obviously the Japanese razor is one sided, and was designed to be used with just one side against the skin. How big an issue is this when shaving yourself? With a Western straight, if you can shave with both hands, it looks a lot easier.

Can you really get a good shaving routine where you dont have to compromise on the direction of certain strokes? Does it feel weird to shave some parts of the face WTG and other parts XTG or ATG as a WTG stroke is not possible without being double jointed?

I bought a Tosuke about 2 years ago but ended up selling it within a month as I couldn't find enough information about honing and shaving technique. I'm very tempted to try again now though, as it's not so much of a dark art these days. I love the simplicity of the Japanese razor, with its no frills layout, and nothing to go wrong or fall off (like pivot pins, end pins, wedges, scaes etc.).

I'm going to watch the video again now, and will take notes!

Originally Posted by Steelforge

Ok having watched this video again, I have a few questions.

Obviously the Japanese razor is one sided, and was designed to be used with just one side against the skin. How big an issue is this when shaving yourself? With a Western straight, if you can shave with both hands, it looks a lot easier.

I can only answer this question: you can use a Japanese razor as if it is a western razor. It is just not "traditional". Using both hands and both sides gives a very close shave.

Love the video. I don't have one of these razors, but it's nice to see something different. Also very well done.

Originally Posted by Steelforge

Ok having watched this video again, I have a few questions.

Obviously the Japanese razor is one sided, and was designed to be used with just one side against the skin. How big an issue is this when shaving yourself? With a Western straight, if you can shave with both hands, it looks a lot easier.
Yes, it was designed that way, and it is used that way by barbers. Do you HAVE to do it that way? Of course not, there's no Kamisori police. According to the barbers I've talked to (and, frankly, common sense) the design of the blade makes it more likely that the edge will dig in if you shave with the wrong side, but that just means you have to be more careful.

No doubt, it takes some getting used to...you saw the contortions in the video. But it certainly can be done, and the shaves don't suffer.

Can you really get a good shaving routine where you dont have to compromise on the direction of certain strokes? Does it feel weird to shave some parts of the face WTG and other parts XTG or ATG as a WTG stroke is not possible without being double jointed?
I get great shaves from my kamisori. Really, though, it might be me, I get away with 1 or 2 with a good edge on my Western straights, as well, and that's with no WTG at all.


I bought a Tosuke about 2 years ago but ended up selling it within a month as I couldn't find enough information about honing and shaving technique. I'm very tempted to try again now though, as it's not so much of a dark art these days. I love the simplicity of the Japanese razor, with its no frills layout, and nothing to go wrong or fall off (like pivot pins, end pins, wedges, scaes etc.).

I'm going to watch the video again now, and will take notes!

Sorry Iwan, I forgot to answer your questions, hope this helps.

Originally Posted by Steelforge

Ok having watched this video again, I have a few questions.

Obviously the Japanese razor is one sided, and was designed to be used with just one side against the skin. How big an issue is this when shaving yourself? With a Western straight, if you can shave with both hands, it looks a lot easier.

There really wasn't an issue for me when I first started. I'm ambidextrous and have been cutting my hair since HS as well. Anyway, I've only been shaving a good 3 weeks ( at the time ). I only nicked myself once with the Iwasaki and that was #3 area ( right upper lip ). I used the stamped side ( ura/back ) to shave it for kicks knowing full well I might cut myself and boy did I immediately suffer the consequences.

Ever since then I shave with the convex side ( omote/front/flat/non-stamped ). I haven't any problems since.

Can you really get a good shaving routine where you dont have to compromise on the direction of certain strokes? Does it feel weird to shave some parts of the face WTG and other parts XTG or ATG as a WTG stroke is not possible without being double jointed?

It does take a little getting used to. Due to fact you're dealing with raw handle and not scale that's thick or heavy set, the learning curve isn't as steep as it sounds or looks.

I was extremely cautious shaving WTG/XTG/ATG on the left face because I was using my right. I like OG barbers believe in preservation of traditional practices/methods. With enough preparation, one can be accustomed to J-spec/JDM razor in no time.

I bought a Tosuke about 2 years ago but ended up selling it within a month as I couldn't find enough information about honing and shaving technique. I'm very tempted to try again now though, as it's not so much of a dark art these days. I love the simplicity of the Japanese razor, with its no frills layout, and nothing to go wrong or fall off (like pivot pins, end pins, wedges, scaes etc.).

I'm going to watch the video again now, and will take notes!

I wholeheartedly agree with you. Simplicity is indeed best. No ostentatious goldwash on blade, no exotic tangs, file jimps or worked spines-just simple effective carbon steel. Function for me is always of utmost importance. In this case, Iwasaki exceeded my expectations.

Thanks for the replies guys.

This really sounds like something I want to get into. These days I'm all for simplicity, efficiency, and using the best tool for the job. As long as using a Japanese straight is genuinely viable with practice, I'll give it a go I think.

Hey, it takes guts to "open up" for all to see. Sweet razor! Thanks for the post, it always helps to see someone with experience weilding a blade to help a new guy like me.

Cool video Jim. I would really like to try one of these some day.

Great video, Jim -- thanks a lot! It sure looked like a good
shave, and fun too.

I agree that the sides of the moustache can be tricky, the
blowup trick does seem to work there, but I don't always
do it.

- Scott