Kamisori Shaving Video (First Try)

**JimR** · 10-18-2009, 11:58 PM

OK, so I finally worked up the nerve to do this...of course, the camera angle is crappy, and it cuts off at the ten minute mark (there's another minute and a half or so, if anyone wants to see it I can upload it separately) but I HOPE the grips and angles are clear enough to those wondering about using these razors. I'll make another one sometime, I guess...if I can figure out what to do with my camera.

In the video, I mention the WTG/ATG/XTG a lot, but I try not to think about it a lot when using a Kamisori, because the most important thing to me is finding the simplest angle with the Omote on the face. For really tough hair (around my "goatee area") I go WTG because I can , and because the hair cuts easier that way. Everywhere else, I just find what works at the time.

You'll notice I'm still working on stretching/weird expressions. If anyone has any advice, PLEASE feel free.

Also, my left hand sometimes has a mind of its own. Pay no attention. That's exactly what it wants...

I shave this way because it works for me. If it doesn't work for you, don't shave this way--like I said, when it comes to Kamisori I'm a traditionalist because I was taught by a traditionalist. I trust him. But it's your face, and your razor, so do what you feel is best.

That's a vintage size 2 (ni-chou-gake) Kamisori stamped 1968 (convenient that...) but the maker's name is very difficult to read--Chikushino, perhaps.

ALSO, I have no idea why my face looks that red in the video. It certainly didn't in the mirror...

Sooo....be kind!
YouTube - Kamisori Shave

**Lynn** · 10-19-2009, 03:56 AM

Very Nicely Done!!

Thanks!!

Lynn

**turbine712** · 10-19-2009, 04:05 AM

Nice job!!!! I almost thought at one point you were gonna lose an ear. I was impressed at how well you maneuvered the blade around.
Thanks,
Bill Wilcox

**natepaint** · 10-19-2009, 04:26 AM

Thanks for the video, I was a little on edge at the 8minute 57second mark, it looked like you were going to cut you ear.

When I do my jaw line I go from ear to chin and it is extremely hard with the left hand. For some stupid reason it never occurred to me to go from chin to ear, I will have to try it.

I like that straight, I tend to hold my blade in a straight line like that one, I will have to find a cheap one if I can.

nate

**holli4pirating** · 10-19-2009, 04:38 AM

All this time I've been hoping you look like your avatar... what a letdown.

I noticed when you do your cheeks you open your mouth and pull the skin up. I find that I can get a better stretch by puffing out my cheeks and pulling the skin up - maybe it would work for you or maybe you've found your best way. Just a thought.

Nice vid!

**Steelforge** · 10-19-2009, 07:51 AM

Nicely done.

I had one of those razors about 2.5 years ago, but mine wasn't anywhere near shave ready, and I couldn't find much information at the time on honing/shaving technique so I ended up ditching it and carried on using folding western straights instead, which I found easier to use.

Looks really neat though, I imagine they'd be perfect for shaving other people rather than shaving oneself.

**JimR** · 10-19-2009, 08:05 AM

Nate--What's "cheap" for you?

Holli, yeah...I forgot to put on my cho-mage wig.

I sometimes do the puffing out thing, too--I'm still playing with it, and when I try the puffing I always get images of the balloons they use in barber training...POP! It's all in the balance.

**ZenEdge** · 10-19-2009, 04:10 AM

Congratulations! Nicely done Rion-san.

ZenEdge

**JimR** · 10-19-2009, 04:22 AM

THanks guys. It was scary to post...

Like I said, it's not the best quality video. But the shave I got was fantastic...so there you go.

**SiRed8** · 10-19-2009, 09:08 PM

Jim congrats on being the first on posting Japanese razor shaving. Well done!
I like how you mentioned WTG, XTG, ATG while shaving and incorporated the terminology for Japanese razor.

With regards to shaving it's interesting yours differ from mine. Mine involve placing four fingers sans thumb on face on face. Stretching it various directions to achieve maximum cutting efficiency.

Shaving WTG for instance, I would do as you did on first stroke ( XTG ). While moving the blade downwards I would move my four fingers along the section that's already been shaven ( non-lathered area so it's not slippery ). While right hand shaves the section ( I use buffing motion so as to spread lather on area that's been shaved ), left four fingers stretches skin. Hope that made sense.

I'm not saying your style of skin stretching is poor. I'm merely stating what works for me.

Been reading book "Practice and Science of Standard Barbering" Milady Publishing Corp 1967
Broms Barber School Worcester, Massachusetts.

In it there are indispensable information when it comes to skin stretching techniques. Another I'm reading is "Standardized Textbook of Barbering"
by Associated Master Barbers and beauticians of America. Very good source of information as well.

The video here exemplifies that:
Barber straight razor demonstration / tutorial shave

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