So, here goes the story. I've tried using straight razors as a teen, but didn't have the equipment to keep it sharp. Then the razor rusted. Fast forward over 30 years. I tried a loaner that wasn't quite sharp enough. I've been eyeing Kamisori razors for over a year. Each time I bid on one, I get out bid, because in Japan their bids end in the early hours, for me. That, and the usually bring high prices. Fast forward to yesterday, I bid on two, from the same seller, with two low prices. As it happens, I just bought two Kamisori razors last night. One for $15, and one for $18.50. Photos will come later, after work. I like the look, reputation, and solid look of these razors. What will I need to maintain these razors? What are the positives and negatives about Kamisori razors?
Many of the 'low priced' kamis sold on ebay tend to be fairly far gone (honed to death with limited life remaining). They are honed similarly to standard razors; asymmetrical grinds (vs western) require more 'attention' (laps) to one side vs the other. Maintenance similar to western-style razors: strop before; dry well when finished. The actual shaving technique may take some practice. Look forward to the pics…
bougt a kamisori not long ago from an Japanese eBay seller.was supposed to be shave ready but was rather dull.manage to hone it to save ready.it shaves very well,but i find it to have more "skin drag" than a western razor.and i only use my right hand.find it more challenging then switching hands,and you not suppose to use both,but works just as fine if you choose to.
The lefty kamisori I picked up (asymmetrical grind) was supposedly 'shave-ready' but certainly didn't 'feel' as though that was the case on my initial shave. After a thorough Jnat finish, the razor is now silky-smooth. I've done the one-handed (all left) shave, keeping the stamped side facing outwards at all times (requires some dexterity and contortion) as well as a more traditional western approach. Either technique works, but one side feels a but more comfy (i.e. the 'intended' shaving side). With western grinds, this isn't an issue.
OK, as promised. Both sides of each razor, along with price. I dont know if I overpayed, because I dont know how to evaluate the conditions well enough. InoueTosuke 43 mm blade $15.00 Tsurayuki 45 mm blade. $18.50
Looks as though someone took a grinder to the blade to either grind a hollow or correct something. One of the problems specific to Kamisori is the flattening of the Omote or 'hump side'), which can lead to a flattening of the blade. Generally this takes a long time to occur, unless someone has a truly heavy hand when honing.
I cant say. You wont know until you try and hone it whether it is a good shaver or imported letter opener.... The uneven ground wear on the hump side would have me concerned. Best to get an opinion of someone more familiar with kamis...calling @gssixgun !
The Chattering Marks in the Hollow are from a Japanese tool called a Sen They are used to Hollow the blade Basically a Hardened steel scraper,, The chattering mark means that is was used after the hollow was worn down.. Basically this is a Nostalgic Japanese way of a "Re-grind" The chattering marks could also be from production but I do not think so in this case especially not on a Tosuke IMHO Yes I think they can be made shave ready... There are some tricks to getting them there WITHOUT causing more damage I have two different Kamisori honing tutorials on my You-Tube channel this is the one you want to watch if you are going to attempt this yourself, as this shows actual edge restoration
old school.... BTW: Glen, I found your tips very helpful in this video. Particularly relevant as my kami is from the same maker (with similar 'issues' ) as the one you're fixing in this video.
Well, I just want to learn straight shaving with these, if they can be honed. I don't have hones yet, so this might be a project. I might go the lapping film route, if you guys think that might work. If I can get a good edge, then I might wrap the handles in waxed string.
I've been told by the seller that both Kamisori' s are shave ready. I guess I will find that out, soon enough.
That's what the maker of my kamisori stated as well. Let's just say I had a different opinion after my initial shave attempt with it.
I pay no attention to "shave ready" because most simply arent. I hope you are able to use it. If not, you could shadow box them in an area of your shave den for a nice ambiance.
I picked up one off the bay a few years ago. I was lucky as mine wasn't shot. Love the way they shave and Glen's video on honing them taught me the process of getting a good edge. As for technique, its basically the same concept (shaving) just requires a different hold and is a tad uncomfortable at first. The myth that you can't shave with both sides is just a myth as I have no problem whatsoever. I wrote this article some time ago. Check it out https://shavestraightandsafe.com/2016/02/06/lets-talk-kamisori/
Nice write-up Joe. Very informative. Because I am new to these Kamasoris, I know nothing of my razors. I would be interested in learning about the maker, as well as the age of these blades. So, if anyone can help out, hint hint, I would appreciate it.
Well you are correct. NOT shave ready. I felt the larger Tsurayuki razors edge, and it felt like the edgewas rolls over, on one side. It wouldn't shave arm hair. The Inoue Tosuke felt sharp, and cut hair towards the front half. I figured nothing to loose, so I broke out an old hard Arkansas whetstone. I delicately put a nice sharp edge on them, where they both go through armchair(arm hair) like butter. I then Palm stropped them and dry shaved about an inch square of my cheek. Lots of tugging, but baby smooth skin. That's as much as I'm going to do with the stones I have now. I have a 3000/8000 grit stone on the way. Any opinions on "Corundum" stones?
