View attachment 197418
June 19th
Proraso PS Red
Darwin Drake 2 band badger
Kamisori - New Azuma Yasuki Steel
C&F SC - 1445
Gentleman Jon's Alum
Fine AS - Fresh Vetiver
My first traditional Kamisori shave. Yay! Received from a Japanese vendor on the bay yesterday. Was in pretty rough shape....duller than butter, tarnished, and the original rubber handle literally disintegrated as I removed it. From the beginning, I knew this an experiment and a test, so went in with a learning mindset. 3 New Azuma Yusaki Steel Kamis for $85 delivered....didn't expect much. No worries Spicoli, my father and grandfather taught me to have an awesome set of tools. 3 hours later.....rough tang edges tamed (from under the handle), shiny and polished, fresh wrap, and finally honed to a shaveable edge. Watched gssixgun's videos (a few times now) on honing a traditional grind Kamisori. Found out one of the reasons this example was one of a set of three (and likely the worst, now that I understand traditional grind hone planes). It's got a wonky lean in the bevel, from whomever honed it using too much toe pressure (or one handed possibly), or maybe using a 1:1 ratio with too much toe pressure. Worked it the best I could using gssixgun's recommended 1:7, 1:5, then finally 1:3 flip ratio. Started at ground zero. 4k, 8k, then finishing with 12k. Did it's linen and strop time. This stage really brought out a scary sharp edge on the blade's mid point to toe. Hairs popped and flew when just barely touched. Still, it'll go back to honing. The back half of the edge is shaving, but not like the front half. Hopefully I can correct the lean issue, now that I understand this razor's geometry better. I want that level of sharp for the entire length of edge. No sending it out....I gots to learn.
Shave today....reached for the slickest setup I know....Proraso PS Red along with C&F SC. The 2 band badger was watered well, and made an enormous volume of slickery white bliss. Painted and swirled it on....First/second passes were mainly getting accustomed to grip and maneuverability, and weren't as close as usual. Hmm....I know it's sharp, so really put some brain power behind the 3rd pass....and in the end, a 3 pass CCS+. The lower right neck always the troubled child....with cheeks, mouth, chin, lower left neck my usual result. Got a couple landing weepers on the second pass (scary sharp front half). This razor demands a light landing. Nothing that Gentleman Jon's alum and the Fine AS couldn't control.
If you didn't see the original image of this razor straight from the package (yesterday's June 2019 The Haul post)..this razor is the black handle reborn..
click here.
Hope everyone has a Wonderful Wednesday!
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