iv looked on youtube but cant find anything on it. im thinking of getting one but i would like to know how to hone it before i get one. any one know how? im looking at this razor if it helps. http://yhst-27988581933240.stores.yahoo.net/tamahagane-japanese-razor-by-shizu-saburo.html
At the risk of being accused of tooting my own horn, here's a video I made about just that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Zb_rGMWx3c Basically, you need a high grit stone (12k or higher) and some water. Lay the razor FLAT SIDE DOWN (Kamisori are assymetrical--one side is much hollower than the other, which is flat) and put two fingers on the hollow of the stamped side. Using light pressure, move the blade in a back-and-forth motion roughly ten times, flip the razor and give one LIGHT stroke, spine leading. Repeat until the razor is, like, totally wicked shahp.
Well, I tend to disagree with JimR here. The 10/1 ratio derieved from (IIRC) ONE japanese website that was translated using google translate. So far I've heard from japanese sharpening gurus that there's not "right" or "traditional" way to sharpen these razors. The most logical way for me (and basically everyone I know besides the folks at SRP ) is to hone it like any other razor. This is what I've done with nearly two dozens by now and it was the right way - every single time. YMMV of course.
Sorry Klaus, this was not the case for me. I was taught by my barber, who's been sharpening and using them for 40 years or more, that only one side should be honed. The 1 back stroke is to remove the burr. My uncle (by marriage) who has been a barber for 20+ years, told me the same thing. The guide written by Shigeyoshi Iwasaki recommends a ration of 7-2, again, to remove the burr and keep the bevel smooth. Ryuichi Mizuochi, Iwasaki's successor, uses the same advice. And I NEVER use google translate. **EDIT** I forgot, the owner of the knife shop I went to last weekend, who has been sharpening and using Kamisori himself for about 65 years, told me the same thing... And, finally...Why on earth are they ground asymmetrically, if you hone them symmetrically?
How often do these need to be honed anyways? I thought these held their edges so well it they don't need to be rehoned that often anyways.
i would think it would depend on the steel used. the harder the steel the longer it can hold the edge.
I believe it's Swedish steel with a high carbon content. That means it should hold its edge for quite a while. The razor in the link isn't an Iwasaki though - Japanese razor, yes - just not an Iwasaki.
thanks for the clarification! I've only ever read of this before without anybody being able to present some proof it's done that way except for one internet site...
