Kamisori

[scdub]

Hi All,

I just came across a neat video showing kamisori razors being made in a small shop.

I only have one straight razor and I’ve been using it exclusively for several years now.

Here it is with the stone and strop I use to maintain the edge.



I wear a beard so only need to shave my neck, and it has worked great for this.

Because it’s a chisel grind, I just use my right hand to shave, keeping the maker’s mark side away from my skin. I’m curious - does anyone use a chisel grind kamisori for their whole face? If so do you need to switch hands/sides of the blade or can you manage your whole beard with just your right hand and the marked side out?

Do you have/use a kamisori? Please post a pic. How does it compare with a folding straight razor?

 

[garry3]

I started with Kamisoris and still use them but not exclusively any more.
I shave my whole face, two passes, omote side against my face, right hand only.

I can't make a blanket statement about how they compare with western razors because the westerns cover so much ground with different grinds ect.

Here are a few of my Kamisori razors.

 

[Kentobentos]

Nice! I have a handful of them as well.

 

[tommytman]

Where is a good place to get one???

 

[garry3]

Where is a good place to get one???

I got mine off of the bay. Look for low wear on the omote (back side) that is flatter.
They can also be purchased new.

 

[anicefloe]

These look super cool. I’m kinda shy about ditching the feather kamisori due to blade upkeep but keep flirting.

 

[anicefloe]

I think I can, I think I can

 

[SimplyMinded]

Neat razors. I wonder if these were used for murders as much as conventional straight razors were. I listen to a lot of vintage crime podcasts.

 

[alongoria]

I recently purchased an Iwasaki kamisori and have begun to explore shaving my face/neck with a "traditional" Japanese razor.
For the last 20yrs or so, I've just rough shaved using electric shears without a "comb" attached. Not enjoyable, but sufficient.

However, I have enjoyed a lifetime interest in knives/blades. For quite a while, I've enjoyed Murray Carter's Aogami and Shirogami knives and have explored knife sharpening using various types of stones, diamond, wet/dry sandpaper, leather strops, etc...

Straight razor shaving caught my interest and I decided it would be good to learn about and experience.
I've found that it is very interesting. I enjoy the blade honing and maintenance aspects and actually shaving with the kamisori gives me a Zen-like "in the moment" experience that I have also found in some other specific activities.

I do use both my left and right hands when using the kamisori. I've tried right hand only, but it is skill that will definitely take me time to acquire. Lastly, I wanted to note that shaving has now taken on a kind of ritual experience. Not spiritual in any way, lol. But definitely a specific series of actions in sequence and importance.
Best regards and God bless

 

[scdub]

Straight razor shaving caught my interest and I decided it would be good to learn about and experience.

I think everyone on this forum should give it a try.

I really like that you need to work with extreme sharpness for a specific reason (not just to scare your friends by popping hairs off your forearm).

I also find the process to be enjoyable compared to regular shaving with a plastic razor.

I think that like driving fast on track and with many sports, shaving with a straight razor compels a person to focus intently on the task at hand. Perhaps because there’s a bit of danger/consequences involved.

Whatever the reason, having your brain fully occupied by a task is pleasing to most folks - myself included.

Get one!