My Kamisori Experience

[rbscebu]

I have never used a replaceable blade kamisori style razor and I only have one traditional style asymmetric kamisori. I do occasionally shave with a normal style shavette.

Replaceable blade razors generally have a keener edge than what most can get with their own honing. I have very occasionally been able to match a feather blade edge with home honing and finishing on diamond pasted balsa.

Shavette shaving shaving is similar but different to normal SR shaving. It requires greater concentration and skill. I believe that this is because of the keener edge and that the shavette blade does not flex as a traditional SR blade may.

If it is within your budget, I suggest that you give the Feather "kamisori" a go for a couple of weeks of daily shaving. If it works for you, great. If not, you can always PIF it to another on P&C who wishes to give it a go.

 

[rbscebu]

As an aside to @Bladerunner7's question above, I have found that after developing my basic traditional kamisori shaving technique using just the Omote side of the blade against my skin, my technique with traditional SR shaving has improved. This is particularly noticeable on my neck and jawline area with my growth is about horizontal towards the rear.

Kamisori shaving is probably the next step up from traditional SR shaving. If you have the opportunity and time to work on it, I recommend that give one-sided kamisori shaving a go. It really gets you concentrating and thinking about you shave.

 

[LesC]

@rbscebu , had a question that isn't Kamisori related directly but more like a step brother of it. I saw a Feather Artist Club SS Fixed Straight Razor Shavette in a shop that is close to my home. Was very intrigued with the design and the way it felt in the hand. What's your view on this Razor Richard?

Hi, I’m not Richard, but have been Kamisori (traditional) shaving for over 4 years and “started” Richard on this journey? I started with an AC blade razor (as above) but firmly believe (IMHO) it is another style of shaving. For me the “finish” was about 90-95% of a Kamisori, but if you do not want the expense of, or have the time to hone etc, then I can recommend them. It is then angle technique and AC blade selection (a learning curve) to suit you, hope some help.

 

[Bladerunner7]

I have never used a replaceable blade kamisori style razor and I only have one traditional style asymmetric kamisori. I do occasionally shave with a normal style shavette.

Replaceable blade razors generally have a keener edge than what most can get with their own honing. I have very occasionally been able to match a feather blade edge with home honing and finishing on diamond pasted balsa.

Shavette shaving shaving is similar but different to normal SR shaving. It requires greater concentration and skill. I believe that this is because of the keener edge and that the shavette blade does not flex as a traditional SR blade may.

If it is within your budget, I suggest that you give the Feather "kamisori" a go for a couple of weeks of daily shaving. If it works for you, great. If not, you can always PIF it to another on P&C who wishes to give it a go.

Thanks for this mate. Much appreciated.

 

[Bladerunner7]

Hi, I’m not Richard, but have been Kamisori (traditional) shaving for over 4 years and “started” Richard on this journey? I started with an AC blade razor (as above) but firmly believe (IMHO) it is another style of shaving. For me the “finish” was about 90-95% of a Kamisori, but if you do not want the expense of, or have the time to hone etc, then I can recommend them. It is then angle technique and AC blade selection (a learning curve) to suit you, hope some help.

Thanks a lot for this Les, I think I will give it a go and probably try a Feather Pro Guard in it first. I do use the Feather Pro in my DE Razors and love it but I think a more forgiving blade might be better to start with.

 

[rbscebu]

I have now been shaving with the kamisori for a little over a month, about 50% of the time. It has been challenging, particularly because I endeavour to just shave with the omote side towards my skin.

What I have learnt:

• A very shallow shave angle is most important for a smooth, comfortable and blood-free result.
• Watch your pressure against the skin to reduce blood loss.
• You need to develop a different technique to be able to shave with just the omote side. It's not easy and does take some experimentation to get it right in a three-pass shave.
• CONCENTRATION is the key to kamisori shaving, even more so that what you needed with traditional straight razor shaving.
• Kamisori shaving even further improves your traditional straight razor shaving technique.

You probably start your shave experience using similar gear that your father did (electric or multi-blade). Then you move up to "safety" razors and later possibly even a traditional straight razor to find what you think is the ultimate in the wet shaving experience. As your traditional straight razor shaving technique improves, you start to wonder if this is the best that it can get. It is not. I now know that kamisori shaving the epitome of the wet shaving experience.

I'm hooked!