Tanifuji Fukutarō Ba’Ba 1072 13/16 Hollow - Zenith Manchurian - Mike's Barber Shop - Myrsol Antesol - Sukin Moisturiser
Shave of the Day - 2026
- Thread starter Mark1966
- Start date
Tanifuji Fukutarō Ba’Ba 1072 13/16 Hollow - Zenith Manchurian - Mike's Barber Shop - Myrsol Antesol - Sukin Moisturiser
Pre-shave: Hot flannel, Pears soap
Brush: TroyCraft "Opalesque" 28mm AP G5C
Soap: Bignoli Lavanda Balsamica
Razor: Tatara Amakuni
Blade: Schick Proline
Post-shave: TND witch hazel/Stirling Bergamot Lavender witch hazel (70:30), homebrew moisturiser, Oxford & Cambridge cologne
Of course I read @Errol's review of the Amakuni (in short: "There's better") before I put my money down. Think of this as an experiment in YMMV: this time, I can afford it if the razor turns out to be a dud. I've always liked the aesthetic of the Amakuni, but more importantly, I have the consideration of being a head (plus face) shaver. In case you haven't thought about this, the skin is (or appears to be) thinner on top of the dome than on the jaw (possibly just the absence of padding, but whatever). It's easy for me to give myself a case of razor burn up there if I'm not careful. So I figured the absence of weight at the head could well be a Good Thing(TM) for me.
So, here goes. At just 5g heavier than my Vector at 81g, it still qualifies very much as a lightweight, and the head is even slimmer(!) than that of the Vector. (Though the sides of the head are extended and rounded for total safety.) They've clearly put a lot of thought into the design of the head; even with my severely arthritic hands, I had absolutely no problem with adding or subtracting the blade from the magnetic baseplate and head, no matter whether it was wet or dry. Though here's a question: I don't know how they've secured those magnets, I hope it's something better than just glue. But whatever. The blade and cap just fall easily and smoothly into place, and come apart just as easily. Fucking brilliant, I just love that. Best I've ever come across.
Tatara have a reputation for producing mild razors, and this one is (I think) just a tad less aggressive than the Vector. If I feel the need to make it a bit more pugnacious, I can always try dropping in a Feather Pro Super. At some point, I'll definitely try that, in any case, but not soon. With my go-to Proline, I had no trouble getting a perfect GBS in two easy passes plus touch-ups.
Definitely a keeper.