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Kamisori vs SR?

Mistertaz

Mistertaz

Member
Most SR users here seem to use Western SRs, and I don’t see much mention of Kamisori.

Given there’s a smaller blade, no scales, and a bigger handle, I imagine they’d be cheaper to make and easier to hold and shave with.

Does everyone use Western SRs due to familiarity and being in the West? Or is there something more to it?
 
I think it's because SRs are more common and more available than traditional Kamisoris. Also I think a Kamisori, because they aren't readily more available, do look a little more daunting to use than a SR.

I own around 10 SRs, 1 Hoshi Tombo Kamisori and a Kamisori shavette and even though there's an imbalance there, I actually prefer and have more fun shaving with the Kamisori than I do with a SR.
 
Yes, they are traditionally asymmetrically ground and in left and right handed configurations. This also makes them a little unpopular in this day and age. These are hollow ground on one side only.

Thankfully my Hoshi Tombo is symmetrical which makes it a lot easier to hone.
 
I have never used one because until last year I had never heard of them. Having seen a few on-line I'm not tempted to try one. I like the pure simplicity of the design, but aren't 100% sold on the blade being single sided. Despite the lack of sclaes I'm 100% they aren't going to be cheaper than a straight because it is a very niche area. I'm not afraid to use one, I don't see it any more challenging than a straight as it is just a blade gliding on your face.
 
Straight up said:
I have never used one because until last year I had never heard of them. Having seen a few on-line I'm not tempted to try one. I like the pure simplicity of the design, but aren't 100% sold on the blade being single sided. Despite the lack of sclaes I'm 100% they aren't going to be cheaper than a straight because it is a very niche area. I'm not afraid to use one, I don't see it any more challenging than a straight as it is just a blade gliding on your face.
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I only bought mine because the blade is symmetrical, otherwise there was no way I was going to buy and try to hone an asymmetrical Kamisori myself. It's just not worth the bother.

You are dead right, they are no more challenging than using an SR, in fact I think they are easier to use.
 
The asymmetrical is not too hard to hone but they are different to use. Most straight shavers use both hands, with the asymmetrical you are supposed to do the complete shave right handed although some still swap. I don’t use mine that often but it is an interesting experience. I have SOTD with mine which is a Henkotsu, it wasn’t that expensive even NOS. Just a tip, if you get one. Don’t attempt to use tape on the spine, they are honed with blade in contact with the hone and do take a wicked edge.
https://paste-and-cut.com.au/community/threads/shave-of-the-day-thread-2020.6006/post-164225
 
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I am also a one-handed straight razor shaver. I have thought about developing my skills to two-handed shaving but have not found the need for it.
 
I like to challenge myself by using the left hand and also swap the computer mouse over to LHS and change the primary button so the mouse is configured for a "lefty". This has given me the control and confidence to straight shave with both.
 
I had a traditional-grind kamisori custom made by Drew Dick, blacksmith extraordinaire. I wanted it to have a traditional grind, I am an "if I am in, I'm all in" kind of guy.

I like the looks of them, I like everything about them, and I wanted the challenge. Even though I could use both sides, I refuse to do so, otherwise, what's the point? Had I wanted it comfy, I would've ordered a Western grind fixed blade.

I can shave with both hands but, for me, the challenge with the kamisori is using it the way they used to do it.... But doing it myself, not having someone else do it to me.
 
Straight up said:
I use my right hand only, to me it makes no sense to use my left hand. How often do I try to write with both hands; never, it's not a circus act.
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I'm the same, left hand only though. I've tried shaving with both the Kamisori and a SR with my right hand, it's just too uncomfortable for me.
 
With an asymmetric grind Kamisori, is the flat surface towards your face, and the hollowed surface away?

Is there an advantage to having an asymmetric grind if you’re only using one hand? Do you only need to hone one side? Surely you’d still need to strop both sides?
 
Mistertaz said:
With an asymmetric grind Kamisori, is the flat surface towards your face, and the hollowed surface away?

Is there an advantage to having an asymmetric grind if you’re only using one hand? Do you only need to hone one side? Surely you’d still need to strop both sides?
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That’s correct. For honing I’ve found a 10:1 or 7:1 ratio works best. So the flat side (omote) received the greater amount of strokes. The benefit is a thin exceptionally sharp blade, I have a few cooking knives and a leather knife with this grind and I can get them sharper than my symmetrical blades but that is a mileage may vary thing. Maybe someone more knowledgable can chime in on this one, Dion or @Gargravarr
 
Ebonysw45 said:
That’s correct. For honing I’ve found a 10:1 or 7:1 ratio works best. So the flat side (omote) received the greater amount of strokes. The benefit is a thin exceptionally sharp blade, I have a few cooking knives and a leather knife with this grind and I can get them sharper than my symmetrical blades but that is a mileage may vary thing. Maybe someone more knowledgable can chime in on this one, Dion or @Gargravarr
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Not me, the only kamisori I've made has/had a Western near-wedge blade. I wish I could find the damn thing, I'd like to be able to show it off, as it was quite nice work (even though I say so myself). Somewhere in the moves between WA/SA and SA/TAS it seems to have disappeared or been appropriated. :(
 
Gargravarr said:
Not me, the only kamisori I've made has/had a Western near-wedge blade. I wish I could find the damn thing, I'd like to be able to show it off, as it was quite nice work (even though I say so myself). Somewhere in the moves between WA/SA and SA/TAS it seems to have disappeared or been appropriated. :(
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Sorry I mean't in regards to the benefits of the grind as I know you had done some smithing.
 
I forgot to say that if you have a beard and need a razor to touch up the cheek area than a kamisori is a great choice due to its small blade. Also you can use it with either hand with no problems, I did for my shave today and had no problems at all. Just make sure that you take small strokes and stretch the skin.
 
Re the Symmetrical V Asymmetrical, I saw a chap on Etsy selling Symmetrical "Western Grind" Kamisori under the name Windrose, they are Made in England and look quite nice, though no rattan binding, and sorry that's all I know, thought it may be of interest re left/right hand use, honing, stropping, etc etc, cheers.
 
I have made left handed, right handed and symmetrical ground Kamisor’s,
they are all hollow ground on both sides except them old pressed type.
all still maintain about a 17 degree bevel no matter the grind.
kamisoris were traditionally used by a barber or second person to shave the head etc of others hence, the left / right hand options,
they can feel off when shaving on the back hand so to speak because the razor is at a slight different angle as you progress, this is alleviated with the western symmetrical grind.
 
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