Diamond Hayashi 6/8 Japanese 1/4 grind

[rum]

Wondering if anyone has one of these and if so, what their opinions of it are.

Rasurpur has them at the bottom of this page. I'm looking for something as close to a 6/8 Le Grelot 1/4 grind as possible. Apparently though these don't have a thumb rest and are much heavier.

Any thoughts / opinions everyone?

 

[professorchaos]

Haven't shaved with one, but will soon. I'd be surprised if they are heavier than the original Grelot 1/4 hollow. That is a hefty razor.

 

[rum]

Haven't shaved with one, but will soon. I'd be surprised if they are heavier than the original Grelot 1/4 hollow. That is a hefty razor.

Think I am now leaning towards a stainless Inox blade also from Rasurpur, in 6/8 hollow ground. I suppose I am on the prowl for a "4th razor" that will go with me sometimes on trips abroad. Something that can cope with more than just splashes (i.e. a stainless) seems like a good idea. It must be able to shave close though. Currently the only thing I have tried that shaves as close as a Le Grelot 1/4 is my trusted 6/8 Puma. An unbeatable full hollow that takes a smooth edge in no time and responds to the strops after only a few laps.

 

[Seraphim]

I'm sure glad I didn't read this thread!




Nope, not tempted in the least...

 

[rum]

I know, I know....!

And I'm really sorry for raising it. I try to stay away from the 'hardware' side of the forums, but I'm just as bad and can't resist temptation!

 

[professorchaos]

I'm sure glad I didn't read this thread!




Nope, not tempted in the least...

Let me help you out: LINK. Notice the lovely covered tang. Go on, have a look. I dare you.

 

[Seraphim]

Let me help you out: LINK. Go on, have a look. I dare you.

Luckily I didn't already click that link previously.....

 

[professorchaos]

Yes, lucky indeed.

 

[jkh]

Wowza! How cool is that razor?

 

[sanfranciscian]

I was hoping no one would notice that razor until i had appropriated the the funds for one!

 

[huntmol]

I hate the scales, but love that blade.

 

[bonusmarple]

I have one on the way. It will be interesting to compare with the Le Grelot 1/4 and the Hart.

 

[matt321]

Notice the lovely covered tang.

Ah, a dremel shield.

 

[TstebinsB]

I need to go into business. I can't believe the price. I don't begrudge a business for trying to make a profit so more power to him. However, I've had about a dozen Diamond razors in the last year and 2-3 of that specific model. I didn't pay nearly that much and I didn't sell any of them for nearly that much.

 

[ambrose]

My H. Diamond is my #1 shaver I love it, its like a laser.

Im glad to know you Telly

 

[mainaman]

the prices are pretty high, they can be found cheaper here in US.

I have this one:

great shaver, Swedish steel is good stuff

 

[BRuhling]

I need to go into business. I can't believe the price. I don't begrudge a business for trying to make a profit so more power to him. However, I've had about a dozen Diamond razors in the last year and 2-3 of that specific model. I didn't pay nearly that much and I didn't sell any of them for nearly that much.

If you happen to stumble on more Diamonds, I'd be interested in trying to talk you out of one. I'm a newbie, but have recently decided to make it my mission to get a Japanese made western-style straight as a little "nod" to my wife's Japanese origins (she moved to the U.S. 10 years ago)...

 

[bonusmarple]

I have one on the way. It will be interesting to compare with the Le Grelot 1/4 and the Hart.

My first shave with the Diamond was this morning on Father's Day. First impressions is that it is a smooth shaver. Definitely in the same league with the Le Grelot 1/4 and Hart. As far as workmanship goes, it has some blemishes and small imperfections. Nothing horrible, but definitely noticeable.

Overall, I am happy, but I want to take it out for a few more days before I post a full review.

 

[rum]

Overall, I am happy, but I want to take it out for a few more days before I post a full review.

We're all looking forward to some reviews! Appreciate that - thanks!

 

[bonusmarple]

Here is my review. It has two parts, the first is the razor itself and then compared to the Hart 1/4 and Le Grelot 1/4. This review is highly subjective and chock full of YMMV.

Stand Alone

The Hayashi is a top shaver. It is a 1/4 grind square point with a 1.45% carbon blade that is advertised at around 64 rockwell. It features a smooth edge that holds its edge for as long as any razor I own. The slightly shorter blade is easier for me to use and is much more ergonomic than the standard length. The scales are medium weight red plastic. I had no trouble getting BBS with the blade with low irritation. Upon inspection, the bevel is very even, thin, and held up quite well to 5 shaves. I did not need to touch up the blade and razor responded well to a 30/50 linen/leather stropping routine. It is still HHT sharp.

Compared to Hart 1/4 and Le Grelot 1/4

Overall, the Hayashi is not as smooth as the Le Grelot. It is close and it is possible that the honing on the Le Grelot was the difference. The Hayashi is smoother than the Hart 1/4. I do rate the Hayashi as a better shaver than either of the other two simply because it is a square point and the shorter length made the razor much more handy. If the Le Grelot was a square point, it would be the champion. Also, it should be noted, I don't care for thumb notches. The worksmanship on the Hart and Le Grelot is superior to the Hayashi. The Hayashi had some grind marks on the tang side of the stabilizer and poor pinning for the back section of the covered tang. None of these items effect the functionality, but are of note given the price.

Overall, I would recommend this razor for its performance. Any flaws were minor and cosmetic. I would not sell a Le Grelot 1/4 to buy one, however.