Japanese Straights the Pinnacle?

[Antique Hoosier]

Would you say that Japanese traditional razors are the top of the mountain as far as straight razor hierarchy? Is achieving as perfect a shave as possible using these tools is as good as it gets? Are there any members who use them exclusively? I'm intrigued. Let me know your thoughts please.

 

[richmondesi]

I have a great affinity for the aesthetics and the "romance" (for lack of a better term) of Japanese straights; I feel much the same way about Coticules.

However, in practice, I've found them uncomfortable in my large hands. I'm very excited about Robert William's newest design, The Purist, because it combines those same characteristics in a bigger package. I hope to try one soon

Great thought, by the way

 

[professorchaos]

I'm definitely intrigued by Japanese straights but haven't convinced myself to pull the trigger yet. If they do give a better shave than western straights, I can't imagine how.

 

[thirdeye]

I have to say that even with my big hands I really like using my Japanese razors. They are just plain fun to use but one thing is for sure, they need to be honed correctly or they will be horrible.
I tend to like the wider blades.

Paul, The Purist is heading your way for a short (Short) trial run and then Henry is next.

This thing rocks...I will have more info about them in the next couple days.

 

[professorchaos]

I have to say that even with my big hands I really like using my Japanese razors. They are just plain fun to use but one thing is for sure, they need to be honed correctly or they will be horrible.
I tend to like the wider blades.

Paul, The Purist is heading your way for a short (Short) trial run and then Henry is next.

This thing rocks...I will have more info about them in the next couple days.

Oh yeah!

 

[TstebinsB]

It's all subjective but my JP razors are my best shavers. I don't mean just the non-folding razors either. I have a Diamond razor that is extremely hard to beat. Also, I think more people use non-folding razors exclusively than some people might think.

 

[RetroGrouch]

They're certainly capable of taking an amazing edge. Two of my very sharpest razors are Japanese.

I only use them about once every two weeks though. It's not so much the short cutting edge, but the short and thin handles that bother me. I'm sure I'd get used to it if I used it every day, but for now a Western razor just feels more comfortable in my hand.

"The Purist" looks good to me too.

Mike

 

[gugi]

Mike, there are many japanese razors but only one way to find out
It's a slippery slope though, once you master one you'll be wanting a tamahagane, or two... Don't ask me how I know.

 

[RetroGrouch]

Ivan,

You're pure evil. I've heard rumours about tamahagane razors, but have resisted trying one so far.

The funny thing is... my original motivation for getting into straight razor shaving (at least in part) was to save money by not buying disposable blades.

I have now spent enough on razors and accessories to buy several lifetimes of disposable blades. Tamahagane? Not sure I want to go there??

Mike

 

[mouscacha]

I don't know where anyone would get that my switching to straights you could save money. There are just too many blades that I(we) want. I.e. The Purist. Yikes, I thought cigar smoking and fish tanks were bad!

 

[RetroGrouch]

It's like... "Gee, if I get a fishing rod, I'll never have to buy a fish again..."

And then we get into fly fishing...

Egad. I've spent more on fly fishing gear than I would EVER have spent on fish.

 

[gugi]

Ivan,

You're pure evil. I've heard rumours about tamahagane razors, but have resisted trying one so far.

The funny thing is... my original motivation for getting into straight razor shaving (at least in part) was to save money by not buying disposable blades.

I have now spent enough on razors and accessories to buy several lifetimes of disposable blades. Tamahagane? Not sure I want to go there??

Mike

Mike, shoulda stopped at the John Barber I think I warned you.
Me - I can't shave with money, I'm doomed.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Mike, there are many japanese razors but only one way to find out
It's a slippery slope though, once you master one you'll be wanting a tamahagane, or two... Don't ask me how I know.

Ivan, you speculated (correctly I might add) where my late November of 2007 exit from DE razor shaving to the traditional open blade world of straights might head me.... down a road that indeed included multiple Tony Miller, Puma, and Dubl Duck offerings... See here... http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=377468&postcount=11

I'm going to put Japanese razors out of my mind for now.

 

[RetroGrouch]

Oh give up, Mike. You're sunk.

Go ahead... buy a Japanese straight. You know you're going to eventually. Why put it off??

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Only after I experience a Filly, Dorko, and Palmera.... ALL on my list of things to try.

 

[Crouse229]

"The Purist" just looks down right awesome, very well thought out from a shaving perspective. I think it will be a fantastic shaver.

 

[Seraphim]

In my opinion, and limited experience with a Japanese razor they are no better or worse than any other razor out there.

Exotic? Oh yes, very much so. Very different than a western straight. But does that make it any "better"?

The Tosuke I had certainly took a great edge, but the razor felt kind of "grabby" on my skin. Not the smooth feel you can get with say an extremely sharp Sheffield.

I also had a semi-Japanese style custom made for me a while back, somewhat similar to the Purist (i.e.-symettrical blade, non folding).

What I learned from that design is that with such a short blade, the thumbnotch should be positioned farther from the blade itself, or things get a bit too crowded. With a western style blade, the extra cutting length of te blade spaces the cutting edge away from where you grasp it. I ended up holding it mostly by the flats of the handle portion, much as I did when using the Tosuke.

I am hoping to get a KAI non-folding if they become available, as I really like the look of those, and the lack of asymetry.

 

[Thebigspendur]

When you compare the two styles your comparing two radically different cultures and philosophies.

The asymmetrical edge is designed with one thing in mind and that's one sided shaving and since it is specialized does give a better shave than a western straight. The caveat is probably most who have them either shave two sided or with the wrong side or have not gotten them truly shave ready because they are different to hone and can be tricky.

Also very few use them on a regular basis and fewer exclusively. For most who have them it's a novelty and never really become as skilled as with a western straight.

Also a Tamahagne won't shave better than a plain one any more than a western straight of plain carbon steel shaves less than one of damascus pattern. The real question is do you want to pay big bucks for something you use every now and then.

 

[huntmol]

To me, Japanese straights at much easier to handle than Western straights. I've got an Iwasaki and the shorter blade length and straight handle for some reason really resonate with me, I absolutely love using it.

As far as sharpness goes, I suppose theoretically the blade profile does allow a sharper edge. It certainly feels like I can get a closer shave with one.

I've had it for about a month now and haven't shaved with any of my other razors since it arrived. It'll be a while before I give this one up...

 

[ouch]

I'm going to put Japanese razors out of my mind for now.

Who do you think you're kidding?