Japanese vs western

[ixiboneheadixi]

So what's the difference between a traditional Japanese razor and a western razor, I hear a lot about the Japanese razors.

Pics would be good too explaining what the differences are and what traditional materials they are made from, also is one better over the other

 

[Legion]

Is one better than another? that is a matter of opinion. Traditional razors have an asymmetrical grind, with a hard cutting edge made from iron rich sand (tamahagane), bonded to a spine and handle of softer, cheaper steel. There are variations on that though, these days.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...ures-Japanese-Razors?highlight=japanese+razor

 

[ixiboneheadixi]

Is one better than another? that is a matter of opinion. Traditional razors have an asymmetrical grind, with a hard cutting edge made from iron rich sand (tamahagane), bonded to a spine and handle of softer, cheaper steel. There are variations on that though, these days.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...ures-Japanese-Razors?highlight=japanese+razor

I figured the Japanese razors would have asymmetrical grind, almost all Japanese blades seemto have one side not have any sort of grind just flat and the other side ground

 

[Legion]

I figured the Japanese razors would have asymmetrical grind, almost all Japanese blades seemto have one side not have any sort of grind just flat and the other side ground

In Japanese it is the Omote (explicit, or front), and Ura (implicit, or back). Both are slightly hollow, but the Ura is the side with the stamps, and is honed (usually) with less reps than the Omote.

The Omote Vs Ura concept is used a lot in Japanese culture, from Akido to social etiquette.

 

[paco664]

i have and use both.... "better"... is a state of mind....

 

[Kentos]

Check out the link in my sig.

Like everything else in our "hobby" it's a personal thing. I prefer kamisori grinds to conventional grinds mainly because I can hone them up sharper. This likely due to lack of skill than anything else, but whew, my kamisori are deadly sharp .

 

[mainaman]

I figured the Japanese razors would have asymmetrical grind, almost all Japanese blades seemto have one side not have any sort of grind just flat and the other side ground

no side on kamisori is flat.

 

[mainaman]

Check out the link in my sig.

Like everything else in our "hobby" it's a personal thing. I prefer kamisori grinds to conventional grinds mainly because I can hone them up sharper. This likely due to lack of skill than anything else, but whew, my kamisori are deadly sharp .

It is not your skill is lacking for western style razors. The geometry of kamisori is done such that they get keened edger because the angle is smaller than usual also the grind makes for cleaner cut.