Kamisori - where should i start?

[dpetrzelka]

Ok, after jumping into straights, collecting more than I need, learning to hone, and make strops, I've been bitten by the urge to try a Kamisori. Very specifically the solid steel handle style (Not a rubber grip, or Feather replaceable blade).

I've seen the beautiful work from Iwasaki (Ryuichi Mizuouchi ), and then the myriad ones listed on Ebay. Not being able to read Kanji or Kana its more challenging to be able to identify reputable blades.

Are there any makers offering entry level Kamisori?
If one wanted to get started with kamisori is there the Whipped Dog Sight-unseen or Dovo Best of Japanese razors?

Thanks for any advice you can share.

 

[Kentos]

Sadly there is no whipped dog equivalent. Kamisori tend to be more pricy and rare, so getting one on the cheap is difficult. I would expect to pay 100.00 minimum from a reputable person for a shave ready kamisori. I would not worry too much about the maker as long as it is a vintage blade.

You might try posting a BST wtb and see.

 

[dpetrzelka]

Thanks Kent.

Just might have to offer up some straights in trade on the BST and see if anyone wants to head the other direction.

 

[gash]

If you hunt about in the B&B archives a bit, you'll see several names mentioned often. I think that a lower-priced razor from any of those will probably thrill you. That's what I got, and it thrills me.

Make sure you have it honed well and/or learn how to hone it. The technique is different from that used to hone Western razors. I find that in order to give a smooth shave, my kamisori must be much sharper than a Western straight. It's not difficult, but it does take a little practice.