Continue from my previous post: Envoy or Nodachi, opinions needed. - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/envoy-or-nodachi-opinions-needed.607728/
My previous post is in the journey of deciding which razor I want to get, this post is my journey with Tatara.
Acknowledgement:
Thanks to all your help, I have narrowed my selection to Tatara. I further private chat with @JPO to ask for advice regarding Nodachi and Muramasa, since both are attainable by me. Watching them side by side for a long time, it is clear that I like the minimalist aesthetics of Masamune more. @JPO mentioned I could use the remaining to get their brush which tempted me, and so I did.
Acquisition:
So I acquired Full Nodachi CC on Masamune handle + Masamune CC plate + Badger brush (my first animal hair brush). The express shipping took only 6 days and with reliable tracking (FedEx in my case). Upon unboxing, the badger brush doesn't smell anything weird for me (maybe the smell is covered by the cork smell instead haha). But it is so tiny (similar size to Omega S Brush), never imagine it is this tiny... Although I haven't use it, its handle feels solid and ergonomic in hand. Perfectly fine for my Asian small hand.
Razor first use:
Today I use the Nodachi with Astra Green blade, using my Yaqi Tuxedo knot brush with B&M Cologne Russe. I come to think that did they give me the wrong top cap? I verify it has shorter blade post, so it is indeed the Nodachi cap. I thought it would be more aggressive than my only razor 6C @ 6, but it is the opposite. Even when using my 6C @ 6 with Astra Green blade, I can still cut myself during ATG on mustache area if my technique slip, and requires a very light touch. So I still have to be extra mindful during ATG with it. But I don't feel worry doing ATG with the Nodachi, it is so much smoother, and more controlled. Reminded me of what Shane from Blackbird told me when I asked him about the Blackbird aggressiveness. Shane told me that I shouldn't worry about it because the Blackbird is more refined and controlled than 6C/6S. Guess I shouldn't really worry about the Blackbird being too aggressive. Attached below Shane's reply.
Continue from saying Nodachi is much smoother and controlled, I think it is also due to Masamune handle's weight. It is lighter than 6C so it is so much easier to control pressure and angle, especially during ATG. With heavier razor like 6C, a very very light touch is required when doing ATG, which is harder to control (but I definitely improved my technique to control pressure from using it too). Grip on Masamune handle is very well, its slimness aside from its weight also helps in control and precision (like a fine writing/painting instrument). Nodachi being smoother might be due to better blade clamping, but I don't know how that feels yet. In my first shave, I also feel that Nodachi has less blade feel compared to 6C @ 6. Weird, I know. FYI, the reason I switch from plate 5 to plate 6 on 6C is because it is much smoother for me. Now the Nodachi is even smoother than that!
Nodachi is very smooth and controlled, not aggressive for me. I even buff it on my mustache area, but no irritation. The Masamune handle is like what I imagine, nimble and precise. Nimble like a sports car instead of heavier razor that is like touring car. The benefit to that nimbleness is very pronounce when you do XTG and ATG, fun like a sports car indeed. It is also a well balanced razor, so very intuitive to use from the first moment. I love it!
My previous post is in the journey of deciding which razor I want to get, this post is my journey with Tatara.
Acknowledgement:
Thanks to all your help, I have narrowed my selection to Tatara. I further private chat with @JPO to ask for advice regarding Nodachi and Muramasa, since both are attainable by me. Watching them side by side for a long time, it is clear that I like the minimalist aesthetics of Masamune more. @JPO mentioned I could use the remaining to get their brush which tempted me, and so I did.
Acquisition:
So I acquired Full Nodachi CC on Masamune handle + Masamune CC plate + Badger brush (my first animal hair brush). The express shipping took only 6 days and with reliable tracking (FedEx in my case). Upon unboxing, the badger brush doesn't smell anything weird for me (maybe the smell is covered by the cork smell instead haha). But it is so tiny (similar size to Omega S Brush), never imagine it is this tiny... Although I haven't use it, its handle feels solid and ergonomic in hand. Perfectly fine for my Asian small hand.
Razor first use:
Today I use the Nodachi with Astra Green blade, using my Yaqi Tuxedo knot brush with B&M Cologne Russe. I come to think that did they give me the wrong top cap? I verify it has shorter blade post, so it is indeed the Nodachi cap. I thought it would be more aggressive than my only razor 6C @ 6, but it is the opposite. Even when using my 6C @ 6 with Astra Green blade, I can still cut myself during ATG on mustache area if my technique slip, and requires a very light touch. So I still have to be extra mindful during ATG with it. But I don't feel worry doing ATG with the Nodachi, it is so much smoother, and more controlled. Reminded me of what Shane from Blackbird told me when I asked him about the Blackbird aggressiveness. Shane told me that I shouldn't worry about it because the Blackbird is more refined and controlled than 6C/6S. Guess I shouldn't really worry about the Blackbird being too aggressive. Attached below Shane's reply.
Continue from saying Nodachi is much smoother and controlled, I think it is also due to Masamune handle's weight. It is lighter than 6C so it is so much easier to control pressure and angle, especially during ATG. With heavier razor like 6C, a very very light touch is required when doing ATG, which is harder to control (but I definitely improved my technique to control pressure from using it too). Grip on Masamune handle is very well, its slimness aside from its weight also helps in control and precision (like a fine writing/painting instrument). Nodachi being smoother might be due to better blade clamping, but I don't know how that feels yet. In my first shave, I also feel that Nodachi has less blade feel compared to 6C @ 6. Weird, I know. FYI, the reason I switch from plate 5 to plate 6 on 6C is because it is much smoother for me. Now the Nodachi is even smoother than that!
Nodachi is very smooth and controlled, not aggressive for me. I even buff it on my mustache area, but no irritation. The Masamune handle is like what I imagine, nimble and precise. Nimble like a sports car instead of heavier razor that is like touring car. The benefit to that nimbleness is very pronounce when you do XTG and ATG, fun like a sports car indeed. It is also a well balanced razor, so very intuitive to use from the first moment. I love it!
