opinion on this Kamisori

[Robster]

Hi to all Japanese blade aficionados... I have a question. I'm looking to get a kamisori and wonder what people think of this:


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Smiling-...LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item46100e2ae3&_uhb=1

Some interesting points that I'd like opinions on also:

• Razors shave ready
• please do not use regular belt stroper for all his razors only used "PADDALE STROPERS"
• etc

What's the though? Has anyone purchased one of these? Are they really shave ready? What's with the paddle strop only comment? etc

Would love the feedback, thank you.

Rob

 

[u2u]

I am interested in the feedback you get as I want to venture into a Kamisori as well. My guess is with a belt strop the blade geometry would not be suited to how such a strop is used. A paddle strop would allow you to work with the different angles involved on this style blade. If you buy this item please let us know how it goes.

 

[Robster]

yes that makes sense. I wonder then about the portability of a setup like that. Sounds like it won't be a traveler but that's ok, I have other solutions for that.

So... Anyone have some thoughts on that razor? Would love some feedback from those who have experience with this.

Thanks again,

Rob

 

[Mike H]

Lezcha was a member here last year, he made some interesting razors. I don't remember anyone complaining about his razors, nor do I remember praise either. Just not a lot of feed back from owners. However, I think if I were buying a kamisori, I would get one from japan.

 

[Doc226]

IMO a kamosori should have a straight edge not a smile.

 

[Legion]

Lezcha was a member here last year, he made some interesting razors. I don't remember anyone complaining about his razors, nor do I remember praise either. Just not a lot of feed back from owners. However, I think if I were buying a kamisori, I would get one from japan.

Yes, I remember he made some very unusual designs. I don't think anybody here claimed to have bought one to try out, though. But he has been doing this for a while, which says something, I guess.

 

[Doc226]

I know Paco had a kamisori of his, not sure if he still does or what he thought of it.

 

[Gamma]

That blade-maker has been the focus of some controversy.
It's my opinion that the controversy was nonsense generated by an uninformed user that messed up his razor and then went to great lengths to prove that he didn't. That's my opinion.
Basically - someone bought a smiling western style razor and he claimed it could not be sharpened.
I really don't know - I think that if tempering was an issue with this maker, then there would be more than one issue online.
Even so - the guy offered to regrind the blade for the buyer - and that didn't seem to end the debate.
Methinks there's more to the story than what meets the eye and I put more stock in the maker than I do with the complainer.

But, I digress,

I never owned one of his blades - but I have talked with people that have.
The overall opinon of his work has been very positive.
The stropping thing - that's a personal choice but perhaps the maker is tired of people rolling edges on hanging leather/linen.
He makes some really extreme smiling blades, very interesting stuff. I have seriously considered buying one of his western style blades. I very nearly bought the controversial blade I mentioned above. But only for the challenge, and that's not a reason to spend that kind of money so I passed.

 

[Robster]

Excellent responses and very much appreciated.

I think I'd give one a go, but the traditionalist in me has decided to go a straight blade. I'll keep hunting and will no doubt be back for more advice.

Thanks again everyone, I'm really happy to hear the feedback.

Rob

 

[Bayamontate]

I've had a Lezcha Kamisori for close to two years and like it a lot, nice size (13/16th), steel is very good, hones easily and holds its edge.

P.S. I agree with Gamma on that drama, complete non-sense.

 

[u2u]

I've had a Lezcha Kamisori for close to two years and like it a lot, nice size (13/16th), steel is very good, hones easily and holds its edge.

P.S. I agree with Gamma on that drama, complete non-sense.

For those that might head in the direction of a kamisori are there issues with hanging strops? Must you use a paddle strop? Thanks.

 

[Gamma]

It's my feeling that any strop can be used. I think the paddle is safer for beginners in a way but they are not a 'must'.
I am not a Kami user - but I use one sometimes. I know - that doesn't make sense.
Anyway - I use a hanging strop without issues.

 

[Kentos]

For a first foray into Kamisori I would stick with a traditional one. If you are patient they do crop up once in a while. Having a smiling blade may make it harder for the novice to sharpen. YMMV and they are hard to find sometimes.

I also strop my Kami's on hanging leather too.

 

[Bayamontate]

I use a hanging strop without issue, I also think the paddle strop thing is directed toward novice users. A smiling Kamisori is a nice option for those so inclined. If you hone on any level, a rolling stroke should be in your arsenal, not everything razor is perfectly straight.