Tatara Masamune advice sought

[MatH]

Hi,

I am a shaver with a VERY sensitive neck - I currently use a Muhle r89, which I am pretty happy with, and previously used a Merkur HD which I found a tad aggressive. I have also tried a Fatip Grande which was a disaster, irritation-wise.

Anyway, tis the season and all that, and I am currently eyeing a Tatara Masamune; I've done my research and am hoping for a razor that is as gentle as my r89 but maybe just a little more efficient. Also I just fancy a stainless steel razor, and this looks like being a good 'un.

I can't stress too much how much I need mildness in my razor; with that in mind, would this be a wise choice? I'd rather not blow £145 on something that is going to leave me with a red neck.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

 

[Goblin]

Hi Matt (?)

We can talk about razors, but I also want to talk a little about technique. I own all the razors you have tried and can get decent shaves from all of them - but it wasn't always like that.

Can I ask how long you have been shaving and what your shave routine looks like? How often are you shaving? Do you know your beard map, etc? How long did you spend trying the other razors before you decided that they didn't work for you? I think lots of new shavers see guys like us swapping razors for every shave and think that it's easy, but actually it take a lot of practice to be able to do that. Initially, switching from your first razor to a second can take you a ways back down the shave quality curve and you need to spend time adapting.

I may be wrong, but I would be prepared to bet that with a bit of troubleshooting and practice on your part, we can get you better shaves with ANY razor. The shiny new razor will then be the icing on the cake!

FWIW I don't own the Masamune safety bar. I do own the Nodachi and just bought the Masamune OC. I think the Masamune SB would be too mild for me personally, but I am accustomed to razors with a bit more blade feel and aggression - I love the Fatip. I think if you know that you want a mild razor with a safety bar, the regular Masamune is certainly a good option to look at. Tatara razors are just great.

 

[idjekyll]

The TRC Level 1 shaver is pretty mild reasonably efficient. Might give that a go. Not that expensive.

 

[bartje-p]

I have both the R89 and the Masamune (in SB and OC). While I get a decent shave from the Mühle, the build quality of the Masamune is on another level. I also believe the blade is clamped much tighter in the head. I think we all have a sensitive neck, but the Masamune sure delivers a comfortable shave. Perhaps the OC even more so than the SB? But it still remains a very personal thing for sure.

And don't forget the tips @Goblin gave above! And make sure you find the right blade for the right razor. And lastly, if your neck is very sensitive, forget about against the grain there, at least for a longer period until your neck has settled down (and your face is used to classic shaving).

 

[MatH]

Hi,

Many thanks for your reply.

I've been shaving with a DE razor for around 20 years, so not a newbie. I have a pretty good idea of my beard map, and as far as routine goes I wash my face before lathering with a shave cream - historically mostly TOBS although I'm currently using Proraso red. I then do a single pass wtg, and then some touching up if any spots are a bit rough. I tend to reserve a full second pass for special occasions or if I'm just in the mood for a better shave.

I shaved with the previously mentioned Merkur HD for about 10 years before deciding I wanted something a little milder, so lack of perseverance is not my biggest problem. The Fatip was just impossible - I tried different blades, shaving angles etc. and just ended up with a very sore neck every time.

 

[MatH]

A

Hi,

Many thanks for your reply.

I've been shaving with a DE razor for around 20 years, so not a newbie. I have a pretty good idea of my beard map, and as far as routine goes I wash my face before lathering with a shave cream - historically mostly TOBS although I'm currently using Proraso red. I then do a single pass wtg, and then some touching up if any spots are a bit rough. I tend to reserve a full second pass for special occasions or if I'm just in the mood for a better shave.

I shaved with the previously mentioned Merkur HD for about 10 years before deciding I wanted something a little milder, so lack of perseverance is not my biggest problem. The Fatip was just impossible - I tried different blades, shaving angles etc. and just ended up with a very sore neck every time.

Apologies for my ineptitude, I was replying to Goblin

 

[MatH]

The TRC Level 1 shaver is pretty mild reasonably efficient. Might give that a go. Not that expensive.

Unfortunately it looks like TRC razors are not readily available here in the UK

 

[Goblin]

I've been shaving with a DE razor for around 20 years, so not a newbie. I have a pretty good idea of my beard map, and as far as routine goes I wash my face before lathering with a shave cream - historically mostly TOBS although I'm currently using Proraso red. I then do a single pass wtg, and then some touching up if any spots are a bit rough. I tend to reserve a full second pass for special occasions or if I'm just in the mood for a better shave.

I shaved with the previously mentioned Merkur HD for about 10 years before deciding I wanted something a little milder, so lack of perseverance is not my biggest problem. The Fatip was just impossible - I tried different blades, shaving angles etc. and just ended up with a very sore neck every time.

Ah, okay. In that case I think we can safely say you are not a beginner!

Some thoughts, nevertheless, and my apologies if it seems like I am teaching my grandma to suck eggs!

- You might try shaving after showering to help ensure those whiskers are good and soft. It can make them easier to shave, which means less pressure, which means less chance of irritation.
- Our beards change over time, usually getting tougher. After 20 years it could be that a different blade or even getting accustomed to something with a bit more aggression might help, even if it takes some time to adjust.
- Are you absolutely, 100% sure that your grain doesn't change direction or do swirls on the neck? It seems crazy to ask after 20 years, but it is worth being completely sure because going ATG on the neck is one of the main causes of neck irritation.

Otherwise, I can echo what @bartje-p says about Tataras in general. I recently spent a lot of time trying to decide what razor in the £200 bracket to add to my collection and just couldn't make up my mind, then I thought, "Why not just get another Tatara?" I had absolutely no qualms about that because my experience of the Nodachi was so positive.

 

[MatH]

- Are you absolutely, 100% sure that your grain doesn't change direction or do swirls on the neck? It seems crazy to ask after 20 years, but it is worth being completely sure because going ATG on the neck is one of the main causes of neck irritation.

Yes, my hair does indeed grow in different directions on different parts of my neck, which I accommodate as best I can!

 

[Goblin]

Sounds like you know your onions.

I am thinking what other mild stainless steel options are easily available in Europe / UK and I have to say that I think given your preferences, if it was a choice between dropping circa £100 on a Gamechanger or spending an additional 50% on the Tatara...I would choose the Tatara. There's something about how they shave where it feels like the razor just gets out of the way and lets you do the job with zero fuss - that's a sign of a well designed tool!

 

[bartje-p]

Mind you, I am a lover of mild razors, though I also like a smooth face for (most of) the next 24 hours af a shave. So I am liking the mild OC razors very much lately as well. I have Karve CB with OC-B plate, RR Game Changer .68 OC and Masamune OC. All are capable (for me) to deliver fuss free, comfortable and smooth shaves. So may be worth looking into that direction as well. I think for the neck area, the Masamune OC can't be beaten by any of my others razors in terms of comfort!

 

[gdawg55]

The Masamune is a very good mild razor….superb quality. I use it on occasion when I just want a mild shave. If I want a really close shave I have to use the Nodachi plate and cap. With the Tatara you have options. You can use the Nodachi cap with the Masamune base plate and up the efficiency a tad while still getting a mild shave if you ever feel the need.

 

[smudge]

I'm surprised that no-one has mentioned the Feather AS-D2. Very mild razor, but IF you learn the correct angle (about 45 degrees) it will shave you absolutely BBS.

 

[BigAlVista]

Sounds like you know your onions.

I am thinking what other mild stainless steel options are easily available in Europe / UK and I have to say that I think given your preferences, if it was a choice between dropping circa £100 on a Gamechanger or spending an additional 50% on the Tatara...I would choose the Tatara. There's something about how they shave where it feels like the razor just gets out of the way and lets you do the job with zero fuss - that's a sign of a well designed tool!

A stainless Athena would be wonderful, if the price is doable. Maybe an Overlander or (as @smudge suggested) a Feather AS-D2?

 

[SaguaroSmart]

I cannot speak to the Masamune other than from what I've read it sounds like a mild comfortable razor like the Muhle R89 (it has both low blade gap and negative exposure) and it is made of 303 stainless steel and CNC machined to high precision so I doubt you could go wrong with it.

I'm not sure how easily available those are in UK but the Razorock GameChanger 68P (safety bar model) also perfectly fit the description of what you are looking for. It is slightly more efficient than the Muhle R89, fully CNC machined in 316L stainless steel and very comfortable for daily shaves.

 

[Lane101]

Hi,

I am a shaver with a VERY sensitive neck - I currently use a Muhle r89, which I am pretty happy with, and previously used a Merkur HD which I found a tad aggressive. I have also tried a Fatip Grande which was a disaster, irritation-wise.

Anyway, tis the season and all that, and I am currently eyeing a Tatara Masamune; I've done my research and am hoping for a razor that is as gentle as my r89 but maybe just a little more efficient. Also I just fancy a stainless steel razor, and this looks like being a good 'un.

I can't stress too much how much I need mildness in my razor; with that in mind, would this be a wise choice? I'd rather not blow £145 on something that is going to leave me with a red neck.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Hi Mat, Have you ever tried a King C. Gillette DE razor? It's one of the mildest razors out there at a fairly modest $20-$30 U.S. price point. Have heard of lower prices in the U.K. I use one with great results and you can look at the many reviews that further confirm how mild it is.

 

[MatH]

Well, I pulled the trigger and a Tatara Masamune was waiting for me under the tree this morning. I've used it once and... Wow. I've no bad words to say about my previous razor, a Muhle R89, but the Masamune is a wonderful piece of kit, taking my shave to a whole new level of mildness and efficiency. One very satisfied customer here.

 

[Zynn]

@MatH
It looks really nice! Hope you had a good Christmas.

Keep us updated on the razor, and your thoughts about it.

 

[Scaramouche]

Congrats and Merry Christmas! On another level, but their Muramasa adjustable has the benefit of being able to be dialed in to your technique and skin, and also a very solid build and unique mechanism. Complaints have only been that it is TOO mild and not adjustable enough on the high end (and no ability to swap handles - also expensive), but I've found it to be the sweet spot for adjustables for me, with a daily "3" being more than enough, with plenty of overhead for a longer beard after a few days. If you're an R41 fan, not your cup of tea, but one of the great and classic adjustables IMO.

 

[Dark Stag]

View attachment 1965093Well, I pulled the trigger and a Tatara Masamune was waiting for me under the tree this morning. I've used it once and... Wow. I've no bad words to say about my previous razor, a Muhle R89, but the Masamune is a wonderful piece of kit, taking my shave to a whole new level of mildness and efficiency. One very satisfied customer here.

Congrats! Masamune really is a smooth razor. If you want to try more aggressive in the future, you can buy a Nodachi base plate and/or top cap, they're interchangeable with Masamune.