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View Full Version : Impulse purchase.



wdwrx
01-18-2010, 04:22 PM
Thanks for all the great posts here; I've been lurking around for a few days wondering if Str8 was really the way to go. I've scoped out a couple of nice entry-level razors but was a little put off by the start up costs (what with strops and hones etc it adds up pretty quick!). Then, today, (since I had the day off) I impulsivley stopped in to a hair cutting supply place to "just see" what they might have (I wasn't really expecting much). However, the sales-girl perked right up and said "sure!". She led me over to the discount shelf and showed me some "Kai" razors with disposable blades. Wasn't really what I was looking for but I thought if they were cheap enough, it might be a good (read cheap) place to start. When asked, she told me they were only $10.00 each (Canuck bucks), So I bought 'em. Both. A straight "japanese" and a folding style. And about 4 packs of blades. Then, Forty bucks poorer, I got home and googled "Kai" and was surprised to learn that they might be worth $200 each!!!!! Could that possibly be right? (They are actually called "Captain Excelia" manufactured by "Kai", a type R and a type J)
Next question (and more importantly): Are these thing real razors suitable for face shaving? After my first shave I came away looking like I'd lost a fight to an alley cat. There were a few moments when it felt like it was going well but as I progressed my confidence and cockiness seemed to give way to abject fear.
I'd love to break the "Gillete Syndrome", partly because I'm cheap and partly because I believe that as a culture we consume far far too many "disposable" items and have made it my crusade to try and beat 'em at their own game so I'm determined to ride this out. I just hope this doesn't set me off on the wrong foot. Is this going to be the same or similar shaving experience to a more traditional str8?
Thanks in advance :001_smile

Gruder
01-18-2010, 05:18 PM
I don't personally know a thing about the Kais, but the folks who do will be along shortly. In the meantime, welcome to B&B!

mark2cars
01-18-2010, 05:21 PM
+1 right you will get the answers here!! Have fun !!
Happpy Shaves !!!:thumbup:

Bertilak
01-18-2010, 05:24 PM
I can't help but anyone who can will probably need pictures.

wdwrx
01-18-2010, 06:52 PM
Thanks... I sometimes don't see the obvious. Here's some pics.

I've been digging around a bit more (my eyes are ready to bug out and the kids are clamoring for supper) and I think this was a pretty good score! It seems to be a japanese version of a "Feather" (No first-hand experience here at all) Based on another thread that showed up thru google I gather that they may not be available on the American market.... something to do with customs and the FDA blah blah blah.
Also they are apparently very unforgiving.... explains the blood loss. The technique I tried to use seems more geared to the old-school razor the barber used on me last week as opposed to the one required by this particular razor: it is INSANELY sharp!

TheShaun
01-18-2010, 09:10 PM
I don't know a darn thing about anything, but those are sexy!

A_Jameson
01-19-2010, 06:27 AM
I don't know a darn thing about anything, but those are sexy!

They sure are!

JPM
01-19-2010, 09:02 AM
Welcome to B&B!

winkydink
01-19-2010, 01:06 PM
Welcome to Badger & Blade! You might ask over in the Straight Razor forum about the Kai's

NickCutlip
01-19-2010, 02:14 PM
Welcome to B&B !!