A Kamisori Chronicle

[gigglemonk]

Ive been wetshaving for about 5 months. I wasn't thinking Id ever be into straights as they simply dont appeal to me aesthetically. All that changed when I saw a kamisori. Since then I started hunting the bay for something I could afford. I ended up with a used kamisori that I dont think was intended for shaving. From my amateur research, I think the kamisori I have right now is for trimming eyebrows and may very well be intended primarily for womens beauty care (on the face!).
Nevertheless, I had it honed by a well respected honemeister and yesterday took it to my face for the first time (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/272552-First-Kamisori-shave-first-straight-shave-ever).

Today was my second shave with it. I took it a bit farther today, shaving both cheeks WTG and XTG and a bit of the mustache area. I mainly used the blade in the traditional fashion with the omote against my skin. For the few strokes I did with the ura I didnt see much of a difference though I felt better using the traditional method. I finished with an Astra in my Psycho Tech

I did find some interesting points about the shaving:

Im right handed so getting to the left side of my face with this blade is tough with a WTG pass. It was much easier to make a XTG pass, more of a WTG/XTG hybrid pass. Im guessing that this is due to the efforts at keeping only one side of the blade against my face.

My lathering technique sucks. I use MWF mostly, sometimes superlathering with TOBS Lavender. With the DE I was able to get away with lather a tad dry, not so with the kamisori. The lack of lubrication was extremely apparent. I took a pass with my DE to compare and it felt like my normal shave. The straight though needed much more slick. I made a second batch of goopy, sour cream like lather and the blade cruised through my whiskers like OJ Simpson at 35mph on the freeway, smooth and nonchalant.

Its going to take tons of practice. I still find myself turning the razor the wrong way when looking in the mirror, I have no idea how I'll ever figure out how to shave my neck much less the chin.

Im not sure how to get some of the angles. I found myself reaching around my head and gently setting the razor on my face only to have my line of sight to the mirror interrupted by a bicep that needs some definition.


So, my shave today was very very nice. A little razor burn near my jawline but otherwise fine. I ended up at the pharmacy looking at the AS selection. I treated myself to a bottle of Royall Bay Rhum and they had a Tweezerman brush which I bought as well.

So far, sooooooooo fun!

[Kentos]

Great Journal! It will be interesting to see how a kamisori can be used as a first straight razor.

Now Gentlemen, let's refrain from turning this great journal into a dissertation on the one side vs. two sided use please :)...

[paco664]

I don't see why a kami can't be a first straight razor... My 2nd razor was a kami....

[Kentos]

Not sure, but it isnt the first razor I would let loose on my son :).

[RyanR]

I've been seriously thinking about buying one. The price has kept me from buying one. Keep posting and let us know how it's going.

[GFlanagan3]

I have one on the way...straight shaving is coming slowly but I am not giving up....I keep reminding SWBO "chicks dig scars"....and it is funny the look she gives me...yea..THAT look

[Earcutter]

Im not sure how to get some of the angles. I found myself reaching around my head and gently setting the razor on my face only to have my line of sight to the mirror interrupted by a bicep that needs some definition.


So far, sooooooooo fun!

If the "angles" are bothering you - try taping the blade and doing a couple "dry runs." You'll only need to do it once as you'll get there soon enough, but it might make you more comfortable to start.

[Jporco]

I like the idea of taping the edge to experiment with different angles, a lot safer than figuring the right angle with a sharp edge on your neck. I see no reason why the Kami would be better only after you use a straight. In fact the smaller blade might actually be easier to maneuver with out the scales to get in the way. I love my two kami, but with the exception of respecting the sharpness of the blade, I see no reason why using one is the best prereq. for using the other.

Just my $.02

[Jporco]

Oh, forgot.....where are the pics!!!!!

[gigglemonk]

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There it is, my first straight, futogobana or 'twin flower'. Today was my 3rd shave with the kamisori. I made a much wetter lather this time. A marble sized dollop of TOBS Lavender cream in the bowl and loaded my brush for 1 minute with MWF. Kept adding water til I got a goopy, slick beautiful lather.

Instead of lathering my whole face, I just lathered my right cheek and went WTG and then proceeded to do the same on the left. Again, on my left side I cant get quite reach enough to get a proper WTG (still using only the omote against my skin) so its more of XTG/WTG mixed pass. Worked much better today with the better lather. I felt confident enough to try an XTG pass on the right side. So I lather the cheek again. With my DE, the first XTG pass in ear to mouth. With the kami, getting that reach wasnt going to happen. I went mouth to ear with little, short strokes and it felt fine. Watching the lather crowd up on the blade in my mirror was pretty cool. And the aural feedback is just plain awesome.
On the left side I can get an ear to mouth pass but not a mouth to ear pass. This side went fine as well.
I asked my GF to feel my cheeks and tell me which one was smoother. She thought the left was so I did another WTG pass on the right and then on the left as well. Just having too much fun! As I was pulling my ear and getting a few more strokes on my left cheek, my GF got a little too into my shave. She slapped my @ss as she shouted something about this type of shaving being hot. She failed to register that I was holding what may be the sharpest implement in our home against my face.
Luckily there was no cut whatsoever. I gave her a look and before I said anything she apologized and left the bathroom.
All in all an excellent shave. Finished with the DE and a splash of Royall Bay Rhum followed by a little talk with my GF. So far, no nicks, no weepers. Just a close call from an overexcited lover who thought my strop was a dog leash but we can talk about that tomorrow.

[Kentos]

Looks like a nice Kamisori to me. How big is it BTW? It looks pretty big to me.

[gigglemonk]

Actually its pretty small

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I am waiting on another one. The cutting edge on this one is a bit smaller than a DE. The one I am waiting for is more conventional size.

[Jporco]

Very nice journal of your experience. Nice to see your significant other enjoying your progress as well!

[Jporco]

Looks like a nice Kamisori to me. How big is it BTW? It looks pretty big to me.
I agree..... (grunt, snort, grunt).....We are talking about the razor, right!

[gigglemonk]

Yesterday and today I repeated the same process of lathering one cheek at a time and going for two passes, WTG and XTG. I was pretty damn nervous yesterday because my girlfriend, (I love her, though her judgement is questionable. shes with me after all!) besides smacking my @ss while shaving, thought my strop was a dog leash. She rolled it up, threw it in the truck and went up to the hills with the dogs.
Hmmmm, time for a little shaving gear clinic with my better half! It was an easy mistake as the strop was horsehide that I made myself, just like the dog leashes. Same rivets and everything. So she now knows a bit more about wetshaving than most men of this day and age.
The only other strop I have is a Pike Strop/Hone that was given to me by a friend. It looks fine, a bit dry, but workable. I treated it with Neatsfoot oil and took the blade to it for 150 laps due to the much shortened area. Yesterdays shave seemed to pull a bit so today I was thinking 'Hey, I'll just take it to the hone!' Luckily I restrained myself and tried 200 laps on the strop side.
Very fine shave! My lather has improved so much I cant see how I made this far with Feathers. Lucky I guess.
A few weeks ago I saw the user Earcutter and had no clue where that name would come from. My 2nd pass today let me know. A tiny little slice that stopped bleeding before I could apply the styptic. And my GF didnt even have to spank me!

[paco664]

Actually its pretty small

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I am waiting on another one. The cutting edge on this one is a bit smaller than a DE. The one I am waiting for is more conventional size.

GAHHHH!!!!! he's a giant!!!!! burn him!!!


sorry..... very nice kamisori ya got there...

[gigglemonk]

So far so good! I ordered a cheap strop from Larry at whipped dog and a balsa strop. Im not to into spending a lot on a strop but I'll spend 200 on my next kami, go figure. Anyhow, stropping on the Pike Strop/Hone (strophone!) isnt the best but its getting me by. I needed to touch up the blade 3 or 4 times during todays shave. The shortened area kinda sucks.
I went for my usual shave today, lathering each cheek and going for two passes. I attempted my my mustache and noticed how much my grip on the blade made a difference. It also let me see that the heel was much sharper than the 'toe' (On billyblades he explain how the term toe is incorrect though he doesnt offer the correct terminology so.....). A few passes on the Pike changed that.
No razor burn, no nicks. Finished with my DE. By the way, it feels like I can do anything with the DE after using the straight.

[gigglemonk]

For whatever reason, using the traditional method is how I shave with this thing. I have tried to turn the ura against my face but after one or two strokes I end up flipping the blade back over. I wouldnt be surprised though if this changes when I start going ATG.
Im having a tough time on my mustache and chin. The hair is so much tougher I find myself applying pressure and, luckily, stopping before I nick myself. The man who honed it for my told me that for the test shave he used very short strokes due to 'lack of mass'. Maybe my little kamisori just isnt up for the tougher whiskers?
I am positive now that this is the size designated for women. After a bit of research and measuring, Ive got a Jr or Ms. version of the Japanese wonder razor!
Blade length is 33mm, very light.
I ordered a loupe today and a flattening stone in preparation for the imminent HAD

[Kentos]

Great progress so far :). I find the my razor doesnt like to go through longish stubble. It mowed down my 1" goatee without a wimper, but doesnt like ATG on my lip without a WTG and XTG pass first. It is likely technique, so YMMV.

[gigglemonk]

Today being Saturday I gave myself a lot of time with the blade. In the shower I lathered up and let the soap do its work. When I got out, I lathered again and took the blade to my new strop from whipped dog. Having a full length strop is so nice after using the strop/hone for a few days.
The third lather, MWF, and it was time to take the straight to the whiskers. I ended up shaving my mustache AND chin AND neck for the first time today! Getting the blade angles is definitely a slow process but it was a decent go. WTG for my whole face, not that great around the upper lip and neck but the whiskers were reduced!
Cheeks and chin got a 2nd XTG pass and then finished with the DE. Again, the DE feels effortless now. I bet I could get a DFS doing jumping jacks with the Tech now!

The neck is pretty tricky. I flipped the ura towards my skin and immediately flipped it back. No idea why Im sticking to the omote only tradition. It suits me I guess.
My neck hair grows crazy like a lot of us, practice practice practice.

So far, one little nick, minor razor burn. The Royall Bay Rhum gives me quite a burn if Ive been careless so Ive been using it as a metering agent to see how Im doing. This is just plain awesome.

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[gigglemonk]

I wont be shaving today, though I really want to! My beard is barely grown in after yesterdays shave. If I pass my hand WTG on my cheeks and chin, it feel 'BBS' still. ATG i can feel it, but not much at all. Maybe Ill start applying rogaine to my face so I can shave twice daily!

[gigglemonk]

This blade just keeps getting better. Larrys strop makes a huge difference. I was able to do my entire beard again today. 2 passes on each cheek, upper lip, chin and neck. Neck and upper lip were the funkiest due to direction of hair growth and my noobish technique. Still a fine shave though.
Before I finished up with the DE I checked my face... Best shave ever on my cheeks. Almost BBS save for a little bit of stubble ATG. And I mean a little!


Technique is improving slower than my confidence, but its coming along. Some HAD is creeping in and I welcome it fully and without shame.

[gigglemonk]

No problems at all so far! No treacherous bleeders, dinged blades, nicked strops or lacerated lips. I think that most of the fear around straight shaving is simply out of lack of effort. It looks scary so few people try it out. So glad I gave it a shot. Im currently trying to recruit a few friends. Got them on the soap and brush, as for DEs or straights though, no one is biting.

Ive been wondering about stropping. Im doing 100 strokes before the shave and then 75 after the shave. Is it possible to overstrop? Even if technique is good? And with good technique, how many passes do most of us do?

[Kentos]

No you can't overstrop, but I settled on 40 leather prior and 10 leather after. Havent found the need for linen on a Kamisori yet.

Just had a shave with a western today, and not quite the same. Kamisoris may have ruined me forever!

[paco664]

great job monk....

i have been straight shaving for a long time and i still get weepers *(on the neck.. for some reason i always get gooseybumps and the razor removes the top of them quite effectively) and i guarantee myself a near "home alone" moment after every shave when i put on pinaud bay rum......

but i don't mind the pain....

[gigglemonk]

Well I should have waited another day to shave. I guess my growth is not fast enough, nor is my technique good enough, to shave everyday. Today my beard barely visible though ATG I could feel it and in a few places XTG as well. I decided to shave anyways. Now I have a mild razorburn and a stubbly shave. I did a single pass and removed some hair but it seems that the places on my face that were close to DFS before the shave are now just plain pi$*ed off.
I stopped after the first pass. Didnt want to tempt the gods with an XTG attempt. I dont think I was using too much pressure but Im not going to rule that out. I know that what I think and what is aren't always the same thing.
Anyways, not gonna shave tomorrow. And to cope with that Ill probably bust out my new loupe and ogle some edges. IF I dont drop a ton of cash on some Jnats!

[paco664]

i honed up my homemade kami tonight... slowly but surely i am correcting a fault of my original grinding....... anyway....

1k and set a beautiful bevel on it..... then to the coticule and it was looking beautiful... finished it up on the 15k welsh slate.... beautiful edge porn through the scope....

lathered up with TOBS jermyn st after a nice hot shower.... weeper on the first pass... lol.. *(mustache is where i always start) removed a little pimple... then finished WTG... 2nd pass ATG and touch ups..... it bit me 3 times *(damn thing is sharp).... but i got a DFS....

love this razor...

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr226/barton664/IMG467.jpg

[gigglemonk]

That thing is beautiful!

[paco664]

That thing is beautiful!

thanks.. it took me about 1.5-2 hours to make it at work.... *(not counting tempering).....

it is becoming one of my go to razors.... but i think it was "over sharp" tonight.... i got a "placement" cut.. *(where you place it against the skin to start a pass and it just kind of bites you to say "pay attention"...)

[gigglemonk]

Do the shaves always get better with straights? Todays was ridiculously nice. I took the razor to the green CrOx balsa for 30 passes and then the red FeOx. Leather strop and POW!. Awesome shave! Two full passes over entire face. Felt great! Still cleaned up with the DE. Im now noticing that I am overdoing with the soap. Ive been loading a ton for a wet, slick lather. Time for more soap!

[gigglemonk]

First weeper! I was attempting XTG on my chin. It was surprising to see a spot of blood grow and grow but otherwise uneventful.
I noticed that for the most part my passes are very very straightforward, no scything or slicing. I did start to scythe a bit on my upper lip without planning on it. Seems to be a natural motion of my arm. I dont think I want to repeat it all too often though. I dont feel nervous about cutting myself with the straight but I do have a healthy respect for the razor and for the integrity of my skin.

[kg4ghn]

Only back on B&B for a few days and already I see something new I want to try that I have been happily living without...

[gigglemonk]

Today I was distracted during my shave, work stuff, etc, and decided after one pass to go with the DE. I wasn't paying attention and did not want to drop my razor or cut myself. I think I made the right decision though it feels like wasted time! At least Im not bleeding.
I also received my first alum block in the mail today along with a bottle of Dominica, more distractions!

[gigglemonk]

WOWOWOWOWOWWWWWWWWWWW! Completed my shave today without the DE!

PRE: Hot shower and applied lather in shower followed by 40 passes on the 'flawed' travel strop
SHAVE: Razorock Boston Tea Party Soap, Tweezerman
3 passes, WTG, XTG and ATG with no weepers whatsoever. The Razorock was phenomenal and it gave me enough courage to try the ATG.
POST: Dominica

Damn close to BBS, cheeks total BBS. The blade moved fine through the mustache and chin. Angles are coming a bit more natural now. ATG seemed alright, lots of practice needed though. Touched up with nothing more than old water on a few spots.

Just feels great. I have another kamisori on the way as well! Ive got some ideas for what to do once I get my second blade

[paco664]

congrats...

[gigglemonk]

Ive been using Razorocks Green Tea soap for the past few days and it really disagrees with my skin. This morning I superlathered with my favorite MWF and TOBS lavender cream. Excellent shave. Ive started to noticed with just a tad more pressure I can mow through the upper lip much more smooth. Idont want to get carried away and start putting pressure everywhere but it seems that just a bit where appropriate can facilitate a smooth stroke.

Also, with a straight it seems that less passes are necessary for DFS. One WTG, and then ATG on cheeks and XTG on chin and upper lip and done.

So into this! I have my 2nd kamisori paid for and should be shipped on Mon. If all goes well Im thinking of doing a pass around with my current kami for those who havent tried one yet.

[gigglemonk]

I simply dont get it... Why did I wait so long to learn a straight? Ive started going ATG on the cheeks with no issues. The neck is still a beast. Shaving with my dominant hand only makes the reach tricky on certain spots but its still going well.
Ended up with a few weepers today on my chin. I think the longer stroke through the tougher whiskers is to blame. That and my amateur status leave a lot of room for the red.

[beisler]

great journal giggle and good progress

[gigglemonk]

It seems that shaving every other day works best right now. The blade gives such a close a shave that only certain parts of my beard grow back within 24 hours. Still not BBS but no need to rush.
Today I tried Mikes Natural Shaving Soap. The lather took me a bit, needed lots of water but a great shave. I nicked myself pretty good just beneath my nose on an XTG pass. The cheap alum block I have did nothing but the Rite Aid styptic pencil cleared it right up. This is the closest to BBS so far. Im only using the omote against my skin in the traditional method so getting the proper angles for certain passes eludes me.

New kamisori is on the way!

[itaforte]

Great looking straight!

[paco664]

It seems that shaving every other day works best right now. The blade gives such a close a shave that only certain parts of my beard grow back within 24 hours. Still not BBS but no need to rush.
Today I tried Mikes Natural Shaving Soap. The lather took me a bit, needed lots of water but a great shave. I nicked myself pretty good just beneath my nose on an XTG pass. The cheap alum block I have did nothing but the Rite Aid styptic pencil cleared it right up. This is the closest to BBS so far. Im only using the omote against my skin in the traditional method so getting the proper angles for certain passes eludes me.

New kamisori is on the way!

do tell??

[gigglemonk]

My new kamisori showed up today!
Poor iPhone pics. Im in the midst of moving and havent unpacked everything.
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This one is a bit bigger than my other one. The cutting edge is 1 3/4 inches as opposed to 1 1/4. And it weighs twice as much, 34g compared to 17g.

I gave it a whirl. The omote on this one is practically untouched so the asymmetrical edge is very pronounced. This and the extra weight let me see how amateur my technique actually is. It is wicked sharp and the extra mass just slices through the whiskers. I went for two passes, WTG and XTG. Some of the strokes were difficult with the new razor that weren't so difficult with the other one. Just getting used to a new tool.
A few weepers and I thought Id have some razor burn as I was more aware of the edge on my face, but no burn.
MWF, Hmphreys WH, Bath House Spanish Fig and Nutmeg ASB.

Awesome shave!

[Kentos]

Nice! Gotta love upgrades :).

[gigglemonk]

I love this new blade! Its alot tougher to learn with, heavier, longer cutting edge and the more pronounced asymmetry makes it very sensitive to angle deviations. Or at least thats what I think.
Todays shave was fine, a few more weepers than usual. Also noticing that the water at my new place is totally drying out my skin. I guess RAD will wait until a water softener is purchased!
3 passes, multiple relathers due to my slow pace and the water difference. Still pleased though!

[gigglemonk]

Still loving this blade, but like any long term relationship, the true colors are coming into view. Its remarkably sharp. I took it to the pasted strop today and wow! The first stroke could have gone all the way to the floor! The blade length is really letting my noob status shine, its tough to get around certain spots on my neck and jawline but Im learning.
I used a new soap today and I think that sticking to one or two products will be helpful as I dont have to constantly adjust.

DFS!

[Kentos]

Do you think you would have had a harder time starting if the razor you have now was your first?

[gigglemonk]

Do you think you would have had a harder time starting if the razor you have now was your first?

I thought about that. Ive only used the current razor for 3 shaves so far and compared to the first three days with the other one I think its about the same EXCEPT:
The smaller blade required more strokes with allowed me more actual practice time.
The smaller blade also required a bit more pressure with very very short strokes, this didnt really allow me to feel the weight of a more conventional sized blade move through the whiskers.
My lather, angle of holding the razor and prep all needed work in the beginning. Now all that has improved a bit so I can focus more on the actual shave.
This larger blade feels better on my face but its a very unrefined joy.
So, to answer the question, D) All of the above

[Kentos]

:LOL:

I guess straight shaving is hard no matter the hardware.

[global_dev]

This larger blade feels better on my face but its a very unrefined joy.

can you elaborate, i don't really understand...

[gigglemonk]

The larger blade makes longer, smoother strokes, removing large amounts of whiskers in one fell swoop. When I complete a stroke like this, it just feels good. Though due to my noobness, I cant take full advantage as a larger blade is more difficult to navigate. So I dont have the skill to utilize the 'one fell swoop' more than 2 or 3 times.

[gigglemonk]

The point, the POINT, THE POINT! Midway through my shave today I finished a stroke, lifted the blade away from my face and then moved my face against the razor. The point of the razor to be exact. All I felt was the skin separating around the blade. AAAHHHHHH! SO FRIGHTENING! Luckily, it was a tiny slice. The styptic is a great tool in the den.
Never thought my heart would get racing over the aroma of lavender in the morn. I guess throw in the handmade japanese blade and a lack of focus and anything can happen.

If I get up and shave early in the morn, I can shave the following day. Looks like 30 or so hours is what my skin likes between shaves.

[gigglemonk]

How did a week slip by without posting? Anyhow, shaves are coming along fine. Marvelous actually. I tried my TOBS Lavender cream this morning, not quite slick enough for the kamisori IMO. Ive been using soaps almost exclusively. My new coticule arrived last week and my Jnat is on the way. Im looking forward to working with these two stones to bring an old ugly blade I have up to snuff.

The warmer weather here in So Cal has definitely changed the way my face reacts. Need to be very gentle with the shave and then a super moisturizing post shave treatment.

[gigglemonk]

LONG weekend. Shaved this afternoon with 3 days growth. At first I was feeling a bit rushed but once I started stropping, everything started to slow down. I gave myself a long, luxurious, relaxed shave. 2 WTG passes and 2 XTG passes. It felt as if I was in the bathroom for 2 hours. My lather is still drying out on me but I guess thats going to happen when I treat shaving as a spa appointment. I was sure I was late to meet my GF and her parents for dinner so you can imagine my relief when the clock told me it had only been a 40 minute shave. I know some people get a 4 pass shave in under 10 minutes. I am lucky to have a job that does not require I look like Don Draper.... And I take full advantage of my shaving privileges.

I still have no desire to try a western straight and my JRAD has been replaced by the merciless HAD. So this weekend Ill try out my coticule on an old beat up dubl duck I picked up.