Japanese straight for a first time straight user?

**Quadio** · 04-27-2010, 01:10 PM

I have a friend who can set me up with strop and Japanese straight for a great deal. He is using disposables and wants out.

I'm sure there are better choices for first blades, but I should be able to learn and not slit my throat (much)?

Cheers,

Jason

**Desdinova** · 04-27-2010, 01:42 PM

I wouldn't start with a Japanese style straight.

Learn on a Western style first to get the idea of angles, grips etc.

The Japanese could end up hurting you.

**Luc** · 04-27-2010, 01:50 PM

I wouldn't know as I never used one...

I don't think it's worse or better than a Western straight... Keep in mind that you will have a learning curve with it and as long as you don't do a saw motion, you should be all right.

**Dharion** · 04-27-2010, 01:50 PM

I'd concur. Get an inexpensive western style straight first.

But if it's a nice deal you may buy the Japanese one and set it aside.

**Desdinova** · 04-27-2010, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by Luc

I wouldn't know as I never used one...

I don't think it's worse or better than a Western straight... Keep in mind that you will have a learning curve with it and as long as you don't do a saw motion, you should be all right.

it's more difficult in that it is not ambidextrous. Cuts from one side only. As such, taks a bit a skill to get the other half of your face.

**Quadio** · 04-27-2010, 01:59 PM

I figured a smaller, lighter blade in Western style may be a better starting point. It looks sweet and is like new.

I'll have to convince my wife why I need TWO razors now, but that is a discussion I won't mind having :)

**Quadio** · 04-27-2010, 02:01 PM

Now that is the type of feedback that could make a big difference. It looked like you could cut in both directions.....

Well, lots more reading. Bloody picture post to come!! Thanks all!

Originally Posted by Desdinova

it's more difficult in that it is not ambidextrous. Cuts from one side only. As such, taks a bit a skill to get the other half of your face.

**Desdinova** · 04-27-2010, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by Quadio

Now that is the type of feedback that could make a big difference. It looked like you could cut in both directions.....

Well, lots more reading. Bloody picture post to come!! Thanks all!

Yeah, it is hard to tell in the pics of these blades. They are beveled only on the one side.

There are good YouTube videos of guys using these. They may be called Japanese Straights or Kamisori. Here is one to give you a better idea of how they work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBDRP6tSOWo

**Desdinova** · 04-27-2010, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by Luc

...as long as you don't do a saw motion, ...

that comment gave me a pee shiver

**K.T.** · 04-27-2010, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by Quadio

I'll have to convince my wife why I need TWO razors now, but that is a discussion I won't mind having :)

"Two" razors? You haven't been doing this very long, have you?

You're going to be in big trouble with your wife in a month or two.

Actually, I'm fairly new to straights myself. I haven't tried a real Kamisori, but by experimenting with different grips, I like the way one has to grip the non-folding Japanese razor better than the way western straights are held.

Of course, being a noob to straights, I may change my mind the other way once I get more exprience.

It seems to me that if you're generally a dexterous person, you'd be able to pick up either method in time.

K.T.

**huntmol** · 04-27-2010, 04:34 PM

Eh, I shave with my Iwasaki from both sides, works great. And I think it actually provides a better grip and a much better shave than my Western razors.

How cheap is he offering it for? If it's under $100 for both, buy it and don't look back.

**Rik** · 04-27-2010, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by Desdinova

I wouldn't start with a Japanese style straight.

Learn on a Western style first to get the idea of angles, grips etc.

This would be my recommendation.

**Thebigspendur** · 04-28-2010, 08:49 AM

If you intend on using a Japanese Straight then I would learn with it. Its like learning to drive a car with a stick. It's a little more challenging but since your learning anyway you'll take it in stride. Most who use western razors and then switch to a Japanese will tell you it's like learning to use a straight all over again.

As far as the two sides go yes you can use both sides however it's designed for one sided shaving.

**Jim** · 04-28-2010, 09:33 AM

Have the men in Japan started with a western style straight?

**huntmol** · 04-28-2010, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by Thebigspendur

If you intend on using a Japanese Straight then I would learn with it. Its like learning to drive a car with a stick. It's a little more challenging but since your learning anyway you'll take it in stride. Most who use western razors and then switch to a Japanese will tell you it's like learning to use a straight all over again.

+1

Originally Posted by Jim

Have the men in Japan started with a western style straight?

That's actually an excellent point!

**ixtapalapaquetl** · 04-28-2010, 05:36 PM

I went from 0 to Iwasaki around a month ago (first time even using a brush!). Very happy with my decision. BBS after my 4th shave or so. The only problem thus far is keeping it sharp - some newbish flaw in my procedures is leading to a prematurely dull edge.

I absolutely love using the Iwasaki and have no regrets starting off with it whatsoever.

**RetroGrouch** · 04-28-2010, 07:20 PM

Originally Posted by Jim

Have the men in Japan started with a western style straight?

+1 Are Japanese men inherently more talented than us Westerners?

The technique is different. And perhaps a bit harder with a Japanese razor. But if you're just starting out, you're forced with a learning curve either way.

If you want to start with a Japanese razor, go for it!

Mike

**K.T.** · 04-29-2010, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by RetroGrouch

Are Japanese men inherently more talented than us Westerners?

Not necessarily. But it's interesting to think that Japan is a blade culture, whereas the US is a gun culture.

I'm sure that long cultural history with blades has given the Japanese shaver at least a little more insight into using them.

K.T.

**Thebigspendur** · 04-29-2010, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by RetroGrouch

+1 Are Japanese men inherently more talented than us Westerners?

The technique is different. And perhaps a bit harder with a Japanese razor. But if you're just starting out, you're forced with a learning curve either way.

If you want to start with a Japanese razor, go for it!

Mike

The fact is most guys in Japan use electric razors and the use of straight razors of any kind in Japan is so sparse it makes straight use in the U.S look like a tidal wave.

**Quadio** · 04-29-2010, 11:58 AM

Hmmmm... Lotsa good point, guys. I'm torn on the Iwasaki. It will be around $300 with some extras (I was told the razor itself was close to $300). Maybe it's not that good of a deal as someone posted it would be worth around $100.

We will see. I'm loving DE razors and I will get me a straight sometime soon.

Thanks!