Kamisori

**Tylerbrycen** · 05-01-2012, 09:32 AM

What is the difference between a kamisori razor and a American straight razor and what are the benefits of the non folding razor

**Hammertime1** · 05-01-2012, 11:04 AM

the Western straight razors have an even grind on both sides which I think equals 30 degrees roughly now you have wedges, near edges, 1/4's, half hollows and full hollows. should be 15 degrees on each side. Most kamisoris don't have same degrees on each side unless stateside western style grind. So you can only shave with one side is my understanding. They require a slightly different honing process because of different angles. They also make right and left handed Kamisoris so the angles are reversed. then they way they are made with some of the famous makers be known for their own unique twists on kamisoris. I don't own one but have been researching it and would like to try one. I can't afford current prices. I know someone else with more knowledge will post but saw how long its been and wanted you to get a quick answer. If you get a chance go look at some pictures where the show view from front and you can see the different angles. It looks very cool in my opinion.

**global_dev** · 05-01-2012, 12:12 PM

my understanding is that you can shave with the ura and omote sides of a kamisori... and many people seem to report succcess..

**Mike H** · 05-01-2012, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by Tylerbrycen

What is the difference between a kamisori razor and a American straight razor and what are the benefits of the non folding razor

From left to right

Microtome, Frameback, Wedge, Half Hollow, Kamisori

Click image for larger version.

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I do not know of any specific advantage of a non folding, other than it is just a traditional Japanese razor design. The way you hold the razor takes a little bit to get used to, but the shave itself is pretty similar.

**paco664** · 05-01-2012, 08:00 PM

kamisori's are much more fun... they WILL bite you if you do something they don't like....

i love all of mine... they keep me on my toes when i shave...

i am sure kentos will agree ...

**Kentos** · 05-01-2012, 08:33 PM

It has been documented through heresy and dubious research mumbo jumbo that Kamisori owners have lower interabdominal fat deposits and are more likely to enjoy the occassional episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

**Earcutter** · 05-01-2012, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by Kentos

It has been documented through heresy and dubious research mumbo jumbo that Kamisori owners have lower interabdominal fat deposits and are more likely to enjoy the occassional episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

: )

**tomjr** · 05-01-2012, 10:09 PM

yep, i need one of those things.

**Legion** · 05-02-2012, 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by Kentos

It has been documented through heresy and dubious research mumbo jumbo that Kamisori owners have lower interabdominal fat deposits and are more likely to enjoy the occassional episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Those two things are mutually exclusive.

**Obiwan** · 05-02-2012, 08:56 AM

Star Trek: The Next Generation? I must have missed the memo. I'll get on that.

**CrotalusHH** · 05-02-2012, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by Obiwan

Star Trek: The Next Generation? I must have missed the memo. I'll get on that.

Make it so!

**smalltank** · 05-02-2012, 12:54 PM

You can hone a western razor and a Kami in the same..just hone both sides..the Kami's were originally made for 1 side use as not to disrespect the maker by using that side..but yes both sides can be used easily

**ladykate** · 05-02-2012, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by paco664

kamisori's are much more fun... they WILL bite you if you do something they don't like....

i love all of mine... they keep me on my toes when i shave...

I've only been shaving with them a couple of months - I try to use them the way they were meant (one side only). I have right hand Kamisoris so the left side of my face takes a beating every now and then. I kinda looked like Jonah Hex there once. However, they are fun and you can make them uber sharp. They are only partially hollow so the feeling is like a wedge - they slice through whiskers very easily. You can hone them the same way you do a Western but take a look at the YouTube (and other) instructions on honing them. I think they come to an edge much better and easier if honed the traditional way (and I have no proof other than I think so...).

My best deal for one was $49 - there were a dozen or so of the same general kind on eBay and I think I sneaked under the radar. It is a great shaver. My worst deal was... well... we won't talk about that one... In any case, every one I've hoarded has been a great shaver.

I like putting a larger handle on them (my hands are big) so I can control them. Somewhere around here I have a picture of making a thicker handle for one.