Traditionally one shaves with only the flat side (Omote) against the face and the stamped side (Ura) always facing out. Also mane-made Naniwa Super Stones are better used on western style razors while Japanese straights prefer natural stones.
You're right, in a traditional kamisori shave, one should maintain the omote side of the blade against the face - and that leads to some awkward maneuvers ;)
Thanks for the video, I'm looking at getting a kamisori too! Just a note though if you dyed ur hair you could pass for a teenager! I was shocked seeing the years come off as you shaved the beard away lol
Great shaving technique! I have been practicing with a kamisori, my first straight razor experience, and I love it. But seeing how easily your cutting that growth, I realize my razor must not be near sharp enough. It gets caught in long hairs, and I have to sort of "hack" at them. It's not bloody, but it is difficult. Could you suggest a sharpening method or point me to an online resource? I have waterstones 1000 and 4000, and an 8000+ grit welsh slate honing stone. Thank you so much! Very excited to get better at this, with your encouraging video.
Aaron Jermain Hi, I use waterstones too - a Cerax 1000 for setting the initial bevel, then Naniwa Superstones 3000 / 8000 / 12000 in sequence. After this, I strop the blade on a balsa wood strop with green chromium oxide paste, and finally on leather - you need to be careful with how many strokes you do on each side, since on traditional kamisori like this, you should hone more on the omote (back side of the blade) than the ura (the front, that is signed by the maker) - check out this link : sharpologist.com/2011/10/a-kamisori-primer.html
Thanks for this explanation Pedro. It sounds like you have some really nice stones! I will definitely be studying that linked article closely. I appreciate your help.
It's a challenge to use the kamisori the correct way... When you shave your right cheek across the grain you're using it on reverse. The way I do it on that point, I hold the kamisori pointing down, blade looking forward. It's a strange manoeuvre...
Ton grand-père Alfred se rasait comme tu le fais aujourd'hui. Il utilisait une courroie de cuir pour affuter sa lame. Il ne se coupait jamais ou c'était vraiment exceptionnel. Bonne démonstration.
DarthTwilight Hi - you can find wa-kamisori at many different prices - it'll depend on many factors - the condition, how old it is, and who made it - you can be lucky and find an old one in good condition for around $100, but if you buy new, made by a well known master, it'll be quite costly (an Iwasaki, new, can cost over $400).
