Pass Around Coming soon - Tatara titanium pass around (Masamune/Nodachi)

semajohn

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Pre-Op - PAA, Cube
Razor - Tatara, Ti
Plate - Masamune oc, gap .73
Cap - Nodachi , BE .05
Blade - Ladas
Soap - Proraso
Brush - Proraso, Boar
Balm - Proraso, Blue

I'll be keeping the set up the same during the trial.
The only change will be caps and plates.

Efficient, yes
Smooth, yes
Weeps, yes
Soreness, no

This is my last shave and combination for the Tatara Ti and it was surprisingly good.
3 days growth gone in two passes, with only a couple of weeps.

Not sure which combination I prefer.
Masamune OC with Nodachi cap.
Or
Nodachi SB with Masamune cap.

The one thing that I would have preferred is more weight.
The Tatara comes in at less than 50g, whilst all the Ti razors in my den are close to 60g.
A chunkier handle would probably been then answer as the Tatara handle has an 11mm diameter and the ones in the den are 13mm plus.

It's been a great privilege to be able to enjoy the use of all 8 combinations available.

Thank you to Tatara for supplying their latest line in Ti razors for us to play with and to @Masamune for organising this pass around.

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p.b

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OK - nine shaves in total; two with the Nodachi OC and seven with the Nodachi SB, four with the standard handle and 3 being tried with alternative handles.

Like the stainless version I tried several years ago I found the handle a bit too thin, however unlike the stainless I found the weight ideal. The razor weighs about 55g which endows it with fabulous nimbleness. I remember the SS Nodachi SB to be an ideal razor and thought the Ti one would be even better but it's just slightly less aggressive than I remember and would like, even when loaded with a Feather blade. I thought the OC might address this but found the teeth uncomfortable so enjoyed the SB more.

If the Ti was less expensive I'd like a Nodachi SB (head only) for those days when I don't want a particularly aggressive razor, which I would then pair with a Timeless Crown handle (which matches very well) but it's just too expensive.

The presentation and packaging of the razor was prefect - special enough to make the razor feel special and beautifully made, but not indulgent or extravagant for just stilling in a drawer.

Thanks to Tatara and @Masamune for arranging this pass-around - it's been an enjoyable trial.
 

art101980

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So first shave tonight

Had the Nodachi OC and Nodachi top cap
GSB blade
SV 70th Anniversary soap
Oumo brush
Baxter's aftershave balm to finish

It was a few days since I shaved so had some growth to remove so went with what I think is the most aggressive/efficient set up?

I have to say I am delighted with the results
2 passes and minimal buffing and I am silky smooth
I had worried this set up might have led to irritation or soreness but there were no weepers and minimal alum feedback
I also enjoyed how light the razor was, using it felt like an extension of my hand and very intuitive

I must admit that if the rest of the options stack up to similar heights I will be hard pushed not to add this razor with all its options to the rotation, exchange rates and price increases notwithstanding

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art101980

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So if my first shave was the most bitey set up this today was the exact opposite with the masamune solid bar and top cap

Changed up the soap to a MDC vetyver sample and a Stirling synthetic hair brush
2nd use GSB

I am alas very disappointed in the shave tonight, the razor didn't seem to want to cut my hair
I don't know if I just couldn't get the correct angle, although feedback from the razor suggested I was cutting hair, but after my first rinse huge areas remained unshaven
It took 4 passes and quite a bit of buffing to get a finish somewhat comparable to my first shave so while the razor is very mild I have a few areas of irritation simply from trying to even the shave out

I will try the Nodachi solid bar next I think
 

art101980

Forum GOD!
Today's shave was the Nodachi solid bar and top cap
GSB - 3rd use
Stirling synthetic brush
Signature soaps Lime

This was much more like it for me, a very enjoyable shave
Still not quite as wow as the Nodachi open comb but after 3 passes there was minimal irritation and I a very smooth finish

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art101980

Forum GOD!
Finished up with the masamune oc
A better shave than the solid bar but still short on performance of the Nodachi set ups

Was very impressed with the razor overall
Would definitely buy the Nodachi solid bar and open comb offerings

Will have it packed up and off to Cheekee tomorrow

Thanks for including me in the pass around
 
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