Tatara Masamune DE Passaround Invite/Review - Old World Craftsmanship New Age Design

Tatara SB vs Game Changer 84. Chinese Wilkinson (2). I did not find the Tatara SB too mild as others have reported, it provides no real feedback but it cuts just fine. Both razors do a superb job though it's hard to ignore the fact that the GC sells for half of what the Tatara does.

Finishing up my week with this razor. Perfect handling and balance, so easy. Personally I get better results from the Tatara than the Blackbird (now traded), the Tatara is much more capable ATG on my head. But, as noted above, so is my Game Changer. I'll do a shave with my new Timeless tomorrow and make that comparison before sending off the razor off.

I received the razor yesterday, and shaved with it this morning on one days growth.  I used the SB baseplate with a new Feather blade, and Cremo French Lavender Shave Cream, for a very satisfactory one pass shave.  I had heard the Tatara SB compares to a shimmed Feather AS-D2.  I think that is a very good comparison.  I use a shim or two on my AS-D2, as well as on my Gillette Tech (I find those two razors shave exactly the same).  I find the Tatara seems to give me a very slightly better shave than the shimmed AS-D2/Tech.  However I do not like the handle, and was disappointed to find that the head, by design, would accept no other handles.  Now I'm going to neglect shaving for three days, and see how it performs on a heavier beard growth.  I'll probably use both baseplates; one on each side of my face for comparison, and report back on Wednesday.

What didn't you like about the handle? I don't really care for the aesthetics but can't fault grip, weight, or balance.

I received the razor yesterday, and shaved with it this morning on one days growth.  I used the SB baseplate with a new Feather blade, and Cremo French Lavender Shave Cream, for a very satisfactory one pass shave.  I had heard the Tatara SB compares to a shimmed Feather AS-D2.  I think that is a very good comparison.  I use a shim or two on my AS-D2, as well as on my Gillette Tech (I find those two razors shave exactly the same).  I find the Tatara seems to give me a very slightly better shave than the shimmed AS-D2/Tech.  However I do not like the handle, and was disappointed to find that the head, by design, would accept no other handles.  Now I'm going to neglect shaving for three days, and see how it performs on a heavier beard growth.  I'll probably use both baseplates; one on each side of my face, and report back on Wednesday.

What didn't you like about the handle? I don't really care for the aesthetics but can't fault grip, weight, or balance.

I received the razor yesterday, and shaved with it this morning on one days growth.  I used the SB baseplate with a new Feather blade, and Cremo French Lavender Shave Cream, for a very satisfactory one pass shave.  I had heard the Tatara SB compares to a shimmed Feather AS-D2.  I think that is a very good comparison.  I use a shim or two on my AS-D2, as well as on my Gillette Tech (I find those two razors shave exactly the same).  I find the Tatara seems to give me a very slightly better shave than the shimmed AS-D2/Tech.  However I do not like the handle, and was disappointed to find that the head, by design, would accept no other handles.  Now I'm going to neglect shaving for three days, and see how it performs on a heavier beard growth.  I'll probably use both baseplates; one on each side of my face, and report back on Wednesday.

I found it to be too thin and too short. Was a deal breaker for me

This morning I shaved off a 4 day beard growth, using the same Feather blade.  I started with the open comb on one side of my face,
and finished with the safety bar on the other side.  There was more blade feel with the open comb than with the safety bar,
but the results were the same; a clean shave with no weepers and no irritation.  There is some scratchiness on the edge of the open comb,
particularly below my lower lip, that is not present on the safety bar.  Perhaps if I were shaving off a full beard, I'd prefer the open comb.  
But for everyday shaving, or even every 3 day shaving I prefer the safety bar.  In comparison, I think it gives me a closer shave than the Feather AS-D2,
and with equal comfort.  In short, it's an excellent shaver.  I prefer the safety bar baseplate, but they're both good.

Regarding the handle.  I prefer short handles.  The Durham-Duplex handle (picture below) is my all time favorite.  
That being said, the aesthetics are not to my liking, but the grip, weight, and balance are good.  What's missing is my freedom of choice.  
By design, I must use their handle and no other, as no other will fit.  There's something about no choice that galls me.
I wouldn't buy a razor that I couldn't change handles on.  So for me the singular handle is definitely a deal breaker.
,

Tatara Masamune Safety Razor, Final Review:

I had the Tatara for eight days, and shaved with it four times.  
I used the open comb baseplate once, and the safety bar baseplate three times.
The open comb has more blade feel, however I could find no difference in the results between them.
It compares to a Feather AS-D2 or a Gillette Tech, with two shims under the blade; mild but efficient.
The razor shaved well, had good weight and balance, and was a generally superior shaving tool.
My single complaint was with the non-interchangeability of the handle.
The only handle that will fit that razor-head is the one that came with it, which limits your choices.
If you're okay with that, then this is an excellent razor.

My thanks to Dan Law for letting me try his razor.

First and foremost a hearty thank you to DanLaw for organizing this pass around!

Comparison to ATT.  I would say the Masamune lines up with the R1/R2.  The Masamune has a touch less blade feel but was more efficient for me.  If you enjoy the R series than this razor would be worthwhile for you to try.  Between the two my preference was for the Masamune.

Comparison to the Blackbird.  I am not too sure this is comparing apples to apples.  Many who adore the Blackbird specifically highlight the hallmark blade feel as their favorite feature.  It can be aggressive for some.  However, the results are similar for me.  If you crave that above average blade feel than you might be disappointed.

Comparison to AS-D2.  I get why so many compare these two razors.  They are similar in size and both have that minimalist design.  The shave experience is similar in the below average blade feel but above average efficiency goes to the Masamune.  Both are extremely comfortable daily drivers.  I would suggest they are partner razors and if you like one there is a high probability you would like the other.  They both present a unique personality.

The grip on the handle is very well done.  I expected average but it might be the best grip on a handle that I have used.  It even outperforms traditional knurling in my opinion.  Some have criticized the handle because it is required for the razor and is not interchangeable with other handles.  However, I view this razor as one that is intentionally off the beaten path in all regards.  I respect the design as a work of art going beyond what many have done.  So for me, I see the proprietary design of the handle as a positive.  I enjoy the different and unique.  But I understand that trade off for being less practical for some.  The size of the razor was ideal for me and I was unable to generate any strong criticism of the design.

This is the smoothest and most efficient DE I have used.  It really is an outlier in that regard.  And now I will pursue a purchase of my own Tatara Masamune.  I would suggest the experience is worth the effort in tracking one down.

As info, concluding the Tatara Passaround so selling the razor with 2 baseplates and stand. It is being offered first to the passaround subscribers but after hearing from them in next 2 days, if no interest, releasing to public.

We are at the conclusion of the passaround and I am looking to sell this razor complete with original box, certificates, 2 baseplates and stand in excellent condition. The money will be used for canine rescues so going to a good cause. Asking $225 shipped ConUS. Please let me know either way as soon as possible as there is a rescue we would like to take in.

Anybody interested from following this thread, drop me a pm or email and will place you in queue - will notify all by end of week.

Dan Law
dermotorsports@gmail.com
770.597.4646
Best
D

Is this passaround still open? if so, I would love to participate on it as I'm interested in buying this razor if I like it.