Tatara Masamune Nodachi DE Passaround Review - A Notable Evolution of the Original

You can pair the Nodachi Head Assembly with the 15mm shorter Masamune handle. This is key as the Tatara relied on having the handle extend thru the blade to deliver such precision

You can pair the Nodachi Head Assembly with the 15mm shorter Masamune handle.  This is key as the Tatara relied on having the handle extend thru the blade to deliver such precision

For sure. I plan on using the nodachi head to also swap out with masamune parts to have 4 different configurations which will be awesome. Mostly curious of how the nodachi top cap will be with the masamune plate.

There is a table that has been posted in this thread providing gaps and blade exposure with various permutations of caps and bases

Oh my wow! I was not a fan of the Masamune razor when it first came out, as it was entirely too mild for my crazy beard. This Nodachi is a whole different beast. This is an efficient shaver that truly does shave incredibly smooth. Glad I didn't let past experience deter me from pulling the trigger.

The Nodachi arrived yesterday afternoon.  I promptly gave it a swim in Barbacide.

I used it this morning.  There's a lot to like.  The fit and finish is superb.  Reminds me of the Feather razor.  The unique handle connection to the head does, indeed, make for a very solid hold on the blade.

First thought.  The handle, though aesthetically pleasing and uniquely fitted, is too heavy and too long for me.
I prefer handles with distinctive "grip" like the CG hammered or a Bulldog style.  I'm sure I would prefer  a shortened Masamune handle - ala THIS Post (drabeard #132)

Anyway, with a fresh Astra SP blade and Tallow & Steel's new Rainforest 2, who wouldn't get a great shave.

I'll use it for a week or so and then post my additional thoughts.

And a shoutout to Tatara and DanLaw for making this pass-around available.

Looks like we are back on track with a responsible trialer. Thank you for your insights! Enjoy!

Damn. Im really tempted to sell my gamechanger with both plates and buy a nodachi head.

My strong advice to get either masamune or nodachi handle. The handle protrudes through the base plate really locking down the blade

Thanks. I have a masamune with the handle already which I love. I just want the head cause the nodachi handle is too long for me.

Damn. Im really tempted to sell my gamechanger with both plates and buy a nodachi head.

I don't think I'd own a Nodachi without a Tatara handle.  And I wouldn't part with a GC .84.

As I'm in current possession of the Nodachi, one of the things i will be trying is using a Jurgen Hempel titanium handle to see what it does for the weight distribution and my preference for grip.