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

I'm getting excited about my turn coming up

I now have a Tatara Nodachi Razor with a 72 mm Masamune handle.  I traded a nice Gem Junior for the machine work.  I'm very pleased.

I thought it arrived but someone sent me a Timeless Razor

Ohhhhhhh, Sneaky ???

Can't wait to take for a spin and report back in next couple days.

Haha Nice job boxing!

Saturday February 29, 2020
2020 Shave # 63 ( 481 Consecutive Shaves )
Razor: Tatara Masamune Nodachi SB
Blade: Astra SP (1)
Brush: The Shaving Cadre 1st Anniversary Brush
Soap: Eufros Park Avenue
Aftershave 1: Humphrey's Alcoholado Maravilla 70
Aftershave 2: Nivea 2 into 1 Aftershave
Fragrance: Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense

1st shave with Euphros soap and Park Avenue is a nice scent I can't describe but liked and was curious about the makers base so pulled a sample from the pass around box. Great soap base and would buy if they have a scent I want in the future as the scent strength was nice and strong. Also 1st shave with the Nodachi SB razor from Tatara. EXTREMELY well engineered and machined razor. Initial thoughts are I like it and will try with my go to blade of a Wizamet. Today was an Astra SP on recommendation that it's a best fit for the razor. Hoping a Wizamet is better for me as the Astra SP just isn't sharp enough for me and never has been. It's an okay blade but not as efficient with my whiskers. Looking forward to more shaves and getting to know this razor. Video uploaded with again just INITIAL thoughts as it was just the 1st shave. Have a great day Everyone !!!!!

https://youtu.be/3vKEs6e4ug4

Haha. I led you to a 4 pass shave with that Astra! You are blessed with a great symmetrical face for shaving. Great video and pleased to learn you are enjoying it. The original Masamune head was very different and much milder. Just aheads up if you order a Tatara. My perspective is the 2 buyer markets: Masumane and Nodachi do not overlap. But of course the shorter fully dimpled Masumane handle works perfectly to lock in the blade which is an important design element of the Tatara line. Enjoy your shaves and please keep up the great reviews; their information is invaluable to others

I now have a Tatara Nodachi Razor with a 72 mm Masamune handle.  I traded a nice Gem Junior for the machine work.  I'm very pleased.

I like it.  Congrats.

What is the Nodachi comparable to? D plate Karve?

Nodachi is a wonderful razor at any price but for its pricepoint is INCREDIBLE

Today was the first time I used my Tatara Nodachi since I had it's tail docked.  The difference in maneuverability was noticeable.  
I have had this razor for more than a month now, and it has become my regular shaver.  Here are a few things that I have noticed:
 
The difference between the Masamune & the Nodachi seems to be in the top-cap.  The Nodachi top-cap compresses and tensions the blade; 
whereas the Masamune top-cap does not.  I discovered this by accident when I tried to shim the blade, but couldn't.  The razor wouldn't cinch down.  

When I try a new razor, especially a mild one, I usually try it with 1 and 2 shims under the blade.  

As I remember from the Masamune pass-around, I shimmed up that razor without any problem, but not this one.  This one balked.  
There is only enough room under the Nodachi top-cap to accommodate 1 blade, and that just barely.  Cinching down the razor compresses 
the blade against the inside of the top-cap causing it to extend, as the blade vice stiffens it.  Another great thing about this razor is the blade vice, 
which is located right at the cutting edge, leaving no room for flex or chatter.  

There are a few things that I think could be improved.  The slots on the baseplate could be cut through so that water can drain from them.  
And lastly, if they are not willing to drop the proprietary handle, at least offer short, medium, and long handle options.