Tatara Nodachi Ti Passaround - Titanium Makes a Shocking Improvement

A Cordial Meeting
Tatara Nodachi Ti Evaluation Series
Session 1: Tatara Nodachi Ti [SB]


SESSION SETUP

Razor: Tatara Nodachi Ti [SB plate]
Blade: Bic Chrome Platinum [1]
Brush: Rudy Vey Chief Muhle STF 25mm
Lather: Ethos Succès [F base]
Post: Ethos Mélange d’agrumes Skin Food Splash

AESTHETICS

Winding back the calendar, there was a time that I had seriously considered purchasing a Tatara razor. At some point in the chaos and noise of competing opinions, I set upon a different path for razor selections. But periodically I would come back to the Tatara website pulled in by the company’s unique design aesthetic for both razor and overall brand. I’m not certain if it is the repeating spherical and elliptical elements or the clean and smooth finishes, perforated with rows of dimples that follow an imaginary set of vectors radiating from the center of the handle. I find the overall aesthetic and design language resides some where between mid century modern and futurism.

And the level of machining itself suggests an artfulness that transcends function, particularly where the top and bottom plate surface matings occur. A hairline gap at the those outer edge points communicate thoughtful design and care for the shaving experience. By far the most compelling design choice is the serrated indentations of the safety bar. I find those highly satisfying along with their functional nature.

As we move on to even further degrees of personal taste, I would like to recognize that I am but a small voice in the cosmos of daily shavers raising tool to face. And while many of the design elements are compelling, it does feel overwrought in some ways, with the full Nodachi handle configuration. The tubular handle endpoints, neglecting the smaller interface to the baseplate, combined with a significant expanse of smooth and subdued satin finish reads more utilitarian than elevated instrument. Just a sprinkling of design enhancements might address that perception. For that reason alone I favor the Masamune handle and appreciate Tatara provides that option.

HANDLING

I became immediately aware of the overall weight and balance of the razor upon initial handling of the assembled platform. The weight is certainly reduced when compared to most metals but felt lumbering in hand, when compared to other titanium offerings. I am confident this would be remedied with the shorter Masamune handle. And while I never felt a lack of control employing the razor through various strokes, I do wish the dimpled region extended further down, just past the natural balance point of the razor. Reviewing a rough measurement it appears that the extent of that dimpled region may have been a visual choice following the rule of thirds. And for emphasis, these are minor characteristics that ultimately had no significant impact on the shave session. In fact the smooth surface of the handle was surprisingly adherent, inducing just enough friction at the interface.

Another item was a moment of disconcert when assembling the razor. I placed my blade carefully in alignment with the posts but noticed the resultant outer post reveal was relatively shallow. I then carefully stacked the bottom plate on top. At this point the bottom plate was shifting askew and did not seem engaged with the receiving holes for the outer posts. However as I tightened the handle, a satisfying click brought the head and  blade in to perfect alignment. Completing the final turn of the handle there is no doubt this assembly is securely locked promising little to no blade chatter.

PERFORMANCE

And now we come to the shining moments of the razor experience: A deft and effective tool that performed in a way not experienced with any other razor in my current rotation. An instant connection occurred as it felt that I had been shaving with this razor for some time. Upon completing the initial WTG downstroke, I asked myself: Why does this razor feel so familiar? Moving further across the beard terrain the answer surfaced. I was shaving with an echo of the Blackland Blackbird Ti. Not quite the same but eerily similar: it was a toned down Blackbird on multiple dimensions except possibly efficiency. Most noticeable was reduced blade feel that still provided a satisfying amount of feedback. And also present was increased smoothness, balanced by a delightful crunch of stubble reduction that communicated complete engagement.

Moving into the ATG phase, I started becoming cavalier as any signs of fear were removed. However, I also took that too far and did suffer a very few tiny weepers. A gentle reminder that the razor’s demeanor belied its underlying efficiency. And part of that efficiency involved razor angle choice. I have been focused on a more shallow angle with the Blackbird and that fit well with what seemed to be a preferred range of effective angle engagement. As I sometime strayed from that regime it seemed that additional touch up effort was required and ultimately resulted in some mild irritation at the jaw line and a small section of the left neck line. I attribute all of this to operator inputs with a first use of the razor. The reduced blade feel, combined with acclimating to the weight and distribution of the full Nodachi handle, seemed to occasionally pull me out of effective pressure modulation and angle engagement. A few more sessions with this razor should minimize or completely eliminate those outcomes. And at approximately 10 hours since completing the shave, little to no sign of regrowth has occurred. I will continue to monitor over the coming hours, but I am quite pleased with the level of BBS achieved with this razor.

Recently, a fine fellow forum member had reached out suggesting the Tatara Nodachi was quickly displacing many of his top performers. I always appreciate this forum member’s inputs and now understand why the Nodachi had become a favorite of his. I look forward to refining my technique with the Nodachi and considering how it may become a choice for my own collection as well.

Thank you to DFS, DanLaw and tatararazors for providing an opportunity to enjoy the craftsmanship of the Nodachi Ti razor

Two more shaves complete with the Nodachi SB. Just need to turn my notes into finished evaluation write ups.

A Lighter Touch
Tatara Nodachi Ti Evaluation Series
Session 2: Tatara Nodachi Ti [SB]


SESSION SETUP

Razor: Tatara Nodachi Ti [SB plate]
Blade: Bic Chrome Platinum [2]
Brush: Rudy Vey Chief Muhle STF 25mm
Lather: House of Mammoth Alive
Post: House of Mammoth Alive Aftershave Splash

AESTHETICS and HANDLING

Please refer to my previous review for details on the aesthetics and handling of this razor.

One handling note for this session: I attempted to push the blade further on to the outer posts, to ensure enough of the post reveal was available for mating with the bottom plate receiving sockets. In doing so I pushed one blade end further onto the post than another. As I began to tighten the handle, one end of the cap was meeting resistance from the less secured blade side. I suspect if I kept turning the handle it would have forced the blade end down but I didn’t want to risk any mishap from that. So I unscrewed the handle and reseated the blade, without pushing the blade further onto the posts. It assembled as expected. I wonder if the razor design tolerances are tighter, allowing for less variance in blade dimensions. I have witnessed and read of a couple of razors that were less forgiving in what I have to imagine is a much larger variance in mass produced DE blades. 

PERFORMANCE

As a follow on from the first session, BBS results were highly durable and still impressive with minimal regrowth from the first session. The right side exhibited a lesser degree of regrowth, attributable to slightly lower proficiency on the non dominant side. That proficiency mismatch on the left side would make another appearance in this session.

Now prepared for the second session, I set an intention to shave with a lighter touch and minimize touchups, even if they might be needed. A slick and protective coating of House of Mammoth lather was diligently applied, in multiple layers, to prepare for the first pass. Anticipating a potential increase in blade efficiency from the second use Bic blade, I carefully monitored pressure at the outset of the WTG down strokes. With the reduced pressure application in mind, I began to experiment with shaving angle.

As the session progressed to the XTG phase, it seemed that angle variance was relatively narrow, to achieve efficient beard removal. As the blade moved out of an effective zone, the level of audible and cutting feedback reduced commensurately. It soon became apparent when engagement had been reduced. Interestingly the angle that offered the “smoothest” experience did not seem to correlate with highest effectiveness in stubble reduction for my shaving style and beard terrain. I actually preferred the angle with more feedback. This type of feedback might be considered by some as less smooth, but I find it informative when assessing razor engagement.

Now at the final steps of the ATG pass, I noticed an interesting pattern: several small weepers were apparent almost exclusively on the left side. Along with that, BBS outcomes were meaningfully reduced under the nose area. An outcome that ran counter to a highly effective reduction in the first session, albeit with a couple of small injuries. This points to a few possible causes, but I will hold off on drawing any conclusions until additional sessions are conducted.

Stepping back to consider the completed shave, reduced pressure resulted in a meaningful reduction in post shave irritation although it was still noticeable on the left jawline and neckline. BBS was largely achieved although the focus on minimizing retouch efforts left a few areas wanting. I may have over corrected relative to the first session. In spite of this, I have an intuition that the Nodachi offers an incremental increase in efficiency over my other razors. And in particular, it seems to address post shave shadow reduction in a way that is reminiscent of the Blackbird.

Pleasant shaves to all!

Is it possible that BIC may not be a good match for the Nodachi razor? I have found different blades suit different razors. Perhaps it so here?

Is it possible that BIC may not be a good match for the Nodachi razor?  I have found different blades suit different razors.  Perhaps it so here?

Yes, I had a similar thought as well. I ran a different blade choice today but behind on writeups. The Bic is generally my favorite for efficiency, but it might not be the optimal match here. I have some thoughts on why that might be the case in upcoming write ups. Hoping to be caught up in the next day and have a second run with the alternative blade choice as well. I don't want to spoil some of the upcoming analysis, but the alternative blade choice provided a positive outcome.

The One That Got Away
Tatara Nodachi Ti Evaluation Series
Session 3: Tatara Nodachi Ti [SB]


SESSION SETUP

Razor: Tatara Nodachi Ti [SB plate]
Blade: Bic Chrome Platinum [1]
Brush: Brad Sears Wanderer
Lather: House of Mammoth Smash
Post: Ethos Mélange d’agrumes Skin Food Splash

PREFACE

This shave occurred several days prior to its writeup. During the intervening time I misplaced the notes for the shave. womp. womp. That’s what happens when you wait too long to post. So from a stream of conscious recollection I will attempt to summarize the session outcome.

SUMMARY

The shave started with a less than optimal lather production. The Wanderer brush is fairly dense, with reduced flow through, when compared to my baseline Muhle synthetic. So I either misjudged on starting amount of soap or water additions. Regardless, it was a thinner lather than typical. But I pressed on with similar outcomes to the prior shave, which included residual irritation in a few locations.

It turns out this would be the last session employing the Bic blade. While the Bic blade is notorious for occasional production quality issues, it is still my preferred blade for delivering high efficiency. And I normally require that enhanced efficiency when tackling my demanding beard profile.

But the Nodachi Ti appears to sit at a higher echelon of efficiency, at least incrementally when compared to most of my current and past DE razor collections. What comes to mind is a razor that blends aspects of the Blackland Blackbird Ti and a vintage Shake Sharp, shimmed with an additional blade. And at least for my shaving technique and current skill, the Bic and Nodachi combination seems to exceed my tolerance for repeated daily usage. And that is a first in my shaving journey.

While the shave outcome from this session was a solid BBS it was time to turn the page and move to a new blade choice...

A Different Path
Tatara Nodachi Ti Evaluation Series
Session 4: Tatara Nodachi Ti [SB]

SESSION SETUP

Razor: Tatara Nodachi Ti [SB plate]
Blade: Wizamet Super Iridium [1]
Brush: Rudy Vey Chief Muhle STF 25mm
Lather: Ethos Succès [F base]
Post: Zingari Man Mousse Illuminee Recovery Splash

AESTHETICS and HANDLING

Please refer to the Session 1 write up for details on the aesthetics and handling of this razor.

PERFORMANCE

Session four introduces a new blade choice: The Wizamet Super Iridium. The Wizamet has evolved into a complementary option to the Bic blade, delivering enhanced smoothness with a slight reduction in efficiency. It was also the selection for a recent 100 blade lot purchase. So I was hopeful the Wizamet would offer a stronger fit with the Nodachi performance characteristics.

The session also marked a return to the Muhle STF to retain consistent lather quality and production from prior shaves. The Ethos Success only furthers the outcome providing a wonderfully protective and slick base. The Muhle quickly transformed a nascent proto-lather into a silky and lush meringue that merged with beard and skin upon application. With hand and razor launching from their starting position, the initial downstroke for the WTG pass called out with a new voice. A renewed smoothness, with lessened blade intensity, continued through the pass, while still emitting an audible level of guiding feedback.

As the shave progressed through XTG, the new blade choice continued to provide a lovely and comforting result. After clearing the beard terrain in preparation for final ATG efforts, no injuries were observed. Only the final ATG pass would fully determine the potential trade off in reduced sharpness of the Wizamet.

At this point I elevated vigilance for reduced pressure. The Nodachi in general has required a different approach on pressure modulation. When compared to my baseline Blackbird Ti it has required a meaningful reduction in pressure. The Blackbird can require moderately applied pressure to receive the full potential of stubble reduction, which may also lead to higher degrees of sub surface clearing from increased skin engagement. While I don’t know that with certainty, the Blackbird has historically stood apart from all of my other razors in post shave shadow reduction. 

And because of this ingrained shaving style, I have had to consciously back away from that applied pressure technique with the Nodachi. The Nodachi seems to want an incremental increase of skill and technique to enjoy its full capabilities, at least relative to where my abilities currently lie. That isn’t a negative. I welcome the opportunity to receive a small nudge to enhance razor handling skills. There is no mastery, only an asymptotic journey towards it. And at some future point in that journey, I would expect to reach a level of proficiency that would allow for the return of the Bic.

But for now I must return to the shave at hand. Upon commencing the ATG pass a few small injuries begin to develop. The Nodachi offers sublime smoothness within optimal shaving angles, but it provides little to no warning of imminent danger of injury. And the engagement interface to the face delivers clinically efficient strokes that will level even smaller bumps or blemishes. Many past reported weepers, upon closer inspection, were results of that interaction. The higher degree of efficiency and daily shaving seemed to have induced a few extra raised areas than I would normally see. And today’s injuries seem to largely coincide with those same locations. But overall these were reduced relative to sessions with the Bic and are ultimately tied to my current proficiency with the razor.

With ATG complete and a cold water rinse applied, a soothing splash of Zingari Mousse Illuminee would now reveal any areas of skin feedback to consider. The scent of Mousse Illuminee cries for multiple applications, only for the simple pleasure of a longer lasting experience. Reflecting on the results, a few small areas on the neck line announce their presence. But I contribute that in part to touch up work required from the slightly reduced Wizamet efficiency and less than perfect shaving angles. Although with that bit of extra touch up work, a high level of BBS was achieved. And as important, the Nodachi continues to be the only razor that rivals the Blackbird for post shave shadow reduction.

As the day progressed, regrowth began to slowly appear in a few key areas. Relative to the Bic sessions, BBS duration was reduced to an estimated 9-10 hours. This duration is still a reasonably acceptable period from my perspective.

Could the Wizamet offer the optimal combination for this razor? Another shave session with a Wizamet should bring clarity to that question.

Quick Session Summary
Tatara Nodachi Ti Evaluation Series
Session 5 and 6: Tatara Nodachi Ti [SB]


SUMMARY

As I reviewed notes from each of these sessions it was difficult to distill additional insights over the previous shaves. The Wizamet SI is a definitive fit in this razor relative to my beard profile and shaving technique. Each session enjoyed an increase in proficiency, with Session 6 a nearly perfect shave other than a small operator error above the upper lip. BBS duration is averaging approximately 10 hours. In Session 5 a small amount of residual feedback was detected post shave on the jawline and maybe a hint below the nose. Guess what I did for all of those areas? I went over those areas ATG with no lather, on a second pass of cleanup. Don't do that with the Nodachi.  


NEXT SESSION REPORT

Side by Side Shave: Nodachi Ti vs. Blackbird Ti and concluding thoughts.

A Comparative Outing And Final Thoughts
Tatara Nodachi Ti Evaluation Series
Session 7: Tatara Nodachi Ti [SB] and Blackland Blackbird Ti [SB]



SESSION SETUP

RAZOR: (LEFT) Blackland Blackbird Ti [SB] | (RIGHT) Tatara Nodachi Ti [SB]
BLADE: Wizamet Super Iridium [1]
BRUSH: Rudy Vey Chief Muhle STF 25mm
LATHER: House of Mammoth Kryptonite
POST: House of Mammoth Kryptonite Aftershave Splash

AESTHETICS and HANDLING

Please refer to the Session 1 write up for details on the aesthetics and handling of this razor.

PERFORMANCE

The day has come and gone since this comparative shave session took place. Since that point I have been reflecting on concluding thoughts, as the Nodachi has provided much to consider. A comparison with my reference DE razor, the Blackland Blackbird Ti helped clarify my perception of the unique traits and benefits the Nodachi Ti offers. I’ll highlight several of those traits through the remainder of this write up.

As I now peer back into my notes and memory of the comparison shave, I recall that House of Mammoth Kryptonite soap seemed fitting for this outing. With light snow falling and a crisp start to the day, I reached for the reliable Rudy Vey Chief. The vague striations of silky proto-lather were quickly transformed into whipped peaks of creamy slickness. I was encouraged and excited to evaluate each razor side by side, as the Blackbird Ti has etched a robust memory with numerous months of use, and would provide a helpful baseline for comparison. I started the shave with the Nodachi applied to my dominant right side. Now more fully acquainted, I consciously moderated pressure during those initial downward strokes of WTG. The muted notes of feedback once again greeted me. It is as if someone hit the noise reduction switch on the shave session. It was not silent, just toned down in both audible feedback and perceived blade feel. I maintained a consistent angle and the Nodachi quietly navigated all terrain with little concern. The Nodachi is deceptively efficient.

After completion of the right side, I picked up the Blackbird and found a familiar tool in my hand. Of most note is the sense of agility in the Blackbird compared to the Nodachi. I attribute much of that to a personal preference for a shorter handle in both ergonomics and weight contribution. The Blackbird felt more balanced but eager to engage. I suspect the Nodachi handling would be a closer match when paired with the Masamune handle. As the Blackbird was placed in action it was now as if someone turned off the noise reduction switch that had been present with the Nodachi. A notable increase in audible and felt blade feedback brought a familiar sensation that I have always enjoyed with this razor. I would not describe the Blackbird as rough by any means, just pronounced. The razor quickly navigated the undulation around the jaw line and reached its final destination of the neck line. The Blackbird Ti either by weight or feedback seems to offer an incremental level of comfort over the Nodachi. However I believe that is almost entirely a reflection of my proficiency with the Nodachi. And in the short time with the Nodachi I have largely eliminated that as a concern, and would only expect it to disappear after accumulating a similar run time with the Blackbird.

Moving to WTG strokes, the Nodachi was now in hand. After completing a few strokes a hint of feedback was present. I noted that and the level of applied pressure, but not before picking up a tiny weeper on the chin. This session felt more structured as I attempted to maintain a level of consistency with both razors. And in the process I may have over corrected in a few locations. However a strong level of reduction did occur for the Nodachi side and it was now time for the Blackbird. Again the main difference between the two razors is an increase in feedback and a sense of an increased range of maneuverability with more freedom of shaving angle. But I need to balance that statement as not to suggest that these differences are of epic proportions. It is enough of a difference though that it is noted through out this pass.

And it was now time to conclude the shave with the ATG pass. The Nodachi always felt strongest on ATG, and I suspect that relates to a more familiar Blackbird like behavior in this direction. As I progressed across the grain of the neck line the audile feedback jumped a level, commensurate with the Blackbird WTG pass. That feedback was welcomed as it guided me towards the jaw line and ultimately to the mustache area. Along the way I did develop a few more weepers around the corner of the mouth. In some ways it was not surprising as I have mentioned the clinical reduction powers of the Nodachi. And in this case the Nodachi encountered a few small raised areas. If I had stretched the skin a bit tighter it would have passed without any trouble. But this same level of efficiency is a superior strength in the area above the upper lip. With little pressure required, I cleaved that most difficult stubble with ease. And ultimately this is one section of my beard where I consistently saw noticeable improvements in BBS when compared to other razors, including the Blackbird.

With the right side complete the Blackbird leaped back into the fray. Here the Blackbird is at its highest level of audible feedback and also requires more vigilance on technique to deliver a safe and effective outcome. The Nodachi feels more refined in the ATG phase but that is countered by an increase of maneuverability with the Blackbird. Each razor is technique driven but for differing reasons. I find the Blackbird requires a practiced hand in applied pressure to extract the full efficiency of the razor, at least for my beard profile. That also comes with maintaining a relatively shallow angle. It took several months to fully adapt to those methods, although my preceding time with the Vector SE had aided in that skill. And lately I have been pushing the Blackbird further in ATG techniques. I often imagine I am employing the leading edge of the blade to lift that most difficult stubble laying flat to the skin and then once lifted pushing forward. Whether I am actually performing that operation or not is less certain but that is the visualization used and the outcomes have improved with it.

I described that in detail to compare the Nodachi which is de-tuned a step down on blade feel, so I don’t receive enough feedback to carry out the same operation. But I don’t need to because the Nodachi does not require any assistance in exhibiting a high degree of efficiency. In my time with the razor it needs a different set of skills compared to the Blackbird. Here I must carefully reduce pressure application to minimize potential for injury or post shave irritation. It seeks a different form of engagement when compared to the Blackbird. It has also pushed me to develop my handling skills in a way that has enhanced my recent shaves with the Blackbird.

With the shave complete a palm full of Kryptonite splash is applied. The synthetic cooling of the Kryptonite splash quietly develops into a full crescendo that leaves little feedback in its wake. It is difficult to perceive a marked difference in post shave shadow reduction. Both sides exude an outstanding level of BBS. I might give the edge to the Nodachi although that could be benefited from right side dominance. This is another factor that stands apart from other razors I have owned or tried. The Nodachi is the first to compete with the post shave shadow reduction of the Blackbird, which is something I highly value.

As the hours slip by I periodically check for signs of regrowth. At 11 hours I start to feel a hint of regrowth, in different zones for each respective side. By the next morning regrowth is still minimal and both razors have demonstrated excellence in BBS durability. The commensurate level of durability is such that it is difficult to declare one superior than the other. The Nodachi was superior in the mustache region but the Blackbird provided compelling outcomes on the neckline. Given the totality, both were fantastic shavers. Each can take you to the same place, they just travel a somewhat different route.

CONCLUSION

I had an epic time with the Nodachi Ti and would like to once again thank DFS, DanLaw and tatararazors for this pass around opportunity. The Nodachi has surprised and delighted in many ways. But as important it has also challenged me in a few instances, which I appreciate most. At this point in my shaving journey I am seeking enhancements to my current rotation of DE razors that can deliver on improved effectiveness while maintaining or increasing the level of comfort derived from the Blackbird Ti. When I look back on the time with this razor I can confidently state that I am seriously considering a purchase of this razor. With increased run time I believe proficiency will increase, and potentially unlock another level of outcomes for both comfort and BBS duration.

Pleasant shaves to all.

Outstanding series of write ups