Closed Completed: Pass Around - Tatara Masamune Razor

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Location
Brighton
Thanks to the generosity of @Paul from ↪Connaught Shaving I can offer a pass around of a Tatara Masamune razor by ↪Tatara Razors

TataraMasamune.jpg

This is an exciting opportunity to try this new razor. It has been discussed ↪here.

The pass around is for the razor with both open comb and solid bar plates and the stand.

Please read and agree to the following rules and remarks before joining the list:

If you are new to pass arounds, please read ↪this article on how pass arounds work first.
This pass around is available to members of both the ATG and TSR forums in the UK. If you don't want to post your reviews on both forums (please do), I might post a link to or copy and paste your review on the other forum.
The pass around is limited to 26 members. I'll restrict the pass around to members who have been around for a while. Don't apply with your first post. UK based members only. I might move long standing members up in the list, so we get relevant feedback early on.
Because of the value of the razor I recommend sending it by ‘Royal Mail Special Delivery by 1pm' or equivalent. You send the tracking number to the recipient and to me.
The razor is your responsibility from the moment you receive it until the next person receives it. You break it or lose it - you buy it. If Royal Mail lose it, they'll pay for it.
Don't hog the razor. A week should be enough time to form an opinion.
Let us know what you think about the razor. Post your thoughts on this thread and if possible on the other forum as well.
Make sure the razor is shave ready for the next person, i.e. cleaned and disinfected using for example ↪Barbicide.

Who is interested?

  1. sɐǝɹpu∀/riverrun (ATG/TSR)
The list is open.
Legend: Waiting, Currently with, Completed
 
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List update:
  1. sɐǝɹpu∀/riverrun (ATG/TSR)
  2. Blademonkey (TSR)
  3. carbold (ATG/TSR)
  4. Rowlers (ATG)
  5. Salv (ATG)
  6. Holyzeus (ATG)
  7. Barry Giddens (TSR)
  8. ajc347 (ATG)
  9. p.b (ATG)
  10. Mikey J (ATG)
  11. Tomhstorey (ATG)
  12. Wayne Pritchard/2hot 2trot (TSR/ATG)
  13. Wayne (ATG)
The list is open.
Legend: Waiting, Currently with, Completed
 
The Tatara Masamune razor has just arrived. Thanks, @Paul
First thing I had to try is to put the head of my 1912 on the Tatara handle.
Just as expected, this looks gorgeous.
I'll report back later.

  1. sɐǝɹpu∀/riverrun (ATG/TSR)
  2. Blademonkey (TSR)
  3. carbold (ATG/TSR)
  4. Rowlers (ATG)
  5. Salv (ATG)
  6. Holyzeus (ATG)
  7. Barry Giddens (TSR)
  8. ajc347 (ATG)
  9. p.b (ATG)
  10. Mikey J (ATG)
  11. Tomhstorey (ATG)
  12. Wayne Pritchard/2hot 2trot (TSR/ATG)
  13. Wayne (ATG)
  14. Boru62 (ATG)
  15. ManicDee (ATG)
  16. Andymc133 (ATG)
The list is open.
Legend: Waiting, Currently with, Completed
 
I have pre ordered one for February and I'll probably have it before the pass around gets to me so no point in taking up a place on the list. Looking forward to all the reviews coming in over the next few weeks.
 
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First impressions

The razor comes in a fairly plain wooden box with a Samurai logo on the top.
The box opens by rotating the lid around one corner of the box. In the diagonally opposite corner of box and lid are two magnets that hold the lid in position when closed. That's a nice detail and I like how the lid snaps into closed position.
Unfortunately that's all I like about the box. I'm not a fan of big or heavy boxes for razors. I don't see the point. The box with razor weighs in at just over 400g. That's more than I would like to carry with me when traveling. I wouldn't store the razor in the box between shaves, especially as this one comes with stainless steel stand (which does not fit in the box). So the only purpose of the box is to take up space I don't have.
The bottom of the box is a block of wood with some cut-outs:
TataraInBox.jpg
There is one cut-out for the razor and one for blades, instructions and the second base plate. Then there are two cut-outs for your fingers, so you can remove the razor. One of them is blocked by the slot for blades/instructions/second base plate and the other one is too small to get my thumb in there. Small issues, but worth noting before I chuck the box in the bin. Wait, it's not my razor... I'll hang on to the box for a while..
Enough about the box, let's have a look at the razor. I like what I see. The handle looks very elegant and modern. There is no logo on the top cap (good!). At the bottom of the base plate are engravings of a Samurai and a serial number. That's where they belong.
It's a regular three piece razor. When unscrewing the handle I immediately notice that it takes a bit longer than normal. The screw of the top plate seems a bit longer than normal and the top of the handle enters the base plate. Something like this:
TataraAnimation.gif
I tried another stainless steel handle and a handle from Gillette Tech - they won't fit because the screw is too long. Not necessarily an issue, but something you should note if like to swap out handles. The Tatara handle does fit on other razors though. I looks really great with the head of a 1912.
Overall I'm not disappointed. The razor is well made and looks great. I'll give it a go later today. @Paul has included 100 Dorco Titan blades. I don't know them, so I'll use a blade I do know.
 
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