Active Tatara pass around - part 2 - their new Amakuni SE razor

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The Tatara pass around is back. And this time it's their new SE razor.

As you may know I have been testing a prototype of their new Single Edge. João from Tatara is once again offering us the chance to test their latest razor.

Standard small print as per usual pass arounds

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

I’m going to restrict the pass around to members who have been around for at least 3 months and have good amount of posts. My discretion will be applied, so don’t apply with your first post!
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.
Please use Special Delivery in the UK. If Royal Mail loses it, they’ll pay for it, but only if you have insured it!
Two weeks is plenty of time to test the razor. If you know you are going to be unable to use the razor, ask to be moved down the list.
Most importantly let everyone know what you think about the razor. This is a requirement of the pass around. It doesn’t need to be a long detailed report of every SOTD but Tatara want to know what you thought of the razor.
Disinfect the razor with barbicide before shipping out to the next lucky person.
Enjoy the pass around. Yes, that’s one of the rules.

*To start with this will be a UK pass around with the possibility of an EU tour later on*

João will be checking in and answering any questions about their razors.

About the Amakuni

The Amakuni razor is Tatara’s first single-edge razor, meticulously crafted for optimal use with single-edge blades. Designed for precision and agility, it caters to those who favour Artist Club (AC) blade type.

Featuring a two-piece construction and magnetic mechanisms for effortless blade loading and unloading, the Amakuni embodies elegant simplicity. Its fluid curves and subtle dimples culminate in a sleek, efficient head, ensuring a precise and nimble shaving experience.

It’s perfect balance allows it to accommodate different smoothness levels of AC blades, giving you the flexibility to find your optimal blend of performance and comfort.

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Measurements taken with a Feather Pro blade

Specially designed for the Amakuni Razor and one of the exclusive specifications, the magnetic cap and blade system It is responsible for:

-Less parts and a convenient design with the handle and head connected
-Utilizes magnets to securely attach the cap and blade, allowing for easy assembly and quick blade changes while ensuring stability during use.

The Super Slim Head provides exceptional precision and control, delivering an ultra-close shave even in challenging areas, like under the nose. Its compact profile and carefully rounded blade corners make it easier to reach tight, hard-to-access spots effortlessly.

Designed for a more natural holding position, the curved handle neck provides improved comfort and control during shaving.

Staying true to Tatara’s signature style, the Amakuni features 294 dimples strategically placed for enhanced grip. This time, the dimples are subtly aligned at an angle that complements the neck design, creating a seamless and cohesive razor.

One of the great advantages of a single-edge razor designed for Artist Club blades is its versatility. By using different blade options—ranging from mild to ultra-sharp—you can customize your shaving experience to perfectly match your skin type and preferences.

The Amakuni series is in all aspects focused on simplicity and minimalism. It features a 2 pieces assembly design that will never get old or compromised.

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Full details
https://tatararazors.com/product/amakuni-razor

Who was this Amakuni guy?

Amakuni Yasutsuna (天國 安綱) is the legendary swordsmith who supposedly created the first single-edged longsword (tachi) with curvature along the edge in the Yamato Province around 700 AD. He was the head of a group of swordsmiths employed by the Emperor of Japan to make weapons for his warriors. His son, Amakura, was the successor to his work. Although there are almost no modern examples of signed works by Amakuni, legend has it that the double-edged katana, Kogarasu Maru, was forged by this man. The true author of this work is not known, though the work bears similarities to works of the various Yamato schools so it is thought to be an early example of work from this province.

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The legend

One day, Amakuni and his son, Amakura, were standing in the doorway of their shop, watching the Emperor's warriors return from battle. Although having done so on previous occasions, the Emperor did not give Amakuni any sign of recognition. Having always looked upon these gestures as a sign of appreciation for his efforts and hard work, Amakuni suddenly noticed that nearly half of the returning warriors were carrying broken swords.

Determined to make things right, Amakuni and Amakura went about gathering remnants of the swords and examined them. It appeared that the chief reasons for breakage were that the swords had been improperly forged and that the soldiers had struck hard objects, probably armor or other weapons, with them. Once again, the Emperor's subtle yet audible rebuff ran through his mind. Tears filled Amakuni's eyes, and he said to himself, "If they are going to use our swords for such slashing, I shall make one that will not break."

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Legendary sword makers Amakuni and Amakura

With this vow, Amakuni and his son sealed themselves away in the forge and prayed for seven days and seven nights to the Shinto gods. Amakuni then selected the best iron sand ore he could obtain and refined it into steel. Working without rest, the two worked at their apparently impossible task. Thirty one days later, Amakuni and his son emerged gaunt and weary from the forge with a single-edged sword with curvature. Undaunted by the other swordsmiths, who believed them to be insane, Amakuni and Amakura ground and polished the new sword.

During the following months, Amakuni and his son continued with their work, forging many types of improved swords. In the following spring, there was another war. Again the samurai returned, and as they passed by, he counted over thirty-one swords with perfect, intact blades. As the Emperor passed, he smiled and said, "You are an expert swordmaker. None of the swords you have made failed in this battle." Amakuni rejoiced and once more felt that life was full and joyous.

It is not known when Amakuni died, though legend has it that he gained immortality from the large amount of blood shed from the blades he created.

The list is not limited in numbers and is open to both members of ATG and TSR

I will post an update as soon as the package arrives from Portugal.

Enjoy the pass around guys.

Add your name to the list below to join.
 
Thank you for organising this @Masamune.
Happy to be added to the list if I may please.
(I'm only on this forum so if neighbouring members from ATG have put their names on the list in the meantime, happy to be bumped down the list)

1. Masamune
2. p.b
3. Crossan
4. semajohn
5. sɐǝɹpu∀
6. wooky114
7. ATG
 
Amakuni review part 1

I've now had a week of shaves.

This ended up being a different razor to the prototype. More streamlined like I mentioned in the preview and with a smaller head to rival the Vector. A milder Vector and handles just like that. I like the fact that the Amakuni has more heft to the head. There is zero movement of the blade during the shave.

Neat design that will appeal to those who like the Tatara adjustable, the Masamune handle and AC blades.

Is it as smooth as the prototype or some AC razors? No. It's not as smooth as the Atelier Durdan La Faulx (classic) but it is more efficient and has more blade exposure. There is some blade feel compared to the easy shave of the prototype. Easy to find blade angle and the range of angles is wider (than the prototype). It's milder than the Vector. I haven't had any irritation despite chopping and changing blades each day.

Cap is held very securely. No movement during the shave. I'd prefer a threaded design but magnets work perfectly. Perfect blade alignment very time. I had no idea magnets would be a big deal for some people. I like the fact it's a two piece design - without taking the razor to pieces. I haven't touched the torx screw or the flat screw on the prototype either.

The handle is great and an improvement on the prototype's. The trademark "Masamune" dimples give excellent grip. It's a well balanced razor. I like the heft of the whole razor but I'm used to heavier AC razors like the ATT slant, La Faulx, the General and of course, the Mongoose.

I've tried all my blades bar a Feather Pro Super, with mixed results. The prototype pretty much tamed all blades including the Super but was absolutely a milder shave. Efficiency is sneaky with some of the blades and milder with others. I tried a shallower angle but efficiency took a hit especially with a guarded blade.

Blade rankings

Kai MG Protouch (2)
Mild with low efficiency. Not much more efficient than prototype. Very smooth and comfortable but efficiency could be better. If you stray from the optimal angle it can be inefficient.

Kai Pink (2)
Smooth and comfortable. More efficient than the Protouch blades.

Proline (1)
Some blade feel (new blade). Efficient. More aggressive version of Feather Pro.

Feather ProGuard (1)
Very tuggy with 2 days growth. Improves by third pass but not really comfortable. Kai guarded blades are way more comfortable and smooth. Disappointing combination. Maybe it would improve with more shaves. The prototype was comfortable with ProGuards.

Feather Pro (1)
Smoother version of Proline in the sense that it's more efficient than it feels. Deceptively efficient. Smooth shave.

Kai blades have always been smoother than Feather for me in AC razors and this was no exception.

Geometry

.85 gap
.06 exposure

This razor does have some positive exposure and was designed to add some efficiency to the smooth shaving prototype. While it is comfortable it has lost some smoothness IMO (just a little not a ton) and at the same time some blades are deceptively efficient -- more efficient than they feel.

I'll do a few comparisons next alongside the ATT slant and Vector. I was hoping to have the La Faulx + to compare against but it doesn't look like it will arrive in time. I'll update afterwards.
 
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Part 2

A word about the machining. It's impeccable as you would expect from Tatara. Trademark well finished satin steel and everything fits together perfectly. A well considered design. Magnets make it easy to switch blades and test several at once. I can't see any advantage in upgrading to the titanium, it's very well weighted as it is. Minimalist design at its best.

Very nice once you have decided on your blade of choice. Smooth shaving with the Kai Pink for me.

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Amakuni x Vector

I loaded up my favourite blades in each and did a side-by-side comparison on two days growth.

Amakuni : Kai Pink
Vector (standard, machined): Proline

Smoothness: Amakuni
ATG: Amakuni
Efficiency: Vector by a narrow margin
Agility: Tie, not much in it
Balance: Amakuni
Handle: Amakuni
Changing blades: Amakuni (not even a close comparison)

I haven't tried the Vector Lite but the Tatara is definitely more comfortable than the standard Vector. The Blackland razor is balanced towards the handle and Amakuni is much more evenly balanced - which I prefer.

Unlike the guarded Feather, the Kai Pink cuts cleanly through 2 days.

I have no idea about gap or exposure on the Vector but it feels like more blade exposure and loses marks for smoothness.

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Amakuni x ATT slant

Both loaded with Kai Pink blades. Very different razor designs, balance points and weights.

The ATT slant is more comfortable than the Vector.

Well clearly these are very different razors. The head on the slant is huge compared to the Amakuni. Accounting for their differences and all passes this is my ranking:

Smoothness: ATT
ATG: ATT
Efficiency: ATT
Agility: Amakuni obviously
Balance: Amakuni is more balanced
Handle: ATT for choice of handles but I like the Tatara
Changing blades: Technically Amakuni but ATT is easy

Maybe I was extra careful with the heft of the ATT but I was surprised with my results.

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Amakuni x Wolfman WR4

WR4 .55 gap with neutral exposure. Once again both with Kai Pinks. Wolfman is in the brushed finish. I used the WRH7 to keep the weights similar.

The head of the Wolfman is a completely different shape to the Tatara. Amakuni wins under the nose by virtue of size.

Smoothness: Wolfman
ATG: Wolfman
Efficiency: Wolfman
Agility: Amakuni
Balance: Depends on handle but Amakuni more balanced
Handle: Wolfman for choice of handles
Changing blades: Amakuni

Amakuni x Protoype

The prototype is a different design which also takes AC blades. It's milder both in efficiency and comfort.

Smoothness: Prototype
ATG: Prototype
Efficiency: Amakuni
Agility: Amakuni
Balance: Amakuni
Handle: Amakuni has a better grip
Changing blades: Same

The Amakuni is a fair amount lighter than the prototype.

Amakuni 80g
Prototype 95g
Vector 78g
ATT slant 109g (Atlas)
Wolfman WR4 91g (WRH7)

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Summary


Don't talk my word for it: join the pass around and find out for yourself.

These are my personal results. Yours may be different.

When I say some blade feel I'm comparing to the mild prototype. The Amakuni is neither super mild nor highly aggressive. Some blades didn't work for me (Feather ProGuard) and some were really comfortable. There is positive exposure so it was never going to be as smooth as the Atelier Durdan (classic) and it does have a decent gap. I should have the + plate to compare to by next week.

I really like the simplicity of the two-piece design. If you don't like magnets you really should get over it.

It's an excellent addition to the family of Tatara razors.

Thanks again to João @TATARA RAZORS for making the pass around happen.
 
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