Tatara Masmune - handle

[Chris]

I emailed the chaps at Tatara to ask if they had any plans to offer other handles as I liked the razor but the handle is not to my taste and, of course, you can’t use a different one.

This was the reply:

Hello Chris,

I am glad that you make that question.

We are aware that our handle doesn't give the possibility to have another handles. We understood the problem and want to give the chance to the people to have the possibility of having another handles. I saw that you subscribe to our page, we will have news this week and I can tell you in advance that the we solve that question.

Just keep an eye on your email

Br,
Joao Gomes

Sounds very promising!

 

[motto]

Interesting news indeed.

 

[sɐǝɹpu∀]

Any unwanted Tatara Masamune handles can be sent to me for safe disposal.

 

[Chris]

Well, I've seen the update from Tatara and I'm disappointed. It's a 105mm handle that uses the same screw-into-baseplate design as the previous one but they've lengthened the screw on the cap so that you can use a regular handle. The (potential) problem there is that the non-Tatara handle won't screw into the baseplate, but the plate will have a massive hole in it which would let it slop around the screw until it's fully tightened.

TBH I don't know how much of a problem that would actually be in real world usage but I don't like the idea of it.

 

[les24preludes]

I can see the problem by looking at the handle. There's probably a solution with washers of some kind. Any handle could be turned on a lathe to fit into the hole, of you had access to anyone with a lathe.

 

[Chris]

I would prefer one of two options. Use a standard-sized hole in the plate and abandon the idea of screwing the handle into it, or release a conventional knurled handle.

Personally I don't see the advantage of screwing the handle into the plate, with the machining tolerances Tatara are obviously capable of they could minimise clearance between the hole in the plate and the screw thread and achieve the same effect. Like everyone else does.

I've made my peace with not being able to replace the handle on the PILS with it being a two-piece, but TBH I see it as a bit of a design flaw with a three-piece, it's like Fatip with their non-standard threading.

 

[motto]

Not a fan of the new handle too. Looks bulcky in my eyes.
The newsletter indicates that they have modified the head or at least the cap to a more agressive set up with more blade exposure ....

Masamune Nodachi*
109,0 x 41,4 x 24,6mm
weight 120 gr

Handle
Ø12,5 x 105mm
weight 88gr

Closed comb
Blade gap 0,90mm

Cap
Enhanced blade exposition
Longer screw thread making it possible to screw different handles


*All parts can be interchangeable with the original Masamune razor.

 

[carbold]

I suggested from the very beginning that they need to provide a spacer to feel the gap, just a small hollow cylinder. Simples

 

[Wayne]

I too was disappointed with the new handle. It isn’t different enough from the original and it’s longer which I don’t personally like. I’m all for a little more aggression though. I felt it was needed.

 

[carbold]

I really don’t get it. You are making a niche product, something that costs a decent amount of money. You are competing with a number of very good razors, some of them even offer customisations. Most of them very accommodating. You are working on small numbers too so if you don’t sell your razors because the handle is not to everyone’s taste (I would have bought it if it wasn’t for the handle), why on earth don’t you listen and at least make the head compatible with other handles???? Or offer a number of different handles? Surely you want customers like me who don’t like the handle? I don’t get it [emoji1745]‍[emoji3603]

 

[Chris]

My gripe with the handle is purely aesthetic, I like the size and it’s grippy enough I just don’t like the way it looks, but for the price point and the lack of compatibility with other handles it’s enough to stop me buying one.

 

[les24preludes]

I really don’t get it.

[emoji1745]‍[emoji3603]

Designers have a mind of their own. They often want to make a design statement - same with Pils. "Fit another handle" isn't how they see it, and they can be stubborn as has been remarked on.

 

[Wayne]

I’m sure that top ball part could be manufactured to fit on another handle and sold as an extra for those wanting to use a different handle.

 

[carbold]

That’s what I’m saying, not the ball but above that. A little cylindrical spacer

 

[Wayne]

That’s what I’m saying, not the ball but above that. A little cylindrical spacer

Sorry Carlo, I totally agree. It would probably have to be a longer cylindrical affair to accommodate both the thread of the other handle and thread of the Tatara head.