Thread: Why don't Japanese razors have nice handles?

Hi there,
I'm just so curious about Japanese Straight razors. Japan is a country with an incredible craftmanship, why don't they put nice handles on Japanese straight razors? The razors always have a nice looking blade, but when it comes to the handle it always sucks, it's like they're made out of duct tape. I remember watching a documentary about the building process of Katana's (Japanese swords) and the swordmaster who made them spent a whole month to build each one of them and the whole process was so elaborate and crafty it was unbelievable that to this day such craftmanship still existed.
It's a shame they don't do the same with razors.

Nuff' said.

Well I think that is has to do with to things. first is that a large handle would create a weight problem and start to make the shaving harder. 2 is very simple but a big handle would make if very hard to get the correct angle on your face. IMO The Japanese razor handle are very beautiful.

My only Japanese razor has a pretty sweet handle

It's a Tadisha Machida that Seth (forum member) helped me procure.

Originally Posted by BigBubba

My only Japanese razor has a pretty sweet handle

It's a Tadisha Machida that Seth (forum member) helped me procure.

That is an absolutely gorgeous blade. I think I'm drooling a little (that means a lot)

Drew

WOW! That is a beautiful razor!

I am in awe of its shape, there are not many razors that really get me going. That razor is in my top 5.

Charlie

Originally Posted by BigBubba

My only Japanese razor has a pretty sweet handle

It's a Tadisha Machida that Seth (forum member) helped me procure.

Geez mate these is exotic. Very rustic look. Awesome piece you have there!

What size? Mine is size 1 50mm.

Since we've all been clamouring bout it. Did some search:

Telly, I was able to pop in and ask about the razor. It seems that he sold the one he had in stock but can order others if asked to do so.

I asked what the price was and he said he would have to check but it was around 45,000 yen.

I am not sure if the craftsman has raised prices or what though.

The name of the store is 'World Knife Shop, Ginza Kikufuji' 「ワールドナイフショップ銀座菊藤」 www.kikufuji.com . It mainly has kitchen and pocket knives for sale.
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Last edited by ZethLent; 04-30-2009 at 12:43 AM.

Badger & Blade - View Single Post - Tadisha Machida Damascus

45,000 JPY ~ 510.22USD

Very practical people. Form follows function to the nth degree. I have always liked the looks of these razors, and the oft repeated photo is a prime example. Nothing gone to waste.
The focus is in and on the steel, not distracting fancy scales, basic simplicity and very zen. Also very expensive.
And how fortunate we are to have friends in far places.

Originally Posted by BigBubba

My only Japanese razor has a pretty sweet handle

It's a Tadisha Machida that Seth (forum member) helped me procure.

Man, this razor is so sweet you can't help but hijack any thread by merely displaying it... what a magnificent razor