Where to buy in Tokyo

[mpearce]

Hey guys- I see some of you are here in Japan like me. I am a newbie and looking to get set up with a nice straight and all the fixins. I'm talking to Jim about strops since everyone raves about the Kanoyama. But where can I go for a nice razor that is not going to be double the price for the same thing out of the US? Or should I just buy from the US and have it shipped?

Anyway thanks for the help in advance.

[wedwards]

Jim or someone else in the local area is probably best placed to advise if/where you could purchase locally. With the american dollar taking a beating of late, I have found it is well worth ordering from SRD rather than buying local (I am in Australia, shipping is about $35 for a bunch of straights and a strop). Check your customs requirements though, as anything under $500 here doesnt seem to be looked at too hard, but that might be different for your location (Jim is probably best placed to advise his experiences with customs etc).

Anyway, welcome and have fun.

[mpearce]

Jim or someone else in the local area is probably best placed to advise if/where you could purchase locally. With the american dollar taking a beating of late, I have found it is well worth ordering from SRD rather than buying local (I am in Australia, shipping is about $35 for a bunch of straights and a strop). Check your customs requirements though, as anything under $500 here doesnt seem to be looked at too hard, but that might be different for your location (Jim is probably best placed to advise his experiences with customs etc).

Anyway, welcome and have fun.

that is a good point the yen to dollar right now is very nice for me that is. I was thinking to get my first razor from SRD as the service and prices are so good. Besides they shave ready the blades and all. That sounds good to me as I know nothing of shaving one yet, so might as well make it as easy as possible for myself.

[JimR]

Hey Michael,

I was going to email you about this but for the sake of others who might be wondering the same, I think that for most products importing is pretty much the only route other than buying from other members here (which is not a bad idea, really--ZethLent often offers good stuff, and he's in Tokyo too).

I have gotten some shave-ready razors off of Yahoo Auction, but it's a total crap-shoot, and not something I'd recommend for your starter setup. As for shops, there are sure to be SOME in Tokyo, but as for their service and prices, you're probably just as well importing, ESPECIALLY with the dollar where it's been lately.

The only worthwhile Japanese products I've found are aftershaves (Top class, really), and hardware (razors/strops) that while of outstanding quality, are FAR from the cheapest around.

I'll be in touch privately, as well!

[ZethLent]

mpearce,

I'll send you an PM.

[Frankenstein]

Kiya is in Nihonbashi - cut and paste - 木屋日本橋, then check the shop listing - 名店のご案内。　I just checked and the website is available in English if you need it.
There's another place in Ginza that has knives, J-razors and a few Western Straights, I think.
There's also Rakuten - which occasionally has some great things very cheaply. If I were you I'd go to RupRazor - Home first - but if you have more money go to Kiya and buy a Dovo razor and strop.

Cheers,

[jollo74]

Dear all,

I've revived this thread as a rleative of mine will be going to Tokyo next week and he kindly offered to look out for a kamisori to bring back for me.

As this thread is already over 2 years old I'd like to ask whether you could provide me with some up-to-date tips on where he could go looking. He's no straight razor expert so proposing a store where conversation in English is possible would be great.

And I'm looking for a rather basic kamisori, so no tamahagane or other fancy stuff.

Can anyone help me out ?

Thanks in advance
Jörg

[pesa]

I'll be going to Tokyo in December too and would appreciate any tips for finding kamisori and maybe honing service in the city. Please share any info that you might have. Thanks

[Wintchase]

The strops must be great it they massage the cows in beer on a daily basis.

[jollo74]

Thanks for all your input guys - much appreciated !

My relative's just came back - without a kamisori... I gave him your tips but told him not to get an Iwasaki as I could them here in Germany for a good price. So, he asked around, found nothing and came back...

I'll probably have to watch the US ebay site.

Cheers
Jörg