Thread: Japanese Straights

Originally Posted by prodigy

I finally found my holy grail, at least one of them. Should be here in a day or two.
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Congratulations! Iwasaki Tamahagane kamisori are simply beautiful razors.

I found this one on the bay a while back. The pictures were bad and the description lacking. I thought I was getting a nondescript Sheffield blade judging from the poor photos. Imagine my surprise when the package was opened. The Japanese blade has obvious Sheffield influences,with the heavy grind and barbers notch. I do not recall seeing another quite like it . The kanji supposedly translates to something like Perfect White.

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I hereby modestly apply for a membership in this club. I own an Iwasaki kamisori, recent production.

Originally Posted by Rockabillyhelge

@Celticcrusader: Wow, what a Razor, Congrats, this is really something special!!! :-)

@prodigy: Really a nice one, i can understand you, its my holy grail too :-) Many Congrats!!!

Today i got a Razor or better i got a Razor twice that i long wanted to try, two New Zuboras and with one i had my first shave a few minutes ago and it was perfect,
although its only 5/8" and the the Blade is shorter than 4cm.

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I just bought two of those as well. One is nos and took an amazing edge, the other was honed into oblivion and I'm doubting it will ever shave again.

Originally Posted by prodigy

I finally found my holy grail, at least one of them. Should be here in a day or two.
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is this the tamahagane version?

Originally Posted by jigane

is this the tamahagane version?

Yes it is. New old stock. 7/8 size

have you tried it against a "swedish steel" one and what was the result?

Originally Posted by jigane

have you tried it against a "swedish steel" one and what was the result?

From my experience with both Iwasakis modified swedish steel and Tamahagane I couldn't tell the difference in a blind test so to speak.
Kousuke Iwasaki modified Swedish steel to be very similar in properties to Tamahagane. The only real difference is the hardness, Tamahagane is a bit harder to hone but edge retention should be amazing.

Originally Posted by jigane

I hereby modestly apply for a membership in this club. I own an Iwasaki kamisori, recent production.

Welcome. Japanese western style straight razors rank with the finest production razors ever made. Let us know how you like your kamisori. I could never quite master the skill set for the kamisori but love the westerns.