Thread: Japanese Straights

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

I posted this in the show and tell forum yesterday but I thought the Japanese straight fans might appreciate! .

This is the one razor I have sought above all others, made by the legendary Shigeyoshi Iwasaki from the almost mythical Tamahagane.

It looks to me like NOS, there is no hint of wear but a few blemishes that should be able to polish out.
Under a loupe the bevel looks quite beautiful and I hope it was by Shigeyoshi himself. In fact after inspection and tree topping some arm hair I gave her a good stropping to refresh the edge that has been waiting for me for the last 40/50 years. She gave up a fine shave indeed, not as keen as I like but fine enough for most.

I won't go on about Iwasaki as there is enough posts already so it just leaves me to show my pictures.
Please forgive my photography skills.

Attachment 238424

Attachment 238425

Attachment 238426

Congratulation Mark fantastic razors I love mine and the pure simplicity of the plain black scales no fancy goldwash or etching the devils in the detail, pure Japanese ethics and quality you can feel the history behind the blade and steel everytime you shave with these Iwasaki razors they are extremely special the best razors in the world.

Cheers Jamie. I thought you might like this one! Your bang on, the history, craftmanship and cultural significance of Iwasakis razors are what make his razors so special to me.

Sorry if i derailed the thread. But how do Tamahagane and Swedish steel compare ?

Originally Posted by Rami

Sorry if i derailed the thread. But how do Tamahagane and Swedish steel compare ?

I have a friend who had both he said they both shaved equally as well the Swedish steel went to rockwell 64 which is harder than most razors and the Tamahagane probably went a little higher, they are pretty straight forward to hone I've honed both, the original box that came with the Iwasaki razors had the Rockwell hardness printed on the box here's mine.

Originally Posted by Rami

Sorry if i derailed the thread. But how do Tamahagane and Swedish steel compare ?

When quality Tamahagane was getting harder to obtain, Iwasaki started using Swedish steel. He sis not, however, use plain steel from the factory rather he modified it to be close to properties to Tamahagane. The Swedish steel models are amazing shavers.

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

I posted this in the show and tell forum yesterday but I thought the Japanese straight fans might appreciate! .

This is the one razor I have sought above all others, made by the legendary Shigeyoshi Iwasaki from the almost mythical Tamahagane.

It looks to me like NOS, there is no hint of wear but a few blemishes that should be able to polish out.
Under a loupe the bevel looks quite beautiful and I hope it was by Shigeyoshi himself. In fact after inspection and tree topping some arm hair I gave her a good stropping to refresh the edge that has been waiting for me for the last 40/50 years. She gave up a fine shave indeed, not as keen as I like but fine enough for most.

I won't go on about Iwasaki as there is enough posts already so it just leaves me to show my pictures.
Please forgive my photography skills.

Attachment 238424

Attachment 238425

Attachment 238426

Welcome to the club Mark. Congrats on this outstanding razor. I personally think those are the special razors, the way they were made and how they perform on the stones and the cheek at such high hardness is just amazing.

Originally Posted by mainaman

When quality Tamahagane was getting harder to obtain, Iwasaki started using Swedish steel. He sis not, however, use plain steel from the factory rather he modified it to be close to properties to Tamahagane. The Swedish steel models are amazing shavers.

Is that like shigefusa's spicy swedish steel?
It's used for kitchen knives.

Originally Posted by Rami

Is that like shigefusa's spicy swedish steel?
It's used for kitchen knives.

I believe so, he gets it from Iwasaki.

Originally Posted by mainaman

Welcome to the club Mark. Congrats on this outstanding razor. I personally think those are the special razors, the way they were made and how they perform on the stones and the cheek at such high hardness is just amazing.

Thanks Stefan. Its actually yourself and Jim Rions enthusiasm for these wonderful razors that got me hooked in the first place.

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

Thanks Stefan. Its actually yourself and Jim Rions enthusiasm for these wonderful razors that got me hooked in the first place.

I am very happy that you like the razor, enjoy.