Thread: Is anyone able to read Japanese?

I've actually had this razor for quite a while now, and I've always been curious as to what it was stamped with, but I was never able to take a good photo. The characters are barely identifiable even in real life.




The seller told me it was Tamahagane steel, but based on the price I paid for it, I highly doubt that this is the case. It originally came with very deep, horizontal scratches. There are still a few on the Omote (wedge) side though.
It was also not sharp enough, so I had to hone it. I was quite surprised that I managed to get it to a shave ready condition (thanks to Gssixgun), as I've only recently learnt how to hone western straights. I'm still recovering from two large baldspots on my calves.

New Tamahagane Iwasaki J apanese Straight Razor Shaving Sword Katana A 01 | eBay
in this link you find the ideograms for tamahagane...compare to your razor.

Originally Posted by ovidiucotiga

New Tamahagane Iwasaki J apanese Straight Razor Shaving Sword Katana A 01 | eBay
in this link you find the ideograms for tamahagane...compare to your razor.

No, didn't think that this would be Tamahagane, but I'd be interested in knowing who made this razor. If the characters can still be read.

I had supper with 5 Japanese speakers last night, 4 from Japan. Good thing the 5th was from here. Anyhoo, I could have had him/them translate last night. But that was 400 miles ago. cheers.

Is not a tama,Kanji says: man who makes love to woman on side of hill, not on leval