Thread: 8/8 Koken Spain?

Off topic but slightly related I suppose. Why is it that almost all of the used japanese razors, or razors sold by japanese sellers, all have significant hone wear on the toe. If it was only a couple here and there I would not think there is something going on, but it seems like every razor they sell that is not NOS is severely honed on the toe. I really want an iwasaki, and all the used ones are so over honed on the toe I can't even consider it. Just a thought, maybe there is nothing to it, just something I've noticed...

The Japanese are some perfectionists, IMO. Prolly trying to get a perfect edge for each shave, I suppose. Then, that 'Japanese stroke' honing will do that!
What I wonder about is if a law was passed prohibiting their use in barber shops and thus the razors being sold off?
Why the lots of NOS ones being sold?

Originally Posted by sharptonn

The Japanese are some perfectionists, IMO. Prolly trying to get a perfect edge for each shave, I suppose. Then, that 'Japanese stroke' honing will do that!
What I wonder about is if a law was passed prohibiting their use in barber shops and thus the razors being sold off?
Why the lots of NOS ones being sold?

Maybe all these prestine blades are made in China and imported to japan.

Originally Posted by prodigy

Off topic but slightly related I suppose. Why is it that almost all of the used japanese razors, or razors sold by japanese sellers, all have significant hone wear on the toe. If it was only a couple here and there I would not think there is something going on, but it seems like every razor they sell that is not NOS is severely honed on the toe. I really want an iwasaki, and all the used ones are so over honed on the toe I can't even consider it. Just a thought, maybe there is nothing to it, just something I've noticed...

I'd guess that those "NOS" blades have been honed at least a time or two. Some people mute the point on purpose and some people hone with a rolling stroke that promotes a smile. The old barber manuals instruct seasoned barbers to hone heavy towards the point and I'm sure that technique has carried on for some time.

I was in japan for a few months when I was in the marines. From what I can recall, japanese culture only likes to keep things around that serve a purpose. They don't really have antique shops like we do here. Once something has served it's purpose they tend to recycle it, from what I heard. However there are always those that can't throw things away, and I think that's what we are seeing now. Several old barbers probably had vast collections sitting in storage somewhere. This could all be wrong, but it kinda makes sense to me. I really wish I was into straight razors when I was there, I would have cleared out every store I found!!

I'd imagine that a company like Koken commissioned a number of different razor makers to make razors for their brand so it could very well have been made by Filarmonica.