Thread: Help Identifying a Handmade Japanese Razor

I received a beautiful handmade Japanese straight razor as a gift from my brother 15 years ago. When I received it, I didn't really understand what he was giving me; all I knew is that it was the nicest thing I owned (I was in my early 20's). The gift included Shapton 8000 and 2000 grit stones to sharpen it on. In retrospect it must have been a week's pay for my brother at the time. He sourced the knife through Harrelson Stanley, who is now the president of Shapton USA, and knows a bit about knives. Apparently, the razor was made by an elderly Japanese master craftsman. It took my brother nearly a year to get the knife, so it must be somewhat unusual. I think I remember my brother telling me that the craftsman a short while later.

My brother has no recollection of who made the razor, and can't find any records related to the purchase. Mr. Stanley is a bit tough to get a hold of these days for things like knife identification . This knife is still my most prized possession, and I intend to pass it down to my own son when he is ready for it. I'd like to know the name of the craftsman who built it, so that I can tell my son the story of the knife, and honor the craftsman who made it.

The blade has no shortage of kanji, but it's all Greek to me. The folks on this forum know more about razors than just about anyone; I'm hoping there is someone out there that might be able to help me. Here are some pictures.