Thread: Help Identifying a Handmade Japanese Razor

Originally Posted by Dovo1695

I thought I'd update this thread in the unlikely event that anyone else is as obsessed with these marvelous razors as I am. I've found a few more Iwasaki Western Straight Razors out in the wild. This is list of the one's I have seen so far...

It would appear there is one on a popular auction site as we speak (reading this thread inspired me to have a look for fun). Unsure if it is on your list or not, but might be an add for fun (assuming it appears to be authentic).

Yup, it's in the list. That's where I find a lot of them. Sometimes the prices for them can get a bit silly on that auction website. It seems like many of them are listed by 3rd parties who buy them from retiring barbers in Japan. Iwasaki stopped selling new ones in the late 1980's. When that generation of master barbers is gone, I suspect they'll be even harder to find.

Just found this old Japanese razor don't know if it is old would like to by a blue rubber grip but cannot find any for sale.

You'll probably have more luck by starting your own thread with the title "I'm looking for a new blue grip for my old kamisori". Your post won't get seen much in this 1 year old thread about Iwasaki tamahagane western straight razors.

Plenty of vintage kamisori fans have bought blue handles, some even get new old stock ones. You shouldn't have any trouble finding what you're looking for.

Good luck!

ManyThanks new to the forum.

Originally Posted by Kenj

ManyThanks new to the forum.

Welcome to SRP. Good luck with your search.

Originally Posted by Dovo1695

It would be nice if you added a column in your spreadsheet and applied your formula to calculate the Date of Manufacture to it

No numbers stamped anywhere on razor uless the numbers are in Japanese?

Originally Posted by Dovo1695

Yup, it's in the list. That's where I find a lot of them. Sometimes the prices for them can get a bit silly on that auction website. It seems like many of them are listed by 3rd parties who buy them from retiring barbers in Japan. Iwasaki stopped selling new ones in the late 1980's. When that generation of master barbers is gone, I suspect they'll be even harder to find.

I'm sure you've seen this one, as it was for sale. Picked it up. 1398.4? Allegedly 17mm (5/8). Should have it next week. Thoughts?