Thread: Kamisori-style storage box for Western razor

The scales of my Dovo Best 6/8 have broken. I'm thinking of replacing them - but then I remembered that Japanese razors have no scales and apparently do a fine job. My understanding is that they have special storage boxes to protect the blade.

I looked at some threads and apparently, those are called 'straight razor coffins' - am I getting this right? Are they going to do a good job of protecting the edge?

You can shave with a western style straight razor without scales. There are some blade control issues you might want to get beyond. It will take a little more attention. The blade to handle ratio on a kami is different from that of a western straight razor. Coffins are just regular razor boxes. The kami boxes and stands use a section that the handle rests on. I don't see that working for you but if you simply set the razor down on a piece of fabric, you will not bump the edge and as long as everything is dry it won't be a big deal.

Originally Posted by malaverdiere

The scales of my Dovo Best 6/8 have broken. I'm thinking of replacing them - but then I remembered that Japanese razors have no scales and apparently do a fine job. My understanding is that they have special storage boxes to protect the blade.

I looked at some threads and apparently, those are called 'straight razor coffins' - am I getting this right? Are they going to do a good job of protecting the edge?

The 'straight razor coffins' would not protect the edge. They depend on the scales to hide and protect the edge.

Dovo brand replacement scales can be purchased from a number of sites.
Other premade scales can be be had too.

The shape and balance of a Japanese Kamisori gives a handle.

If the scales are still serviceable you might reinforce them with silk wrap fingernail tricks and products.
The silk and fiberglass stuff is strong enough and waterproof enough for minor cracks. It can be removed
with fingernail polish remover.

You can also ask the vendors in the "Buy/Sell/Trade" section here what they want to replace scales on a Dovo.

There was a thread here where replacement scales were made from wood Tongue Depressors.
Measure your scales the common wood ones in hobby and even Staples stores are close to
the correct size. Shape, sand, drill, wedge, finish, pin...

Some of the older Kamisori had wood boxes that were kind of a fold out affair with a slot where the blade went into. I used to have one but it fell apart. If you are handy with wood and have the tools you could make one yourself. The newer kamisori don't use them.