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I'm looking to get my first Japanese razor (kamisori or straight, haven't decided) yet I know very little about them.
While there are many blades with English stamping, how does one know what you're getting when looking at the blades with just Japanese lettering?
Is there a Japanese version of the Gold Dollar that should be avoided?
Are you going to explore a new rabbit hole?
I have a Tosuke and an Iwasaki.
Crazy sharp razors. I don't use them enough I am afraid.
You have to be very careful not to damage the cutting edge.
I don’t think there are any bad brands, some are remarkable.watch the SOTD thread and you will see some great examples.
Indeed I am, especially if I choose to go the traditional Kamisori route.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kees
Most Japanese razors are excellent shavers, and so far I've never met one that I didn't like. There are far too many names to list, but you'd do well if you found a nice EIKO, Daishi, Hayashi Diamond, Toyo, R. Saito, Hoshi Tombo or a Tanifuji, and there are many, many others. Iwasaki are marvelous, but so is the price. I prefer folding kamisori over fixed, and one of my favorites in the Daishi 350, as well as a Hoshi Tombo 6000. A Henkotsu Kaizan kamisori can generally be found for a fair price. It's easy to get hooked on Japanese straights.
A Cape 1000 Swedish Steel would be a good place to start, made by Tanifuji for Nichiri Barber Supply. Relatively easy to find and not expensive as jwests go.
Richard named the usual suspects so if you get one of those brands you should be good to go - just be sure that the wear is reasonable if it’s a used one.
Thank you for the list of makers! I will check them all out.
Those Iwasaki, I see one going for $2,500 :dropjaw:
Are the folding Kamisori still subject to the right/left handedness with only one side beveled out?
Watch out buying kamisori razors on ebay unless you have some idea about them. Ive bought two and they were both nice but what ive seen recently are worn out, honed to death or not worth the price. They try to hide junk in sets like buy these 5 razors in this cool box for 75 bucks. Althought 1 might be good enough to save maybe. Just do some good reading about them. I enjoy the ones i have and would have more if they didnt cost so much.
Folding kamisori vary, some are symmetrically ground and some are asymmetrically ground. You just have to look at them.Quote:
Originally Posted by animalwithin
I am indeed looking at eBay and I do see the razor sets. Most look like 5+ vintage kamisori that do look pretty worn out.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gasman
The folding kamisori I'm looking at do seem to be in great condition, however. I will keep researching.
Check out this thread: https://sharprazorpalace.com/razor-c...straights.html :chapeau
The very expensive ones are made of tamahagane steel. Producing steel from iron sand is very labour-intensive.Quote:
Originally Posted by animalwithin
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamahagane
I never owned a tamahagane razor so cannot comment on its virtues.
check out japannippon i think hes called he has many razors for sale
I also have no experience with tamahagane, but going by human nature it goes for higher prices because it is a more exclusive material that requires, as you said, more labour by skilled craftsmen.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kees
Iwasaki razors are expensive because they are collectors items, made by men with quite the reputation.
So exclusivity + exclusivity = big bucks.
Regards,
Pieter
Add to that the fact that they are not made anymore and the price goes even higher. A NOS perfect condition Iwasaki Tama Western is very very rare.
Im Luckily enough to have Shigeyoshi Iwasaki Tamahagane and his modified Swedish steel in both western and kamisori.
Kosuke Iwasaki, Shigeyoshis father, was world renowned metallurgist and blacksmith who founded Sanjo works. Kosuke and Shigeyoshis lifes work was the research of Tamahagane and the Japanese sword. Kosuke also spent 10 years developing Tamahagane for the use in his razors.
My pride and joy 岩崎 玉鋼
Attachment 320012
I didn't pay anywhere near the silly Ebay prices.
I have him saved as a seller in my Ebay, really great selection!Quote:
Originally Posted by constant
Beautiful blades!!! You're lucky you didn't pay Ebay prices!Quote:
Originally Posted by markbignosekelly
Lovely. A man could shave a lifetime with just those two razors.Quote:
Originally Posted by markbignosekelly
Thanks, Richard. They are wonderful razors and a joy to use.
A little known fact is Iwasaki had his own private quarry where he mined his own hones for his own use. None went up for sale. I have a Nagura Botan I came across years ago.
