Thread: Japanese razors - what to look out for

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.

Originally Posted by Kees

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.

Indeed I am, especially if I choose to go the traditional Kamisori route.

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

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.

Originally Posted by animalwithin

Thank you for the list of makers! I will check them all out.

Those Iwasaki, I see one going for $2,500

Are the folding Kamisori still subject to the right/left handedness with only one side beveled out?

Folding kamisori vary, some are symmetrically ground and some are asymmetrically ground. You just have to look at them.

Originally Posted by Gasman

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.

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.

The folding kamisori I'm looking at do seem to be in great condition, however. I will keep researching.