Thread: Nigari Razor

Has anyone heard of this new razor from Japan. I just saw it advertised at Fendrihan.

I know Nigara is a cutler and specializes in larger knives, but am not aware that they make straight razors.

Here’s the description at Fendrihan:

Using uncommon materials, this straight razor is elegant and refined. Its blue paper steel blade, known as Aogami in Japanese, is a manmade material consisting of carbon steel mixed with tungsten and chromium. This blade is crafted with Aogami 2 that contains slightly less carbon than Aogami 1 but is abrasion resistant to extend the life of the blade. Hand-forged for precision, the blade gives a close and smooth shave. Pakkawood scales, a composite made of wood and resin that is chosen for its durability and water resistance, protect the blade.

Hand-forged
6/8” round point
Blue paper steel (Aogami 2)
Blade length: 3.1” (8 cm)
Overall length (closed): 6.3” (16 cm)
Overall length (open): 9.4” (24 cm)

Some of the knife makers make razors, at least from time to time. Kawashima comes to mind.

Blue steel is used in knives and I have several made of Aogami 2 (Takeda). That’s Hitachi Blue #2. It tarnishes more easily than White steel IIRC, so maybe a curious choice of steel for a razor.

If it’s a Japanese maker using Blue #2, I would expect good things.

Nigara, they are a very old Japanese company, not sure how good their razors are, they are certainly not a known razor brand, that razor looks pretty basic.

It does look pretty basic. I do like the shoulderless grind.

Fendrihan indicates it is a half hollow grind. Hard to tell if that is really the case from their photographs.

I don’t really need a new razor, especially if it is an unknown quantity. At their current price of $160 CDN, I could get at least one known vintage razor in very good condition, but I don’t currently own a Japanese razor and am tempted.