Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 28
  1. #1
    < Banned User >
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Novum Caput Mundi
    Posts
    361
    Thanked: 26

    Default Inoue Tosuke Razors - The Real McCoy

    There has been some debate and confusion over the authenticity of the Master Inoue Tosuke razors purchased by forum members (B&B and SRP). While the razors made by his associates are still top quality, some people would like to know if their razor is a real Tosuke razor. Here are 8 different imprints (not logos) on authentic Tosuke razors. This is not a complete list but it's a start. Compare these pictures with your razor. Regards.





    Last edited by TstebinsB; 03-21-2008 at 04:38 PM.

  2. #2
    < Banned User >
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Novum Caput Mundi
    Posts
    361
    Thanked: 26

    Default






  3. #3
    < Banned User >
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Novum Caput Mundi
    Posts
    361
    Thanked: 26

    Default




  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    102
    Thanked: 5

    Default

    I'm still somewhat confused, it would probably help if I could actually read Japanese, but I can't find any elements that are common between all 8 of those.

    I'm also somewhat surprised that he doesn't have the exact same logo, just in a different place or whatever. Even artists and people that do pottery and such try to avoid changing their logo or signature so that their work can be more easily recognized. Maybe it is a possibility that some or most of the "true" Tosuke razors are just made under his direction? By apprentices and such?

    I recently received a couple Tosuke handled razors, and while I like them very much, they shave excellent and seem high quality...I'm not so sure it's a true Tosuke.

  5. #5
    < Banned User >
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Novum Caput Mundi
    Posts
    361
    Thanked: 26

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Droshi View Post
    I'm still somewhat confused, it would probably help if I could actually read Japanese, but I can't find any elements that are common between all 8 of those.

    I'm also somewhat surprised that he doesn't have the exact same logo, just in a different place or whatever. Even artists and people that do pottery and such try to avoid changing their logo or signature so that their work can be more easily recognized. Maybe it is a possibility that some or most of the "true" Tosuke razors are just made under his direction? By apprentices and such?

    I recently received a couple Tosuke handled razors, and while I like them very much, they shave excellent and seem high quality...I'm not so sure it's a true Tosuke.
    The markings on the razors aren't logos (I fixed that in my original post). They're his name and/or the metal used and/or a sign indicating how the metal was forged. However, your point about apprentices (or associates) making his razors under his direction is certainly a possibility. Tosuke is the only knifemaker to have his own handles mass-produced. He could've stamped his name, attached a handle, yet commissioned someone else to actually do the work.
    Last edited by TstebinsB; 03-21-2008 at 04:39 PM.

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Baltimore MD
    Posts
    344
    Thanked: 7

    Default

    I like the thought that in japan they want england steel like we in england want japan steel.

  7. #7
    what Dad calls me nun2sharp's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Kansas city area USA
    Posts
    9,172
    Thanked: 1677

    Default

    the grass is always greener!

  8. #8
    Senior Member blabbermouth Kees's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    The Netherlands
    Posts
    5,474
    Thanked: 656

    Default

    From the moment I first saw them I felt it is a shame that Tosukis are equipped w/ such tacky looking blue plastic handles.
    Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr.

  9. #9
    Senior Member SteveS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    SF Bay Area
    Posts
    503
    Thanked: 11

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Kees View Post
    From the moment I first saw them I felt it is a shame that Tosukis are equipped w/ such tacky looking blue plastic handles.
    Ditto. Is the razor in the second series of pictures what all Tosukes look like without the blue handles? If so, why not take them off?

  10. #10
    < Banned User >
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Novum Caput Mundi
    Posts
    361
    Thanked: 26

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Kees View Post
    From the moment I first saw them I felt it is a shame that Tosukis are equipped w/ such tacky looking blue plastic handles.
    Quote Originally Posted by SteveS View Post
    Ditto. Is the razor in the second series of pictures what all Tosukes look like without the blue handles? If so, why not take them off?
    I'm not sure of why he started using these handles but I do know you can take them off. Perhaps it was for English buyers. For Japanese buyers, all the necessary information is already written right on the blade.

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •