Thread: After a Japanese Straight

Hey Everyone!!
The next razor i want to buy (apart from ebay ones for cleanup) is a Japanese Straight, so im starting my saving :P.

Im just a bit confused on the types though, i understand the Kamisori ones are the most sought after ones? As they are hand forged in Japan by a master, and to my understanding the skill has been handed down through a few generations? Those are the ones i have seen on SRD, but on ebay i have seen different ones?

They are item number 360221091708, that one has a blue plastic handle? And the other type was item number 360236224593, that one has the steel handle, but looks different to the one on SRD?

So im basically lost when it comes to them? I also would prefer a place in Australia that sells them, but thats not essential.

But the one i want is a proper Kamisori, with Tamahagane steel (i believe thats the best steel for them? The one used in traditional samurai swords?). I also want a certificate of authenticity and one of those cool wooden boxes. I want it as a shaver, and a collectors piece.

The one on SRD looks awesome! Is it Tamahagane steel? Is it the cheapest way to get it in Australia? Any info would be really appreciated!!!!

Thanks!!!
Marco

EDIT:
If i get it from SRD, Lynn hones it right?

EDIT EDIT:
For this razor, i want it like nice and official and genuine, so im thinking SRD is the best place to buy it right? Input is always appreciated

IIRC the razor at SRD is an Iwasaki, which is not tamahagene, but are still excellent razors from the reviews I have read. Old_School sells a different brand, which imo are fine razors. I am very happy with mine so far, only about 6 shaves in as of now though. I think OS is also capable of getting tamahagene razors, be prepared to shell out a pretty penny though. There are other places online to get Jstr8s, but those are two great sources. Good luck.

Thanks , Kamisori sounds awesome lol.

The NIHON KAMISORI, the other one i posted, is that a good one? Im really lost at it lol.

I have looked at Old Schools website, and SRD. Are the razors made by different people? What are the differences (apart from dimensions)?

@Old School. Do you have any of the Kanetake Kamisori ones in stock (the none Tamahagane ones)? How much would postage to Australia be and how many days? They are hand forged?

With Kamisori, do you need to regularly oil the blade after each use? Is the edge as delicate as the western razors?

EDIT:
I just read the ones you sell are hand forged :P

EDIT EDIT:
What does the kanji on the Kamisori say? (The one Old School is selling, as well as the one on SRD)

EDIT EDIT EDIT: Im after Size 1

Wow thats awesome!!!! I love the meaning of the Kanji on the Kanetake razors!!!! I am like trying to stop myself buying one as we speak lol. I love the wooden box too!!!!

I understand Old School isnt really in a position to make a judgement but he can if he wants to , but has anyone compared the Kanetake and Iwasaki razors? I would love to hear Old Schools opinion if he doesnt feel conflicted in giving it

Here is my comparison, any input is really appreciated

Kanetake
-Razor
-Wooden Box
-230 AUD

Iwasaki
-Razor
-320 AUD


It looks like the Kanetake one is a better deal, and i know the meaning of the Kanji which is a big plus! And the wooden box is amazing!

Is there any reason the Iwasaki is soo much more expensive?

Originally Posted by Spartigus

Wow thats awesome!!!! I love the meaning of the Kanji on the Kanetake razors!!!! I am like trying to stop myself buying one as we speak lol. I love the wooden box too!!!!

I understand Old School isnt really in a position to make a judgement but he can if he wants to , but has anyone compared the Kanetake and Iwasaki razors? I would love to hear Old Schools opinion if he doesnt feel conflicted in giving it

Here is my comparison, any input is really appreciated

Kanetake
-Razor
-Wooden Box
-230 AUD

Iwasaki
-Razor
-320 AUD


It looks like the Kanetake one is a better deal, and i know the meaning of the Kanji which is a big plus! And the wooden box is amazing!

Is there any reason the Iwasaki is soo much more expensive?

Iwasaki Razors have a long tradition behind them; the founder of the forge where they are made, Kousuke Iwasaki, was an extremely influential metallurgist and blacksmith, and he was essential in the modern development of Tamahagane. His son, Shigeyoshi Iwasaki, took over the Iwasaki name and forge after his father's death, and has been a "cultural ambassador", showcasing Japanese blacksmithing techniques (including the making of tamahagane) around the world. The razors with the Iwasaki name, now made by Shigeyoshi's protege Ryuichi Mizuochi, are the most well known and widely used by professionals in Japan.

History and name, name meaning of course a reputation for quality, is what makes the Iwasaki razors expensive.

As for the Kanji, there are only three: The circled 三, the three lines, is the Iwasaki forge maker's mark.

Then is the name, Iwasaki itself. As a name, the meaning isn't so important, but if you want the meaning it is "Cliff coast".

Originally Posted by JimR

Iwasaki Razors have a long tradition behind them; the founder of the forge where they are made, Kousuke Iwasaki, was an extremely influential metallurgist and blacksmith, and he was essential in the modern development of Tamahagane. His son, Shigeyoshi Iwasaki, took over the Iwasaki name and forge after his father's death, and has been a "cultural ambassador", showcasing Japanese blacksmithing techniques (including the making of tamahagane) around the world. The razors with the Iwasaki name, now made by Shigeyoshi's protege Ryuichi Mizuochi, are the most well known and widely used by professionals in Japan.

History and name, name meaning of course a reputation for quality, is what makes the Iwasaki razors expensive.

As for the Kanji, there are only three: The circled 三, the three lines, is the Iwasaki forge maker's mark.

Then is the name, Iwasaki itself. As a name, the meaning isn't so important, but if you want the meaning it is "Cliff coast".

Thanks for the info!!!! I like that sort of reputation behind a blade!! And that makes perfect sense with the price increase .

I noticed you see them in wooden boxes with Japanese Kanji on them, where abouts do you get the boxes? Because on SRD, there isnt a box

SiRed8 did a comparison between the two razors, IIRC it was either in the japan section or the razor section. You could probably search for his posts and find it pretty easily. He also lists most of the threads on japanese straights in some of posts.

I have a Tosuke and an Iwasaki and a few odd other Japanese razors and to tell you the truth though I think the Iwasaki performs the best the differences are not that earth shattering. You sound like you have been dazed by these things. Step back and take a breath and think about it. Most guys who buy these use them on and off only a few here use them on a regular basis. Unless you are in that category do you want to drop the big bucks for a top of the line? I realize it's the same as comparing a typical vintage western straight with a custom but most guys who buy the custom use it all the time.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I have a Tosuke and an Iwasaki and a few odd other Japanese razors and to tell you the truth though I think the Iwasaki performs the best the differences are not that earth shattering. You sound like you have been dazed by these things. Step back and take a breath and think about it. Most guys who buy these use them on and off only a few here use them on a regular basis. Unless you are in that category do you want to drop the big bucks for a top of the line? I realize it's the same as comparing a typical vintage western straight with a custom but most guys who buy the custom use it all the time.

Yeah mate i get ya!!! It will be my 2nd razor, so i will hopefully alternate between them , my dovo and a Japanese straight. I have always loved Japanese blades, and they seem to be good collectors items, especially the Iwasaki one and Tosuke ones? So i want to get one that has a lot of history to it, which is why im leaning towards a Iwasaki. I think someones sig is something of the nature "quality remains long after the price is forgotten", which is why im liking the Iwasaki ones.

I dont plan to rush into it and waste money.

Can anyone give any info on this badboy? eBay number 360236224593, Japanese razor,NIHON KAMISORI 5-3/4. I dont really want to buy one off fleabay, but if it goes for cheap, i could practice honing on it, instead of practicing on an expensive Kamisori.

Thanks!
Marco

EDIT:
Im not saying the ones that arent Iwasaki are bad, im just saying the iwasaki ones have a long history and they are a big name, which is part of what you pay for.

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

Since I am a vendor, this may be viewed as biased of conflict of interest, but the "big name" Japanese razors that are out there have gotten the bulk of their recognition from being the only brands exported from Japan, with only the occasional different brand slipping out of the country in the hands of tourists, so there really hasn't been much to compare against.

That makes perfect sense, i dont think its biased what you said. I read one thread were someone tested three kamisori, an iwasaki, kanetake and a livi. He concluded that the kanetake gave an equivalent shave to a iwasaki.

Can anyone else confirm this?