Thread: Choosing a kamisori...

Hi. First post here after spending quite some time reading all threads I could about these razors...

It's clear that I could not go wrong with a new Iwasaki, it's a classic, but I was wondering about other choices for about the same price.

1) there is this Kanetaka, from the description: "... It has Damascus style 15 layers Blade with white II steel edge (Hagane)..."

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2) what would be the pros and cons about a well taken care of vintage one, besides the desirablity factor of owning an object with a history, and the obvious risk of paying too much on the other hand, especially for a blade that wasn't in so good condition after all?

I appreciate that it might be very hard to tell from the photos below but does that razor look completely worn?

Thanks!

Don't know too much about Japanese style blades but the wear on the back does look significant. Hopefully someone with experiance with this style will be able to give you a better answer good luck!

I like it!

It has much hone wear on it and it will require major bevel work. Before you buy it make sure you have someone who can do the work for a price you can live with.

^Because the bevel looks pretty uneven?

It might be worth it. Is there someone on the forum or someone you could recommend for this?

If I were looking at #2 The price would need to reflect the notion that most of the good days are behind the old timer. One would really want to see the other side before guessing just how much time may be left for him.


There's a lot of extra work finishing, etching summinagashi- even if the pattern is outsourced production material and not smith made. While all the cost of Iwasaki is based on no frills excellence, knowledge and skill.

I'm sure #1 is a good razor, and if you are crazy for ink patterns it should work out fine. But if you could get a plain one for a hundred less or a wrapped handle iwasaki for the same as bare handle --thats where my taste would send me.

I can't speak to the other options you posted, but I have an Iwasaki and it is phenomenal.

If you look at my other posts you will find one kamisori that i have, which was in very good condition and is now one of my best shavers. I have purchased several cheap razors from eBay that ended up having incredible honewear or horrible bevels, but after spending a couple hours on them and removing a lot of steel i managed to get them shaving very well, but not very good lookers, with much room for improvement as i am still VERY inexperienced with a hone (I would however not advise to try it yourself if you do not have experience).
So i would imagine that even cheap, nasty ones can turn out great if you are willing to spend the time/money.

On topic..... sorry but I have no advice about the razors you posted.

Stay away from the used ones on ebay. You can't really tell from the pictures what shape they are in. I bought one when I was first contemplating getting a Japanese Straight.The one I got was so worn, that the smaller hollow that should be toward your face was honed past flat. It was basically flat but I think it was honed on a dished stone because its actually slightly higher in the center. I think I'll hone that side flat and then I'll kind of have a left handed one for the left side of my face. Well anyway You can't go wrong with the Iwasaki. The damascus one with the white steel edge also looks like a nice one, but I would wait to see how you like it first with an Iwasaki. Then I might try the damascus razor once I had the bug and started collecting.

The razor in your link, #1, looks quite good with acceptable wear but #2, in you pics is beyond restoration. It does not even have a ridge line left so the geometry is history.
Caveat emptor