Kanenaga(兼長) Japanese Straight razor

I know a few members on here have asked about the Kanenaga Japanese razor but havent seen any threads on anyone using them. I found a shop in the Ginza area of tokyo and ordered 2 of these razors. One went to my good friend. It took the shop about 2 month to receive the razors from Mr.Mizuike but i finally picked them up last week. i have yet to try the shave with it but will either tonight or tomorrow morning. My friend will also be posting a review about it soon. Enjoy!

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Do you like this razor? What's your experience so far?

Stunning example of craftsmanship in all the components. Beautiful razor. Truly heirloom quality. On my wish list for sure. :)

More info please!
Steel, price... maybe some links to shop and black smith?

Regarding the Kanenaga, I did a little research and found out that the smith uses Yellow #2 steel, but I've yet to find out the HRC rating. Anybody know? Anyone have any experience with this blade? Thanks

Josh

If it's a traditional kamisori, it's probably a bit on the soft side. I haven't seen any measurements, so I cannot say with any certainty.

I would not expect a kamisori edge to be ultra hard, unless you're getting a more progressive maker like [maybe] Iwasaki/Mizuochi.

I've got a Kanenaga Kamisori that I ordered from a domestic website. It appears they have one or more in stock right now. I love this razor. I found it easy to hone and to strop. Mine came in a box, but didn't appear to be wrapped as fancily as yours. It was with this razor that I first successfully shaved against the grain from below my jawline all the way up to my sideburns and the rest of my cheeks. It was quite a moment, and a great shave. I really hope you got a good price, as mine seemed very reasonable, considering the few other kamisori I've seen available from time to time. I like, too, being able to learn with this kamisori before I set about getting another like an Iwasaki.

Cheers,

Jack

Jack, I appreciate the feedback on your experience with the Kanenaga. I did discover that the the HRC on these is apparently around 60 - 61. I only know of one domestic website selling these for around $160, and another on ebay for $130. Did you find one for less?

Josh

Quote:

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Originally Posted by forthosewhotoil76

Jack, I appreciate the feedback on your experience with the Kanenaga. I did discover that the the HRC on these is apparently around 60 - 61. I only know of one domestic website selling these for around $160, and another on ebay for $130. Did you find one for less?

Josh

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No, those prices are in line with what I know. The one domestic website has, as far as I know, always listed it at $160. When he had it on sale briefly, I think I paid $135. Even at $160, it seems like a decent value.

Cheers,

Jack

sorry i havnt been on here long guys, I got tied up from work and other life events.
i have lost the data on the shop in ginza but maybe able to find it again if someone wants it. i paid around 13,000 yen for it ($135-ish) i just dropped it off at a knife shop in kawagoe to be honed. they use real stones, there is a bit of a back log, 2 months. the guy at the shop said there were 400 people getting their knifes and other things sharpened. should be back sometimes next month.
i did purchase a kitchen knife form this shop which also has their own line. it is so sharp i almost tried to shave with it haha