Thread: 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!

-Tony

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

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

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