Thread: Kamisori

Okay, I am really hoping to obtain all the info I can on this subject. I have scowered the threads on here and other info on the net and am still confused...is kamisori a style of edge? and what are all the things that come before the word kamisori...like iwaski kamisori and others? I was looking on SRD and really want to get an Iwasaki Kamisori razor. But I really want to know all the info on who makes them, who can make them, what the whole deal is. Anyone with info, please chime in thanks!!!

kamisori is the japanese word for a razor.
We refer to the traditional Japanese style as Kamisori.
You have seen pictures of the grind so you know how it is different than western style razor.

Iwasaki is the name of the maker of the razor, same as Henckels or Wade and Butcher are names of razor makers.
Iwasaki is top quality brand they make great razors.

I will defer to those who have used them, but:
A kamisori is a style of razor. It is a one-piece non-folder that has an asymmetrical grind. It is done in the japanese way by combining different types of hard steel. I believe the other words in front of "Kamisori" is either a brand, name, or type of steel.

There are a few custom makers out there who will make a "Kamisori"-type, as in the general shape without the specific grind, or without different metals, or both.

Originally Posted by coachschaller

I will defer to those who have used them, but:
A kamisori is a style of razor. It is a one-piece non-folder that has an asymmetrical grind. It is done in the japanese way by combining different types of hard steel. I believe the other words in front of "Kamisori" is either a brand, name, or type of steel.

There are a few custom makers out there who will make a "Kamisori"-type, as in the general shape without the specific grind, or without different metals, or both.

Kamisori is not a style though it just means razor in japanese. JimR had posted the word that corresponds to the traditional style vs other styles but I can't remember what it was. On the forum when pepople say kamisori every one thinks traditional style Japanese razor.

thanks everyone. After seeing a post today of a member unboxing their brand new Iwasaki, well lets just say I am searching hi and low for the best deal right now. Anyone have any suggestions for sites or people with Kamasori's for sale? It doesn't have to be an Iwasaki. I would just love to get one of these razors. I love Japanese culture and until this morning. really had no clue a razor like this existed. And from what I read and hear, they seem to be among the finest out there

If you can wait we'll be doing a kamisori pass around pretty soon.

mainaman has it straight ( total pun intended! ) the literal translation for the word " kamisori " is Razor...FACT!

Originally Posted by mainaman

Kamisori is not a style though it just means razor in japanese. JimR had posted the word that corresponds to the traditional style vs other styles but I can't remember what it was. On the forum when pepople say kamisori every one thinks traditional style Japanese razor.

I thought it was Wa-Kamisori but we all use the abbreviated version

as i understand it kamisori simply means razor, while wakamisori refers to the traditional style japanese razor.

for example somethingorotherkamisori (cant remember) refers to an electric razor.. so yes, kamisori simply means razor, nothing more.. sorry i couldnt be of more help.

Just as well the abbreviation didn't become 'wak' or some might think we shave with wakizashi.
I already feel very spiritual when shaving with a 'kami'.. Little Nihongo joke