Thread: Kamisori - Azuma - Yasuki Steel

Honestly I don't know too much about the brand, perhaps someone can translate the Kanji..
You see these for sale quite often on E-bay, and this is actually the 3rd one I have honed up, so I figured I would do a quick review..

Honing - I have had two very different experiences with these, two came to me new and not honed after the factory and were very easy and fast to hone up.. I simply used a Coticule with slurry to gently cut the bevel in and moved to my Nakayama after to bring out a much more re-fined edge..
One of the 3 had been honed in the past and was honed quite a bit, this set off the geometry, contrary to popular myth, hone wear does not always match edge wear on that one I evened up the wear, then added two layers of tape to bring the geometry back into line.. Maybe in 5-10 years the tape won't be needed any longer.. that one of course took much more work and time to get shaving..

Edge- They take a rather nice edge, that gives a close comfortable shave, it does however have the potential to be harsh, so make sure you take that into account when picking a finisher... The point is very very pointy on the new ones so be extra careful or mute it a touch..

Handling - It is well balanced and the rubber handle makes it very easy to strop and hone, it also helps with shaving..

Overall a nice Kamisori that can be picked up at a decent price NOS which is always a plus, I am not sure if these are still being made or not..

I have hone quite a few of those and they hone easy and take nice edges.
There are current production Kamisoris but from no name makers except Iwasaki.

The Azumas have been around some time. From what I recall they are middle of the road. Not Iwasaki quality, maybe a half a notch below Tosuke. Still quality blades though.