I came across a review of the Tosuke razor on Badger and Blade while looking for info on Japanese style razors. Id like to know if anyone could help me locate more info or where to buy a razor a Tosuke.
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I came across a review of the Tosuke razor on Badger and Blade while looking for info on Japanese style razors. Id like to know if anyone could help me locate more info or where to buy a razor a Tosuke.
I don't know, but that is a cool looking gizmo.
Honestly - as dire as this sounds.... just be incredibly patient and wait until you see one pop up for sale (IF you see one pop up). From what I heard recently - the man who makes them "apparently" just died (this is TOTAL hearsay, and as a result is to be taken as just that - rumor/gossip) so the availability of the Tosuke's has been really awful in the past... and is now plumb gone - so the price as a result will probably rocket up. I've got 2 of 'em... and if you offered me a mint dubl duck wonderedge in trade - I'd pass.Quote:
Originally Posted by JonnyO
They are amazing razors when honed properly, and I expect the pricing and availability to really become a problem.
Honestly - they're outstanding, but there's quite a few brands of razors that will shave as good (non-japanese style) and will be considerably less expensive.
I think the only place you are going to find one now is if somone parts with one. I have sold several in the recent past but my source in Japan is unable to find anymore. The guy who makes them is very old and sick and is not producing them anymore. I don't know if he past away or not. I believe there is a similar style razor still being produced but it costs about $350 or so and is very hard to come by.
If you want to spend that kind of money just have one made. Robert Williams is making me a traditional straight and was willing to do a Japanese when I inquired about it. That way you can have it made however you want. But, I guess if a fella has to have the "real" thing....
What about these guys http://www.munemasa.co.jp/english/1707-301.htm?
$260 US? That is pretty stepp, what would shipping on something like this be?
K
The rarity commands the price.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kriton
Thanks for the link but I cant seem to get it to work. Is it the same razor or the same style?
As a former martial artist that trained with japanese swords, I have learned to appreciate the craftsmanship that the Japanese are known for. They produce some of the finest cutting implements in the world. I have no doubt that these razors are superb and well crafted.
Well this is a link to Kosuke Iwasaki razors. It looks like you have to order a month in advance. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of those puppies.
If you have any luck... lemme know. I offered them 2x the asking price, and still couldn't get them to respond to emails - or stop hanging up on me when they answered the phone and realized I could only speak english :(Quote:
Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT
If you are really serious about buying one of those, I could ask a friend in Japan to act as an intermediary. He speaks, reads and write Japanese, so he should be able to get through.
If Bruno's friend can't get it I have no doubt my contact in japan can for sure. You need to have someone check because sometimes these sites are old and the items are no longer available. It just seems like alot of money for what looks like the Tosuke razor. It says swedish steel so I don't know whats so special about it. It looks kind of like a leap of faith based on an advertisement eh?
Shigeyoshi Iwasaki is a licensed sword maker in Japan. He is listed in books and other sites. The level of craftsmanship in this razor must be amazing.
The guy who makes the Tosuke razor is a highly skilled swordmaker also and they cost a fraction of the price. So I still say what's so special about these? Actually there is another family who are probably the #1 swordmakers in japan who do traditional straights also. When I was doing research on the Tosuke I stumbled on their site but I don't remember the name or their site. Their straights go for about $400 and they have to be ordered years in advance. They only do a run of straights every couple of years and their stuff is all spoken for way in advance.
I know that the Japanese government only allows a certain number of swords to be made per year. I wonder if that holds true for all Japanese steel bladed instruments thus the reason why there would be a long delay in some of these productions.
Considering the vast number of Japanese kitchen knives produced annually, it's likely a little more complex than that.Quote:
Originally Posted by steve
X
Yep, hadn't thought of the kitchen knives. Good point, X.Quote:
Originally Posted by xman
Well I'll tell you why. Unlike the usual European or U.S based manufacturers including the old line companies the products were manufactured in a factory and semi-mass produced environment. Most of the japanese products are made by a single family or one person who does everything the old fashioned way and the production is limited to one item at a time and its not released until its done right. The Japanese are fanatical when it comes to QC and fewer and fewer of these items are being produced each year and those that are left can't even begin to keep up with the demand. There are still several individuals who will make a true samaurai sword for you to the original specifications oramentation and all if your willing to wait about 3 years and have a spare 30 grand or so if you keep the ornamentation to a minimum!
National Geographic runs a documentary on the traditional art of Japanese sword making.Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
It follows the process from iron ore to polished sword.
True traditional swords take 3 months to forge and 3 months to sharpen / polish.
Then it gets displayed in a gallery, waiting for prospective buyers. If both the smith and the polisher are both considered masters, that sword'll cost 25K to 50K.
That is, IF the gallery owner wants to sell it to you. Some are of the old fashined kind who still adhere to the principle that the sword is the soul of the samurai.
Japan has still has 5 sword making schools today, but even then, traditional forgind is so time-consuming that the demand greatly outnumbers the supply.
Quick update - called Jatai today to place an order - the prices on their razors have just gone up ($180 for the AC DX folder). They were a stand up company and honored the price they gave me a few weeks ago though.
You can try this site if you look to buy Iwasaki-Kamisori from Japan
The razor is ground (and will be used) from both sides but it's expensive EUR 265 about $190
i assume it should be vise verse?Quote:
Originally Posted by Proteus
I want so much to try japanese razor one day i will buy it.
You know, I remember seeing quite few lately. You may just have bad timing. But you should post a WTB here and at B&B and see if anyone takes you up an offer to buy one. Many members have one (or more) and may be willing to part with one.
Good luck!
s.
THere's one for sale here: Tis a very cold day in hell. - Straight Razor Place Classifieds
Tamahagane is very expensive! They say it is made of old English anchor chains, so you could just as well have one made from Sheffield steel.:). Modern day Iwasakis are made using Swedish steel. Iwasaki's apprentice took over as Iwasakisan apparently suffers from dementia.
This thread is two years old, guys...I think he's probably given up anyway.
Ha ha ha ha ha ha... I didn't even look at the date... doh!Quote:
Originally Posted by JimR
Quote:
Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL
Oops! My mistake, kamaji steel is made of old anchor chains adn other recycled steels.
This is the only place I've been able to find them www.rasurpur.de
how do you like it? Apparently the only one they have in stock is Iwasaki Kamisori. How much did shipping come to?Quote:
Originally Posted by Slamthunderide
If you read the description well they say their Iwasakis are no longer made by the master but by his apprentice who took over as Iwasaki got old and started to suffer from dementia.
This does not necessarily devaluate the razor unless you insist on one by Iwasaki himself. Razors made by Iwasaki-san himself are becoming cult items. Iwasaki has been an apprentice as well.