Thread: The first razor I might not hone (Tanifuji)

I've been on a buying spree lately, getting a whole bunch of NOS or near NOS razors, and getting ready to turn loose most of the razors I otherwise had.

One of the razors I've always wanted to try is a tanifuji, not because there's necessarily anything better in the shave about one razor or another, but because tanifuji was the maker who iwasaki contracted to finish all of his razors.

I am not the kind of person who buys anything and doesn't use it right away, but after getting this razor out and looking at it, I may not hone it. It is absolutely perfect (I didn't take it out of the bag for the picture because the coffee table is slate). I guess i'll get a picture of the razor later. After looking at this pic, it seems rude not to show the razor.



I have never seen a razor that was finished as precisely and crisply. The jimps are perfect, the grind is delicate and very hollow and the polish is very bright but all of the lines are crisp and in tact, as opposed to a lot of modern high polished razors that have seen far too much of the buffer.

I've gotten 4 other japanese razors at the same time and 4 NOS euros, so I'm sure I can figure out something else to shave with.

You may only need to strop it. Most Japanese straights out of factory have very very nice edges.

Very nice score. The Cape Kennedy model is getting scarce and in the condition yours appears to be in make that scarce and hard to find. Congratulations.

I couldn't take a decent picture of a razor to save my life ...

Superb and that is picture enough. As Stefan mentioned it is most likely good to shave with
now. : )

Thanks for the heads up on the edges. The only other "good" razor that I've shaved with so far is one of these:

Japanese Straight Razor Kikuboshi Special Razor | eBay

I never thought to offer what I feel is reasonable on razors, but lately have been doing it and find the sellers are amenable to it.

I found this kikuboshi to be in hair shaving condition, but it was lacking a little. It must be hard, because it takes a very smooth edge but is a bit lacking in sharpness if you get stiff with it on the linen. Take a light pass on the linen and stay easy on the edge and it stays very sharp and is incredibly smooth. If it is in fact harder than a western razor typically is, I wouldn't be surprised given that behavior.

(most of the european razors that I have love a brisk session on the vintage linen, i suppose they're probably a bit softer and because of it tougher and a little more tolerant of heavy linen work).

Have several NOS Tanis,as above most are shave ready out of the box.
Yours?, I would oil it and store it away and never use it,JMO

Meh. Use it! You won't wear it out, I promise!