Thread: My holy grail, Iwasaki western Tamahagane

Gentlemen, at this point in time I'm at one with the world.

This is the one razor I have sought above all others, made by the legendary Shigeyoshi Iwasaki from the almost mythical Tamahagane.

It looks to me like NOS, there is no hint of wear but a few blemishes that should be able to polish out.
Under a loupe the bevel looks quite beautiful and I hope it was by Shigeyoshi himself. In fact after inspection and tree topping some arm hair I gave her a good stropping to refresh the edge that has been waiting for me for the last 40/50 years. She gave up a fine shave indeed, not as keen as I like but fine enough for most.

I won't go on about Iwasaki as there is enough posts already so it just leaves me to show my pictures.
Please forgive my photography skills.







The Master himself and Mr Ryoishi Mizuochi.

Congratulations on your find! It looks splendid.

What an awesome razor!! EXACTLY the look I like. Beautiful. Congratulations.

Congrats my friend! I want one some day....................

Thanks chaps, it took the best part of 5 years to track the right one down. I am as happy as can be!

Mark

Beautiful example of a legendary blade. I hope it gives you many more years of DF shaves !

Great score, Mark
Congrats!

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

In fact after inspection and tree topping some arm hair I gave her a good stropping to refresh the edge that has been waiting for me for the last 40/50 years.

What an amazing razor! It's unusual to see a Iwasaki Tamahagane in nearly unused condition because they were almost exclusively purchased by barbers who regarded them as tools. You're a very luck man! What makes you say that it's 40/50 years old? I noticed that your serial number is 1471.1 and I've been trying to figure out how to estimate the ages of these marvelous razors based on serial numbers. So far, no one I've spoken to knows the age of their razor; I'm looking for a "rosetta razor" with a known age that I can use as a starting point.

Thank you.

Unfortunately it is just a estimate of the age. I have seen a catalogue of the various models that Iwasaki san produced and it is thought to be from around the time i gave.
Short of asking Iwasaki san himself Im not sure if anyone can positively date their razor.

I've been looking for something like this for a very long time. They are, indeed, almost impossible to find. That razor looks exceptional and we'll worth the wait. We should all be so lucky.
Congratulations and enjoy!

Pete <:-}