Thread: Japan Woodworker Iwasaki Razors--Finally Arrived!

I've been waiting patiently (NOT!) since I got on the list back in March and finally they called me to say an initial shipment came in. I guess the waiting list is still longer than the number of available razors, so some poor folks will be waiting still. And it appears that the price varies according to when you got on the list...I got on early <very big grin>.

It's a beautifully crafted razors (sorry for the crumby cellphone camera photos but you've seen these before) and I can't wait to use it. Fortunately, I didn't shave today, so tomorrow morning will be a good initial test. It is sharp enough to take hair off my forearm, so all it will get before hand is stropping on some 0.5 micron diamond paste.

This is my third Japanese straight razor and I want to thank floppyshoes for getting me started on them and giving me great instructions on how to hone them. I know this type of razor is a passing fancy for many, but my Tosuke-handled razor is my daily razor and I just hope the Iwasaki will be the new go-to razor.

Happy Dan!

Is the other one identical to the other? So one for each hand?

JWW has these in stock??? Didn't see them last time I was there... didn't know to look or ask DOH!!!

Did you send it for a swim in the third picture? Or is that you unshaved?

Very nice. I've been wanting one, but alas, they're out of my price range.

Congrats on the good deal too!

Thanks, Russell! I suspect there's a new blade master on this side of the ocean, can't wait to find out!

JWW doesn't have them in stock, per se. A shipment of razors came and the waiting list claimed them all.

And yup, that's my--the one with the stick in the mouth!

Dan

Dan,
Congrats!! I too have been impatiently waiting since March. I am in the same boat as you. I got on the list early when the razor was selling for the "bargain" price.

JW finally got a shipment, I got a call from them day before yesterday confirming the sale. My razor is on its way somewhere between CA and GA baking in the Texas heat in a Fedex truck I think.

It will likely make it home early next week. Cannot wait to give it a try.

Amyn-- The first shave was terrific, great out of the box (maybe my 0.5 diamond paste stropping helped, but I'm not sure it was needed). I'm very happy and hope you will be as well--will watch for your post. If I were you, I'd be pushing the update button on the Fedex site twice daily, I bet.

I think I remember someone here describing the Iwasaki as a "double spike" razor, but interestingly, both ends of my razor are carefully muted, with a very even 45 degree line ground into the corners. Frankly, I prefer that, but purists might be disappointed.

best, Dan

I placed my order in March and received a call on Wednesday that it was here. I expect it will be arrive in Chattanooga by Monday. I am also excited.. I have been using my Tosuke regularly and am please to learn that the Iwasaki was just about shave ready.
I'd appreciate information about honing. This may or may not be what I have used with the Tosuke. Please PM me with this.
I'll post pictures after I receive mine.
Headdoc

Thanks for sharing. I am expecting a similar razor from So any day soon. You mention honing instructions you received. Could you post them here for us all?