Thread: Kanoyama -vs- Kanayama..

I've seen it spelled both ways.

What's the difference?

No difference, just spelled incorrectly.
Frankly I do not know what the correct spelling is, I call them Kanayama.

You really think that is it? Hard to think this would have been produced and 'spelled wrong'

Kanoyama is the correct spelling. Kanayama was an initial mistake made and the maker of the strops kept using it.

Originally Posted by MikekiM

You really think that is it? Hard to think this would have been produced and 'spelled wrong'

I am not aware of two different companies with so similar names making strops in Japan.
The 10000-90000 series are stamped KANAYAMA. I can't remember exactly but JimR, was talking about pronunciation vs spelling, and I think the correct pronunciation is KANOYAMA, but the spelling is KANAYAMA. Could be where the difference in stamps comes from.

I doubt that those are two different companies, may be someone more in tune with the history of Japanese strop makers will shed light on the subject.

there is a thread somewhere that explains it and yes they did make a mistake but decided to let it ride

Gentlemen,

From what I understand, the spelling is Kanoyama misspelled on the stamp as Kanayama.

From Jim Rion in 2009:


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Default Kanayama is a LIE!!!!!
Or rather, a typo....

This may or may not be of interest to most, but I thought it was pretty funny.

The Cordovan strops sold by Razorpur, and the one in my shaveden, are quite clearly stamped "Kanayama Razor Strop Company". Unfortunately, this company does not actually exist. It is actually the "KaNOyama Razor Strop Company", with an "o". I've been talking to the guy a bit (he's a corker, he is...) and he had no idea that the really nice brass stamp he bought and has used on his strops for so long has a misprint.

He was a bit put out when I pointed it out...but I kind of doubt that he'll change.

Fantastic workmanship on these strops, by the way...

I was told that Nobi San made a spelling error with the stamp maker. Used the stamp without noticing the misspelled company name and then decided to go with what he used because it would be a confusing change. I think his choice was wise.

So be it. I have the board strop pictured and wanted to be sure of the purity of its origin. Thanks!