Tamahagane Kamisoris

Kamisoris are made of two layers of metal. Usually a soft Iron or soft steel which does not harden when quenched is the layer which forms the handle and the Omote side of the Kamisoris. Out of necessity a small layer of High Carbon steel is hammer welded on the soft layer. This High Carbon steel hardens when heated and quenched and forms the cutting part of the Kamisori. The High Carbon Steel can be from many Sources and sometimes it is made of very rare Tamahagane (玉鋼)

Tamahagane the unique Japanese Steel made from Iron Sand. The same steel used for centuries to produce Japanese Swords - Katanas. The below Kamisoris are made of this wonderful material. 

Tamahagane is and was a scarce material. Finding Vintage Tamahagane Kamisoris is rare, especially in good condition which results in their high value for collectors.