Hoshitennin・星天人・Kamisori ・Restored Vintage Japanese Straight Razor・ Tamahagane・Handmade Hinoki Wood Box

This Kamisori was hand forged out of 2 layers, the cutting part is made of high carbon steel and the supporting layer of Iron.

What is so special about this Kamisori is, that the steel is real Tamahagane.
Tamahagane is the traditional steel produced in Japan for centuries. As Japan has no big resources of iron ore, the steel is produced out of iron sand in a several day long process by hand. It was the main source for all Samurai Swords.

The steel layer is brittle and hard, while the Iron gives the right flexibility.
Both layers are not stainless, so always keep your razor dry after your shave and protect it with a thin layer of oil.
Why is this blade not stainless?
Stainless blades are made of an alloy that will prevent it from staining, but also will make it less hard.
High carbon steels, like the cutting layer of this Kamisori, have a much higher hardness and will keep their smooth shaving quality for much longer before having to sharpen them again, Especially this Tamahagane layer!

The Razor Handle is partially blued by us, to protect it from rusting. Bluing is similar to the protective coat which the razor had after being quenched in the time it has been made. Bluing forms a thin layer of magnetite (Fe3O4) on top of the iron.
After bluing we have attached a rattan handle wrapping with an underlay of pure Japanese silk - using a traditional wrapping technique for Japanese razors.

The blade comes wrapped in white linnen in a Handmade Box made from the Japananese Hinoki tree. A wood used for centuries to build Japanese shrines and temples, very durable, a great scent and very rot resistant.
This box is a perfect place to store and protect your Kamisori.

This Kamisori is fully disinfected, honed and shave ready.

Also note, in Japan, Kamisori are not only used to remove mens beards, they are also commonly used to remove fine facial hair also of women.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding this wonderful Kamisori. We are happy to assist you.

We highly recommend to put a thin layer of protective oil after each use on your razor, after you wiped it dry. please have a look on our "Kamisori Care Oil" in our shop.

All our vintage Kamisori's will be shipped with a free blade protection sheet for free to avoid that the cutting edge will touch anything during the transport.

Engraved on the lid is an Ukiyo-e woodblock print of Utagawa Kuniyoshi`s - "Nozarashi Gosuke", from the series "Men of Ready Money with True Labels Attached, Kuniyoshi Fashion" from 1845.
Nozarashi Gosuke is said to be a "Robin Hood" of his era..

Steel・鋼: Tamahagane・玉鋼
Jigane・地金: soft iron・極軟鉄
Handle Wrapping: Rattan & Japanese Silk
Box: Hinoki Wood

Length: 15 cm
Head width: 2.2 cm
Length of cutting edge: 4.6 cm
Weight: 40.2 g

A medium sized Kamisori, but heavier than usual - big head

・strop the Kamisori before each use, we offer strops in our shop.
・wipe dry with a towel after each use
・you can also apply some camellia oil to protect the kamisori from rust
・After a few months it might be necessary to hone your razor. Start with the finest possible stone >10.000 grit