Massive Henkotsu Kamisori, へんこつ, Hinoshita Kaizan Restored Vintage Japanese Straight Razor, Rattan-Urushi Handle Wrapping and Handmade Hinoki 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.
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.

The blade 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 brand new Rattan handle wrapping. To protect it from humidity we put 3 layers of black Urushi Lacquer on top. Urushi Lacquer is made from the sap of the asian lacquer tree. A very traditional way to protect the handle.

The blade comes wrapped in red linnen in a handmade box.
The box is handcrafted out of imported Japanese Hinoki wood. A wood that is used for centuries to build temples and shrines in Japan. Very durable, won't rot, great scent. We hand planed the wood for a better surface with traditional Japanese planes (Kanna).
Please also not that this box is a special size. This huge Kamisori would not fit in our normal boxes.

Great gift and 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.
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this great Vintage Kamisori

from the series "Ten Types in the Physiognomic Study of Women (Fujin sogaku juttai) (Kiseru)" from around 1802-1903
An Ukiyo-E Print by Kitagawa Utamaro

Steel・鋼: Unknown High Carbon Steel 不明
Jigane・地金: soft iron・極軟鉄
Handle Wrapping: Rattan and black Urushi
Box: Hinoki Wood

Length: 17.1 cm
Head width: 2.3 cm
Length of cutting edge: 5.5 cm
Weight: 63.7 g

a big sized Kamisori

・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