Rare Orihi type Kamisori, Tamahagane, Restored Vintage Japanese Straight Razor with new leather Handle Wrapping / Handmade Wooden Box

Rare Orihi Type straight razor (Kamisori)! Directly imported from Japan and restored by us to a hair-popping quality and sharpness. With fully engraved box. NOS (New Old Stock), we were the first to put a refined cutting edge on this blade.

The razor was made in the Meiji or Edo period (approximately in the 1870s - 1900) and has a length of 16.8 cm, width of 1.6 cm, length of cutting edge is 7.6 cm and the weight is 31.2 g.
A Medium sized Kamisori with a very long cutting edge - nothing for beginners!

This Orihi or Orihigata Kamisori is an early version of Kamisori’s. The cutting edge is almost double as long as the Showa period razors, it also has a different geometry, which you can see on the pictures. It can’t get any more traditional with this razor, made in the Samurai era.

Similar to the traditional Samurai sword, 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!

After our restoration process we have attached a brand leather handle for a better grip, inlayed is a red fabric. We use a traditional wrapping technique that is very common for Kamisori.

during our restoration we carefully removed old rust, we don't believe in high polished surfaces, as this would also not have been the case during this era, therefore you can see slight dull areas where we have removed surface rust, we do not recommend putting any polish on this razor as it would destroy the vintage look of the steel.

The razor has no markings as this was very uncommon during the Meiji or Edo period.

The blade comes wrapped in white linnen in a Handmade Wooden Box.
The box is handcrafted out of Japanese Hinoki wood. A very durable wood used for centuries in the construction of Japanese temples and shrines.
It shows a woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi of Hanjo Danjo-no-jo Arakage - a warrior of the Mori clan fighting of a giant Salamander. And if you want to know why this salamander is this big, just go and search the internet for Japanese Salamanders :)
The box is the perfect place to store and protect your Kamisori and the Sugi wood also has an incredible scent.
It has enough space also to fit 2 additional Kamisori`s.

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 Orihi Kamisori. We are happy to assist you.