Rare Saijo 西條 Real Tamahagane Kamisori, Restored Vintage Japanese Straight Razor, Silk Thread Handle Wrapping, Handmade Hinoki Box

Rare Saijo 西條 Real Tamahagane Kamisori, Restored Vintage Japanese Straight Razor, Silk Thread Handle Wrapping, Handmade Hinoki Box

The razor was made in the Showa period (approximately pre 2nd Worldwar as the Kanjis used are old versions) and has a length of 14.6 cm, width of 1.6 cm, length of cutting edge is 4.4 cm and the weight is 26.6 g.
A medium sized kamisori a bit on the lighter side.

Similar to the traditional Katana, this Kamisori was hand forged out of two types of iron. The cutting part is made of high carbon steel and the supporting layer of wrought 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 the blueing we have attached a brand new real silk thread handle wrapping.

The Kanji / Katakana on the Kamisori read as:

玉鋼・Tamahagane・name of the used rare steel
登録商標・touroku shohyo・registered trademark
西條・Saijo ・the blacksmith
特撰・ tokusen・specially selected (hard to read)
on the right side:
特別打・tokubetsu da ・specially smithed


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.
The box has place for 2 more Kamisori or small things you would like to store with this awesome piece of history and craftsmanship.
We produce these boxes entirely ourselves.

Engraved on the lid is an Ukiyo-e woodblock print of Kitagawa Utamaro`s  - "The Immortal Qin Gao, represented by Hinazuru of the Chojiya, kamuro tsuruji and Tsuruno" from around 1793. From the Series from the series "Eight Immortals in the Art of Love".

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.

To ensure that you will get the razor shave ready we use our own specially made protective Kamisori sheaths. The razor edge will not touch anything during the transport.

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