Extremeley Rare Iwasaki 岩崎 Tamahagane Kamisori, Restored Vintage Japanese Straight Razor and Handmade Paulownia Box

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.
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.

What is so special about this Kamisori? There are 2 things: Firstly 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.
Secondly this is a Kamisori’s that master Shigeoshi Iwasaki made himself. The Kamisori got a serial number which lets us trace down the year it was made in, Sanjo does not put serial numbers on their razors any more. A rare find. Iwasaki Razors are the best Kamisori's you can get for money and they are still in production.

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 was 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.

We decided to not wrap the handle for now, as we think the serial number is an integral part of the razors history and should not be covered up. If you like we can wrap it for you though.

The blade comes wrapped in upcycled Kimono silk in a handmade Paulownia Box.

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.

The Kamisori has some minor pitting which does not go deep enough to make holes into the cutting steel layer and is thus just a visual disturbance resulting in the lower price for this extremely rare piece.

Engraved on the lid is an Ukiyo-e woodblock print of Keisai Eisen's - "Courtesan Wearing Uchikake With Dragon Design" from 1830.

Steel・鋼: Unknown Carbon Steel - Solid
Handle Wrapping: none
Box: Hinoki Wood
Sharpening Stone: AluminiumOxide 5mm and 5mm glas layer

Length: 149 mm
Head width: 17 mm
Length of cutting edge: 46 mm (5/8")
Weight: 34.6 g

A medium sized Kamisori