Hyotan・ひょうたん・Restored Vintage Japanese Straight Razor ・ Kamisori with 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.

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 for a better grip, we use a traditional wrapping technique that is very common for Kamisori.

The blade comes wrapped an up cycled vintage piece of a Japanese silk Kimono.
The box is handcrafted out of Paulownia wood in Japan.
It is almost airtight and a great place to store your Kamisori safely.

The 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.

Engraved on the lid is an Ukiyo-e woodblock print of Utagawa Kuniyoshi's  "Koga Saburo Suspendeding Basket Watching Dragon"This work represents Heian-period 794-1185 warrior Koga Saburo, he is compared to the fourth zodiacal sign hinoto and the element of fire. Koga Saburo is a famous figure in Japanese folklore. 

Steel・鋼: Unknown High Carbon Steel.
Jigane・地金: soft iron・極軟鉄
Handle Wrapping: Japanese Rattan, Urushi lacquer
Box: Paulownia Wood - Japan

Length: 145 mm
Head width: 18 mm (6/8")
Length of cutting edge: 46 mm
Weight: 34.5 g

A medium sized Kamisori