kamisoriharnisch
Iwasaki・ 岩崎・ Handmade Japanese Straight Razor - Kamisori - traditional grind
Iwasaki・ 岩崎・ Handmade Japanese Straight Razor - Kamisori - traditional grind
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the best known Kamisori`s are produced since 1947 by Sanjo Seisakusho in Sanjo Niigata. A region famous for its blacksmiths.
As third Master blacksmith it lies now in the hands of Mr. Mizuochi and his Young Apprentice Mr. Inagaki to produce these wonderful razors.
We usually have two different sizes (depending on stock):
半丁掛-hanchogake (half sized) - medium sized to small.
一丁掛-ichogake (full sized) - medium to big sized
Both have no handle wrapping but good grip due to the remains of the quenching process - on request we can add a handle wrapping for a small fee.
Full Description
Full Description
Similar to the traditional Samurai sword, this Kamisori was hand forged out of 2 layers, the cutting part is made of Tamahagane 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.
This razor has a Serial number, which lets us trace it back to the 1960s and its maker Shigeoshi Iwasaki or also possible Mizuochi San. Very rare, as today no serial numbers are applied any more.
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.
Today Mr. Mizuochi (over 80 now) and his young Apprentice Inagaki still produce Iwasaki Kamisoris close to a forest surrounded by rice paddies far away from the city.
We recently visited them in Sanjo and could witness their craftsmanship. They only produce razors, sometimes even but barely to no Tamahagane any more as this material has become extremely rare.
The razor comes in a box that was handmade by us out of the Japanese Hinoki tree, a tree used for centuries for making temple and shrines throughout Japan.
It shows Engraved on the lid 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.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding this wonderful Kamisori and its usage. We are happy to assist you. - one last note, the razor comes in a free Kamisori Guard to protect the cutting edge from touching anything during the transport.
Materials
Materials
Steel・鋼: Uddeholm High Carbon Swedish Steel,
Jigane・地金: soft iron・極軟鉄
Box: Paulownia tomentosa wood
Measurements
Measurements
(一丁掛-ichogake - normal size):
Length: 16.2 cm
Head width: 2.2 cm
Length of cutting edge: 4.8 cm
Weight: 41g
(半丁掛-hanchogake - medium/small size):
Length: 15 cm
Head width: 1.9 cm
Length of cutting edge: 4.4 cm
Weight: 31.4g
Care Guide
Care Guide
・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
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