kamisoriharnisch

Iwasaki・岩崎・ Handmade Japanese Straight Razor - Kamisori - traditional grind

€450,00 EUR

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Size Nicho-Gake ・big Icho-Gake・medium Hancho-Gake・small

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Iwasaki Kamisori – Forged Tradition Since 1947

Since 1947, the Iwasaki Kamisori has been forged in Sanjō, Niigata — a town known for its quiet mastery of steel. Under the name Sanjo Seisakusho, three generations of blacksmiths have shaped these blades, each one a continuation of a lineage, not a copy.

Today, the work lies in the hands of Mr. Mizuochi, third-generation master, and his young apprentice, Mr. Inagaki — who together carry forward this tradition of patient precision.

Three Sizes:

We usually carry three forms of this razor, depending on stock:
• 半丁掛 – Hanchōgake・Half Size
Compact, purposeful. Ideal for detail or travel.
• 一丁掛 – Ichōgake・Full Size
The most balanced size — seen in the main image.
• 二丁掛 – Nichōgake・Big Size
Substantial in hand, for those who prefer weight and authority.

Each comes unwrapped, showing the blackened surface from the quenching process — a natural grip and a mark of fire.
On request, we offer handle wrapping in traditional style, using linen and urushi lacquer (small fee applies).

📷 The pictured razor is an Ichōgake (full size). Please scroll through the images — one shows all three sizes side by side.

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.

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 Paulownia Tomentosa Box hand signed by Iwasaki.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding this wonderful Kamisori and its usage. We are happy to assist you. the razor comes in a free Kamisori Guard to protect the cutting edge from touching anything during the transport.

Materials

Steel・鋼: Uddeholm High Carbon Swedish Steel from the 1950s
Jigane・地金: soft iron・極軟鉄
Box: Paulownia tomentosa wood

Measurements

二丁掛-nichogake (big sized)
Length: 18.2 cm
Head width: 2.9 cm
Length of cutting edge: 6 cm
Weight: 62g

(一丁掛-ichogake - full size):
Length: 16.2 cm
Head width: 2.2 cm
Length of cutting edge: 4.8 cm
Weight: 41g

(半丁掛-hanchogake - half size):
Length: 15 cm
Head width: 1.9 cm
Length of cutting edge: 4.4 cm
Weight: 31.4g

Care Guide

・strop the Kamisori before each use, we offer strops in our shop.
・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