Rare Iwasaki Tamahagane Kamisori・岩崎・Restored Vintage Japanese Straight Razor, Handmade Big Hinoki Box

This Kamisori was hand forged out of 2 layers, the cutting part is made of Tamahagane Steel and the supporting layer of Iron.
Tamahagane Steel is made in a tedious process which takes several days. Traditionally Japan has no rich iron ore deposits, requiring the production of iron and steel out of iron sand.
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. We did not attach a Handle wrapping, as we think the serial number should stay visible, but on request we will add a rattan handle wrapping for free on purchase.

The Kanji read as:
玉鋼 ・Tamahagane ・ the steel it was made of
㊂・Sanjo Works ・name of Iwasaki Company
岩崎 ・ Iwasaki ・ Master Iwasaki‘s family name.

The blade comes wrapped in red linnen in a handmade box.
The box is handcrafted out of imported Japanese Hinoki wood. A wood that is used for centuries to build temples and shrines in Japan. Very durable, won't rot, great scent. We hand planed the wood for a better surface with traditional Japanese planes (Kanna).

Great gift and perfect place to store and protect your Kamisori.

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.
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this great Vintage Kamisori

Engraved on the lid is an Ukiyo-e woodblock print of Kuniyoshi`s - "Kidomaru" from around 1840.
Kidomaru is a famous Oni (a demon like creature) from Japanese folk tales.

Steel・鋼: Tamahaganel 玉鋼
Jigane・地金: soft iron・極軟鉄
Handle Wrapping: none
Box: Hinoki Wood

Length: 14.9 cm
Head width: 1.8 cm
Length of cutting edge: 4.4 cm
Weight: 27.8 g

a medium sized Kamisori