Ritosai・ 莉刀斉 ・ 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.

We removed the old handle and old stains and rust from it. Then blued it to prevent it from further rusting. we then attached a traditional rattan handle wrapping with black japanese urushi lacquer.

The blade comes wrapped in 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.

from the series Elegant Five-Needled Pine (Furyu goyo no matsu) from around 1797/ 1798
An Ukiyo-E Print by Kitagawa Utamaro

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

Length: 156 mm
Head width: 20 mm (6/8")
Length of cutting edge: 48 mm
Weight: 33.1 g

A medium sized Kamisori