Senkichi・千吉・Vintage Japanese Straight Razor Kamisori with Urushi Lacquered Handle and Handmade Hinoki Wood Box

Similar to the Japanese Katanas, this Kamisori was hand forged out of 2 types of metal, the cutting part is made of high carbon steel (here A10 as written on the blade) 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 rattan handle wrapping which is protected by several layers of Urushi. Urushi is the tree sap of the Asian Lacquertree. The sap hardens with through moisture which makes it the perfect protection for this kamisori. The curing process of each layer needs several days.

The Kanji / Katakana read as:
2 Kanji not readable
名工 ・ meikou・Meister・Master Craftsman
千吉・Senkichi・the Name of the Craftsman, Senkichi is still in business but only produces farming tools now.
As we have seen it is pretty common for blacksmiths to also make farming tools.

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 for constructing Japanese temples and shrines. A wood with a very fine scent. The wood is hand-planed by us with a Japanese plane, giving it a pristine smooth finish.
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.

"Sakikusa of the Daimonjiya, kamuro Mitsuba and Yotsuba", from an untitled series of the Eight Trigrams.
An Ukiyo-E Print by Kitagawa Utamaro

Steel・鋼: A10 Steal
Jigane・地金: soft iron・極軟鉄
Handle Wrapping: Rattan with Urushi Lacquer
Box: Hinoki Wood

Length: 15 cm
Head width: 2 cm
Length of cutting edge: 4.5 cm
Weight: 31 g

a medium to heavy sized Kamisori.