Takami・たかみ・New Kamisori

This kamisori is traditionally laminated from two different steels, following established Japanese razor-making practice.

The cutting edge is forged from high-carbon White Paper Steel No. 1 (Shirogami #1), while the supporting layer is made from extremely soft steel. This combination allows the blade to achieve exceptional hardness and edge refinement at the cutting edge, while the softer backing provides stability, resilience, and ease of maintenance.

Mr. Amano primarily uses Hitachi Yasugi White Paper Steel No. 1, sourced from material produced around the 1990s. The supporting steel is, by default, extra-low-carbon soft steel, though alternative materials such as traditional Japanese iron may be used by special order.

Both steels are non-stainless. After each shave, the razor should be thoroughly dried and lightly protected with a thin layer of oil to prevent oxidation.

High-carbon steels are chosen for performance rather than corrosion resistance. While stainless alloys resist staining, they cannot reach the same hardness or edge refinement as traditional carbon steels. White Paper Steel No. 1 is valued for its ability to take an exceptionally smooth shaving edge and maintain it over extended use before resharpening is required.

Mr. Amano traditionally leaves the final edge refinement to the first owner. For this razor, the final sharpening has been completed by us, ensuring it arrives fully honed and ready for use.

The razor is supplied in a traditional sliding-lid box, signed by Mr. Amano.

Blade Engravings
• 白一 (Shiro Ichi) — White Paper Steel No. 1
• 丸に天 — the Takami mark (Ten, meaning heaven / sky)
• 土州 天水作 (Doshu Tensui Saku) — Made by Tensui of Doshu (Tosa - old name for Kochi Prefecture)
(Tensui is the smith’s art name; the razors are known under the Takami name)

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About the Maker

Mr. Amano began his career as a blacksmith around 1994, training in Kochi Prefecture under Keiichiro Tsutsui and Toshimune Tsutsui, with primary guidance from Mr. Keiichiro Tsutsui.

He began producing Japanese razors around 2010. Notably, he did not learn kamisori making through a formal master–apprentice lineage; instead, his razors have evolved through direct response to customer feedback, refined over time by practical use and demand.

Today, Mr. Amano forges each blade alone in his private workshop overlooking a small coastal city on the Pacific Ocean. Removed from modern distractions, he works with complete focus, producing razors defined by material honesty, restraint, and quiet strength.

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Steel/鋼: White paper steel #1・白紙鋼1号
Jigane/地金: low carbon soft steel.
Box: Paulownia tomentosa wood

Length: 16.9 cm
Head width: 2.9 cm
Length of cutting edge: 5.5
Weight 51.9 g