Tenma・天馬・Tamahagane Kamisori

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.

In this case the steel is Tamahagane steel, the same steel that was used for centuries to produce Katanas in old Japan. Made of iron sand, this is the steel of choice for historical correct Kamisoris.

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 natural 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.

Engraved on the lid is an Ukiyo-e woodblock print of Utagawa Kuniyoshi: "Zhang Shun, alias White Stripe in the Waves" from his series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes from the Chinese Tale, The Water Margin"

Steel・鋼: Tamahagane
Jigane・地金: soft iron・極軟鉄
Handle Wrapping: Japanese Rattan
Box: Paulownia Wood - Japan
Kamisori Wrapping: Japanese silk fabric

Length: 150mm
Head width: 17 mm (5/8")
Length of cutting edge: 48mm
Weight: 29 g

a medium sized Kamisori