Tosuke Inoue・井上藤助・Vintage Japanese Straight Razor Kamisori Leather Thread Handle Wrapping and Handmade Hinoki Wood 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.

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 brand leather thread handle wrapping for a better grip, we use a traditional wrapping technique that is very common for Kamisori.

The Kanji / Katakana read as:
特選・special selection ・レザー打 ・ forged razor・ 井上 藤助作 ・ Inoue Tousuke made

All Kanjis have a gold lacquer application

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 finish.

After we built the box we laser engraved a Japanese wood block print on the lid.
Engraved on the lid is an Ukiyo-e woodblock print of Utagawa Kuniyoshi's "Koga Saburo Suspendeding Basket Watching Dragon" This work represents Heian-period 794-1185 warrior Koga Saburo, he is compared to the fourth zodiacal sign hinoto and the element of fire. Koga Saburo is a famous figure in Japanese folklore.
This box is a 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.

Steel・鋼: Unknown High Carbon Steel 不明
Jigane・地金: soft iron・極軟鉄
Handle Wrapping: Leather
Box: Hinoki Wood

Length: 14.5 cm
Head width: 1.6 cm
Length of cutting edge: 4.6 cm
Weight: 25.8 g

a medium sized Kamisori