Iwasaki kamisori razors are renowned for their exceptional sharpness, unique design, and rich heritage rooted in Japanese craftsmanship. A kamisori is a special type of Japanese razor, while Iwasaki is one of the most renowned producers of such razors.
Shigeyoshi Iwasaki was a legendary blacksmith from Japan, known for his unparalleled skill in forging razors that combined traditional Japanese blacksmithing techniques with modern metallurgy. His razors have gained cult status among traditional wet shaving enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. Today, Iwasaki Kamisori razors are produced by the famous knife house Iwasaki, where they are handmade by Ryouichi Mizuochi. In 2014, Mizuochi Ryoichi was recognised as a Master of Traditional Crafts by the Japanese government.
What is a Kamisori Razor?
The kamisori razor stands apart from standard Western-style straight razors due to its asymmetrical blade design. A traditional kamisori features a single bevel, meaning that one side of the blade is flat, while the other is angled. This asymmetric design makes it fundamentally different from Western-style straight razors, which typically have a symmetrical, double-beveled blade.
Using a Kamisori Razor
Kamisori razors are crafted to be especially efficient and precise, allowing for close shaves with minimal strokes. The asymmetrical hollow ground blade can be used in both the right and left hand.
If your are used to a Western-style razor, switching to a kamisori will require you to adapt your technique, mastering the proper angles to ensure a smooth, efficient shave without causing irritation.
For traditionalists and professional barbers, the skill required to properly use a kamasori this is part of the appeal—it elevates the act of shaving to a practiced art form.
The Mastery of Shigeyoshi Iwasaki
Shigeyoshi Iwasaki of the Niigata Prefecture is regarded as one of the greatest modern blacksmiths in Japan, with his expertise in metallurgy earning him a legendary status. Trained by his father, Kousuke Iwasaki, who was also a master blacksmith, Shigeyoshi Iwasaki carried forward the family tradition of producing high-quality blades with an immense dedication to precision and refinement.
The crafting process for an Iwasaki Kamisori is meticulous, and Shigeyoshi Iwasaki was known for his ability to combine traditional Japanese forging techniques with modern scientific approaches, ensuring that each blade was not only historically authentic but also technologically advanced. Even today, razors bearing the Iwasaki name are revered for their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and utility.
Made from Superior Materials – Tamahagane and Swedish Steel
The steel used in an Iwasaki Kamisori is a significant factor contributing to its sharpness and longevity. Some are made using Tamahagane steel, while others consist of Swedish carbon steel.
Tamahagane steel is an ancient type of high-carbon steel traditionally used in the forging of samurai swords. Tamahagane steel is known for its ability to hold an incredibly sharp edge, making it perfect for razors. The process of creating tamahagane is labor-intensive and requires a deep understanding of metallurgy, which is why it is so highly prized.
Some Iwasaki razors are instead forged from Swedish carbon steel. This material, while not as historically significant as tamahagane from a Japanese point of view, is still highly valued for its strength and ability to maintain sharpness over time. Swedish carbon steel is renowned for its purity and is often used in high-performance tools.
Whether forged from tamahagane or Swedish carbon steel, each Iwasaki kamisori is honed to a razor-thin edge, resulting in exceptional sharpness.
More Information About Tamahagane
Tamahagane (玉鋼) is a special type of steel made in the Japanese tradition. Traditionally, it has been used for Japanese swords, knives, daggers, and certain tools. Analysis of old Japanese swords have revealed that the carbon content is usually in the 0.5%-0.7% range (calculated by mass), although for some it is higher, up to 1.5%.
The word “tama” means precious and the word “hagane” means steel.
How is tamahagane produced?
Tamahagane is made from ironsand (satetsu) from Shimane, the second-least populous prefectore of Japan. Ironsand is a type of sand with a high level of iron; it is normally grey or black in colour.
The two main types of ironsand from Shimane are akame satetsu (赤目砂鉄) and masa
satetsu (真砂砂鉄), with the masa being of higher quality than the akame. Exactly how the two types of sand will be used (the proportions) depends on the desired result.
The iron sand is placed in a tatara, which is a traditional Japanese clay tub furnace used for smelting iron and steel. A typical tatara is roughly 3.7 metres long, 1.2 metres tall, and 1.2 metres wide.
The tatara will be dried and heated to a temperature of circa 1,000 degrees C. The iron sand is then mixed with charcoal to add the carbon required to make steel of the desired hardiness.
Within an hour of smelting, the iron sand sinks to the bottom – the so called bed of fire. At the bottom, tamahagane experts will use its colour to determine which parts of the smelt that will be combined into tamahagane. Iron sand is added every 10 minutes and the mixture must be turned over frequently.
Making a batch of tamahagane will usally take anywhere from a day and a half to three days of continous processing. Exactly how long it takes will be influenced by the number of workers and how much steel that is to be produced.
When the tamahagane is ready, the tatara (clay tub) will be broken to free the tamahagane. The special tamahagane process will have created in a block that consists of several, layered steels with different carbon concentrations. The process is also very good at removing impurities.
The very best steel will be found on the edges of the metal block as it comes out of the broken tatara, because the oxidation process have been stronger there. Pieces that have a bright silver colour are the best for making blades, including razor blades.
Shaving With a Kamisori from Iwasaki
Shaving with an Iwasaki Kamisori is an entirely different experience compared to using modern safety razors or Western-style straight razors. Due to its single bevel design and extreme sharpness, an Iwasaki Kamisori razor offers an incredibly close shave, often reducing the need for multiple passes over the same area of skin.
However, this precision requires skill. Traditional kamisori razors, including the increadibly sharp Iwasaki models, demand that the user master specific techniques, such as holding the razor at the right angle and applying the correct amount of pressure for this specific type of razor. This makes it ideal for wet shaving enthusiasts who value the art of the shave as much as the result.
Many who use Iwasaki Kamisori razors report a sense of ritual and tradition in the shaving process. This isn’t just a tool; it’s a handcrafted object that connects the user to a centuries-old tradition of Japanese swordsmithing and blade-making.
How to Maintain and Care for a Iwasaki Kamisori
Maintaining an Iwasaki Kamisori razor requires care and attention. Like all high-carbon steel blades, these razors are prone to rust if not properly cared for. After each use, the razor should be thoroughly dried and, ideally, lightly coated with oil to protect the steel.
Honing an Iwasaki razor is a skill in itself. While the razor can hold a sharp edge for extended periods, eventually, it will need to be honed. This should be done carefully, using high-quality honing stones, and often requires the expertise of a skilled professional or experienced user to ensure the blade retains its unique geometry and sharpness.
If you are considering purchasing a Iwasaki Kamisori, please also seek out specialized and detailed advice about how to maintain and care for it, including how to clean it and how to hone it.
Collectibility and Value
Iwasaki Kamisori razors are highly collectible due to their limited production, legendary craftsmanship, and exceptional performance. Collectors seek out these razors not just for their functionality but also for their artistic value. Each razor is a hand-forged work of art, reflecting a lineage of Japanese blacksmithing that dates back hundreds of years.
Due to their rarity and craftsmanship, Iwasaki razors are often considered investment pieces, with vintage or well-preserved examples commanding high prices on the secondary market. The fact that these razors are still produced using traditional methods adds to their appeal. Each razor, whether new or vintage, carries the history and skill of its maker.
Final Thoughts
Iwasaki Kamisori razors represent the pinnacle of Japanese razor blade-making and the art of traditional wet shaving. With their unique asymmetrical design, superior steel, and the legendary craftsmanship of Shigeyoshi Iwasaki, these razors are more than just tools—they are works of art.
For both collectors and professional barbers, owning and using an Iwasaki razor offers both a connection to a rich tradition of Japanese craftsmanship and an unparalleled shaving experience.
The legacy of Iwasaki Kamisori razors continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world, not only for the function of his razors but also for the deep history and artistry they embody.