Iwasaki Tamahagane Kamisori Japanese razor

Iwasaki Kamisori - Sanjō Seisakusho (三条製作所) - Late Production

An authentic Japanese barber's razor (kamisori) made in the tradition of the famous Shigeyoshi Iwasaki workshop in Sanjō, Niigata Prefecture.

A brief history

This model was produced Sanjō Seisakusho (三条製作所) during the period when the Iwasaki Blacksmith Shop (岩崎刃物製作所) collaborated with Kawasaki Seisakusho (川崎製作所) and Mizuochi-san - A student of Shigeyoshi Iwasaki.
This is the period when the original blacksmith, Shigeyoshi Iwasaki (岩崎重義, 1903-1993), was no longer hammering each razor by hand, but all products were still being made according to the heat-treatment and metallurgical standards he had designed.

Such razors were produced circa 1970-1980, Sanjō City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan - using the same steel billets and heat-treatment principles as the early Iwasaki Tamahagane models.

Construction and features

• Blade: guilty of TamaHagane Traditional high quality carbon steel, heat-treated according to the Iwasaki process.
• Impression: "岩崎〇作" (Iwasaki Maru-Saku) is the original mark of Shigeyoshi Iwasaki, later used in the products of his student Mizuochi-san.
• Rankena: solid, oxidised steel - matt, black-striped surface, characteristic Mizuochi the production period.
• Type: Classic Japanese kamisori, single-sided grinding profile (kataba).
• Usage: for professional shaving, traditional techniques.
• Place of production: Sanjō Seisakusho (三条製作所), Niigata, Japan.

Packaging

Yellow plastic insert/envelope - used Sanjō / Kawasaki Seisakusho in production runs from around late 1970s to 1980sto protect the blade from corrosion during transport.

Signs of authenticity

• Impression 岩崎〇作 (Iwasaki saku with a circle) - typical of the Sanjō / Kawasaki Seisakusho period.
• The package inscription 三条製作所 - directly indicates Sanjō plantbased on Iwasaki technology.
• Paper leaflet with sharpening instructions (研ぎ方), typical of original Iwasaki products.
• The "検査済" (verified) stamp is a quality seal used in official batches.

Condition

• Used, without packaging.
• Minimal traces of oxidation due to ageing are natural to steel.
• All authentic marks are clearly visible.

Collector's value

These Iwasaki Sanjō Seisakusho kamisori are considered transitional products between the handmade work of Shigeyoshi Iwasaki and the continuous production of his student Mizuochi-san.
They are valued in the collector community for their excellent quality, metal grain and historical context.

Contents of the leaflet:

Original text

登録 岩崎の日本剃刀
この日本剃刀は、当工場で一貫して製造したものです。
本刃付は専門技術者が手作業で仕上げております。
ご使用の前に、軽く皮砥で整えてください。
ご使用後は水気をよく拭き取り、錆を防ぐために油を薄く塗ってください。
三条製作所

Translation into English:

Registered Iwasaki Japanese Razor
This Japanese razor has been entirely manufactured in our factory.
The final edge has been finished by a skilled craftsman by hand.
Before use, lightly strop the blade on leather.
After use, wipe off any moisture thoroughly and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust.
Sanjō Seisakusho (Sanjō Manufacturing Works)

🇱🇹 Translation into Lithuanian:

Registered Iwasaki Japanese razor
This Japanese razor is made in our factory from start to finish.
The final finishing of the blade is done by a skilled craftsman.
Before use, lightly adjust the blade on the leather strap.
After use, wipe off moisture thoroughly and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust.
Sanjō Seisakusho (三条製作所 - Sanjō factory)

Iwasaki is one of the most appreciated among collectors and traditional shaving enthusiasts for the quality of its steel hardening and workmanship. The razor was made in the Showa period, around the 1950s. It has a length of 16 cm, a cutting edge length of 5 cm and a weight of 35 g. It is a medium-sized, light-weight kamisori.

Similar to a traditional samurai sword, this Kamisori was hand-forged from 2 layers, the cutting part made from high carbon steel and the support from a simpler, higher iron steel. What makes this Kamisori special is that the blade is forged from real Tamahagane. Tamahagane is a traditional steel produced in Japan several centuries ago. Because Japan does not have large iron ore resources, the steel is made by hand from iron sand in a process that takes several days. It was the main source of all samurai sword blades. The steel layer is brittle and hard, while the softer frame provides the necessary flexibility.

Both layers are non-rusting, so always keep your razor dry after shaving and protect it with a thin layer of oil. Why is this razor stainless? The stainless blade is made from an alloy that will reduce the chance of corrosion spots, but also make it less hard. High carbon steel like this Kamisori cutting layer has a much higher hardness and will maintain a smooth shave much longer before you need to re-sharpen, especially this Tamahagane layer!

Tamahagane 玉鋼 steel, a legendary and revered material in traditional Japanese sword making, holds a special place in the hearts of artisans and enthusiasts alike. Known for its exceptional quality and meticulous creation process, Tamahagane steel embodies the perfect combination of artistry, tradition and functionality.