NOS Vintage Japanese razor Kamisori Tamahagane Eisho 玉鋼 永正

NOS (New old stock) Japanese razor Kamisori Tamahagane Eisho 玉鋼 永正.

There are traces of time and rust. Look carefully at the photos and video.

The razor was made in the Showa period, approximately in the 1950s. It has a length of 14.2 cm, width of 1.4 cm, length of cutting edge of 3.6 cm, 4 mm of thickness, and a weight of 37.0 g. A medium sized kamisori with a light weight.

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.What is so special about this Kamisori is, that the steel is real Tamahagane. Tamahagane is the traditional steel produced in Japan for centuries. As Japan has no big resources of iron ore, the steel is produced out of iron sand in a several day long process by hand. 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, Especially this Tamahagane layer!

Tamahagane 玉鋼 steel, a legendary and revered material in the realm of traditional Japanese sword-making, holds a special place in the hearts of both craftsmen and enthusiasts alike. Renowned for its exceptional quality and the meticulous process of its creation, Tamahagane steel embodies the perfect blend of artistry, tradition, and functionality. In this article, we will delve into the origins, production process, and significance of Tamahagane steel in Japanese culture.