These magnificent razors are made by hand by master-smith Ryuichi Mizuouchi-san. Mizuochi-san is the successor to Shigeyoshi Iwasaki-san,the son of legendary researcher and smith Kousuke Iwasaki. These razors were originally designed by the late Kousuke, a man who in many ways fathered the current generation of Japanese razor makers.
These razors are distinguished from other traditional Japanese Straight Razors (known in Japanese as "Kamisori") in a couple of ways.
First, the handle, spine and part of the Omote, or back of the blade, are blacked with carbon from the forging process. This helps preserve the carbon steel against rust damage (HELPS, not totally prevents!). Second, there is a distinctive depression on the back of the blade...this isn't a "thumb notch", because your thumb doesn't go there...but it is a nice little touch that helps guide your hand in their use.
I order these razors from the maker months in advance, and each is individually hand-made at Sanjo-kaji koubo, the Iawasaki faily's forge in Niigata. Because of the individual, hand made nature there is always a chance of delays. I will do my best to keep you updated as to their progress and delivery dates.
(© 2009 Jim Rion)
Iwasaki 1-chou gake (一丁垳)
This razor is approximately 160mm long (about 6.3 inches long), with a 48mm cutting edge (1.9 inches). The sizes are approximate due to the handmade nature of the razor, but they are usually very close.
Total Price: 25,500 JPY (includes shipping and fees) OUT OF STOCK
Iwasaki 2-chou gake (二丁垳)
This is a slightly bigger blade, at 180mm (7 inches) with a 60mm edge (2.4 inches). It has been recommended for heavier beards due to its weight and size. Again, the sizes are approximate due to the handmade nature of the blade.
Total Price: 43,500 JPY including shipping and fees.--CURRENTLY SOLD OUT--
Pawlonia Wood Box
This is a box custom made for Iwasaki striaght razors, with the Iwasaki name in Japanese stamped on it, and Iwasaki's personal seal in red. The perfect way to protect and display your shaving masterpiece!
Total price: 2,000 JPY.OUT OF STOCK
Add a rubber "Tosuke" grip to your razor. Yes, they're blue rubber. Yes, they're not the most stylish. And No, they're not labeled "Iwasaki". But they do improve the grip on these over bare steel, so the option is there.
500 yen with razor. OUT OF STOCK
For a more traditional look, I can also wrap the grip with waxed cotton line. (I was told by an older gentleman who ran a a traditional Japanese knife chop that rattan, the more traditional handle wrap, is perhaps not the best as it dries very slowly, and holds water against the handle, leading to rust. Thus the cotton...)
1,500 yen with purchase of a razor. ..
