Why it's worth it - kamisori

The Iwasaki Tamahagane Kamisori is the straight razor world’s answer to the samurai sword – and one of the most sought-after razors on the market. The word Kamisori (Wa-Kamisori) is simply the Japanese term for razor.

Forged from the same steel as legendary samurai swords, and hardened for optimal shaving performance, each blade is handcrafted at the Sanjyo Seisakujo forge. The process is as complex today as it was centuries ago – only half of all attempts result in a finished blade. Those that do pass every step and receive the maker’s mark become true works of artisanal excellence. Some say it’s the sharpest razor in the world.

"The Iwasaki Tamahagane Kamisori is now a legend in shaving."

The Mind Behind the Blade

Forge founder Kousuke Iwasaki dedicated his life to preserving Japanese cultural treasures. Determined to master the art of tamahagane steel, he left Tokyo University with dual degrees in literature and metallurgy to become an apprentice. After becoming a master himself, he established his own forge and developed the tamahagane razor – a rare and revered piece of Japanese history. His knowledge was passed down to his son, Shigeyoshi Iwasaki, and later to Ryuichi Mizuochi, who continues the tradition today.

The technique is intricate. The razor is forged by hand using tamahagane – a traditional Japanese steel made from iron sand. This process involves feeding pure carbon and iron sand into a Tatara furnace, layer by layer, until steel is formed from the ash.

This "raw" tamahagane is then further refined by folding, again and again, until the steel is pure enough to forge. Typically reserved for samurai swords, tamahagane contains around 0.8% carbon – which Kousuke Iwasaki considered too low. It took him ten years to develop a method that produced steel with a higher carbon content suitable for razors.

For the Man Who Understands Its Worth

There’s simply no better razor than the Iwasaki Tamahagane Kamisori. Its price is steep, yes – but this is a tool that carries both craftsmanship and legacy. With its raw surface and unpolished finish, the Tamahagane Kamisori radiates quiet confidence. The man who uses it knows exactly what he’s holding.

RAZOR-SHARP JAPANESE QUALITY FOR LESS: READ ABOUT FEATHER HERE