Shigeyoshi Iwasaki

[JamieM]

I came across this video of Shigeyoshi Iwasaki which I found of particular interest, being the owner of one his original razors made by this Mans very own hand which feels kind of special to be part of a selective band, to think he once forged and ground the very razor that I shave with makes it feel very special indeed.

Made by the legendary blacksmith Mr Shigeyoshi Iwasaki was born in 1933
and was trained by among others his father Dr Iwasaki Kousuke that
designed Iwasaki Kamisori also a metallurgist famous for classifying
Japanese steels i.e. "yellow paper", "white paper", "blue paper" etc.
He also took part in an investigation of ancient swords and knives kept
at Syousou-In, a treasure house built in the 8th century.
When he was not in his forge, he teaches technical skills and
metallurgy theory to young blacksmiths from Sanjo as Shigefusa and
Yoshikane.
This one is Old and made By Iwasaki himself! Western Iwasaki
razors are very Rare and very hard to find.
Many Japanese collectors are also on the search for them so for us outside
Japan it is even harder to get!


Collector Item

Steel: Swedish Carbon Steel
Rockwell Hardness: ca. 64 HRC
Length: 71 mm
Length height: 23 mm

 

[Zwilling]

Wonderful! That whole documentary is a nice watch, it really shows how blacksmithing in Japan is evolving while keeping in touch with the traditions and the craft that that transfers from master to apprentice. I especially like the interview with knifesmith Hinoura, where you can see the intensely serious approach he has to what he does, and how much of a perfectionist he is.

 

[Steve56]

Thank you for posting Jamie!

 

[Sukeroku]

I have been searching for a reasonable priced Iwasaki. They come up often on Japanese
auction sites but they are not cheap, $400+ minimum for a decent Tamahagane...without a box.

 

[JamieM]

The Kamisori Iwasaki razors are fairly easy to find, a bit more difficult to find vintage models, the western style is getting extremely difficult to find, a good friend of mine from Japan sold one about three weeks ago a NOS Iwasaki western style in Tamahagane for more than £2000.

 

[Sukeroku]

Yeah, I am looking for an Iwasaki Tamahagane Jwest...I do not need NOS, actually I prefer not to have an NOS becasue I probably wouldn't use it.