[Seraphim]

Originally Posted by foundlingofdollar

Who needs ebay? Sell them here. Of course, with only one of each there could be fist fights, but we're all gentlemen here, right?

Yes, yes, we're gentlemen here. All fistfights shall be conducted under the Queensbury rules...

[moviemaniac]

I don't care if you fight over it as long as I get it

[nun2sharp]

Is that Marquis of Queensbury rules. Reminds me of John Wayne & Victor McLaughlin in the" Quiet Man", sounds fair to me.I couldnt find the smiley with the black eye.

[Kees]

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

I believe the term is called "camera shy". I hate having my photo taken, so a video demo would be mortifying. Not to mention, I don't think my shaving skills are quite up there when it comes to Japanese razors, so I really wouldn't want to make an ass of myself in front of the entire world.

Can you describe it to us instead? Or can you video tape the barber while he does the tutorial?

[Philadelph]

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

Well I'm thinking since I have almost 2 of each......

...You'll send me one? THANKS MAN!!!

Nice grab. Congrats.

[thebigspendur]

Personally, I want to hear about the honing method. Did he teach you how to create a bevel on one also? I just spent quite some time with one trying to do just that.

[OLD_SCHOOL]

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Did he teach you how to create a bevel on one also? I just spent quite some time with one trying to do just that.

No he didn't and I never thought to ask. I imagine if you get one without a bevel something has gone terribly wrong. I will see if I can catch up with him again to ask about setting bevels.

Another overcast day here today. Really crappy summer this year, it's not very hot or humid. Not that I'm really complaining, coz we don't have AC.
But I will teke some pics anyways.

[OLD_SCHOOL]

Here are the pics of the 2 Tosuke's.

The one without a handle had string wrapped around some paper that was not a good colour, and as it happens, there was a bit of rust under it.

[OLD_SCHOOL]

Here is the NOS Henkotsu. Really nice looking, compared to the Tosuke razors, I can't help but think it must be the black (whatever its called) that makes them look so good. The camera makes this look grubbier than it does in person. Will have to break out the maas and some barricade for this.

[coachmike]

Real works of art...CONGRATS ON THE GRAB.....Enjoy them, they're special

[OLD_SCHOOL]

Here are the two Tamahagane Henkotsu razors. Also had string wrapped around paper for the handle, and a fair amount of rust. I might have to sand the second one there with the black rust spots.







Actually they both could do with a light sanding and a good polish.

[OLD_SCHOOL]

Now about these, there are 2 names on the razors, but the barber referred to them as being forged by Yasushige. They may not be though, the may have been forged by the other person, but the name is not readable due to family names are read so different. The other name is written in the black part so not very legible in the pic.
I think these razors really look better than both Tosuke and Henkotsu, almost as good looking as Iwasaki razors.

[OLD_SCHOOL]

This is the nice size one Tamahagane Iwasaki with ivory handle. No Iwasaki didn't put it on himself AFAIK.

Nice shaver, but my inexperience lets me feel no difference between this and my Tosuke.

There is a bit of rust showing on the blade, will maas that up and barricade it. Oh and those aren't little chips on the edge AFAI can tell. They didn't affect the shaving ability... Or maybe they did and thats why I couldn't tell a difference.

[OLD_SCHOOL]

Yes I saved the best til last, what else do you expect. Here it is, the beast of them all, the NOS size 2, Tamahagane Iwasaki razor. This is quite big and weighs a fair bit. Not sure I will ever put this one to my face. The size 1, one is also relatively heavy, compared to all the other razors. It's not a problem, just takes a little getting used to is all.

[OLD_SCHOOL]

Here is the side by side comparison of both Iwasaki's. Did I mention they are both Tamahagane?

Oh now someone asked about Tamahagane. I believe but am not sure, that it is also folded, and is supposed to look like Damascus. Tamahagane refers to the type of steel rather than the process, (or thats what I understand anyway.) The kanji 玉鋼 literally translates as "jewel steel" but can also translate as "ball steel". 玉 (tama) can be read either as jewel or ball in English. So each to his own, but I prefer to say jewel steel when translating coz it sounds so much sexier than ball stell, I mean WTF is ball steel?

Hey while I am still rambling, there was a member trying to make his own Tamahagane, I apologise I forget who that was, but how'd you (he) get on? Was it Wildtim perhaps??

Anyways heres the pic.



Hmm I only just looked at this pic now as I uploaded it, and my crappy photography gives the illusion, that the size one, one is bigger than the size 2 one above it.

[moviemaniac]

GOOD LORD! This is just AWESOME!
You can count yourself very happy to own these wonderful razors!

[sidneykidney]

Fantastic find Old School! Am sending you a PM

[Joelski78]

WOW, what a beauties interesting find, congrats!

I think you just made some members slightly jealous

Thanks for sharing the pictures with us!

[thebigspendur]

I think the ball steel is different than the Tamahagne. They were selling Iwasaki's made of ball steel and while they were still obtainable they were about $200 over the price of the regular swedish Steel ones. The Tamahagne's were about 2 grand and I don't think they have been available for quite some time. About 4 years ago I could have gotten one but there was a huge waiting list.

A nice assortment of razors you have there.

[netsurfr]

Sweet collection! Thanks for sharing.