[dcarmell]

I've been waiting patiently (NOT!) since I got on the list back in March and finally they called me to say an initial shipment came in. I guess the waiting list is still longer than the number of available razors, so some poor folks will be waiting still. And it appears that the price varies according to when you got on the list...I got on early <very big grin>.

It's a beautifully crafted razors (sorry for the crumby cellphone camera photos but you've seen these before) and I can't wait to use it. Fortunately, I didn't shave today, so tomorrow morning will be a good initial test. It is sharp enough to take hair off my forearm, so all it will get before hand is stropping on some 0.5 micron diamond paste.

This is my third Japanese straight razor and I want to thank floppyshoes for getting me started on them and giving me great instructions on how to hone them. I know this type of razor is a passing fancy for many, but my Tosuke-handled razor is my daily razor and I just hope the Iwasaki will be the new go-to razor.

Happy Dan!

[Chady]

Is the other one identical to the other? So one for each hand?

[DwarvenChef]

JWW has these in stock??? Didn't see them last time I was there... didn't know to look or ask DOH!!!

[nis]

Did you send it for a swim in the third picture? Or is that you unshaved?

[Russel Baldridge]

Very nice. I've been wanting one, but alas, they're out of my price range.

Congrats on the good deal too!

[dcarmell]

Thanks, Russell! I suspect there's a new blade master on this side of the ocean, can't wait to find out!

JWW doesn't have them in stock, per se. A shipment of razors came and the waiting list claimed them all.

And yup, that's my--the one with the stick in the mouth!

Dan

[Amyn]

Dan,
Congrats!! I too have been impatiently waiting since March. I am in the same boat as you. I got on the list early when the razor was selling for the "bargain" price.

JW finally got a shipment, I got a call from them day before yesterday confirming the sale. My razor is on its way somewhere between CA and GA baking in the Texas heat in a Fedex truck I think.

It will likely make it home early next week. Cannot wait to give it a try.

[dcarmell]

Amyn-- The first shave was terrific, great out of the box (maybe my 0.5 diamond paste stropping helped, but I'm not sure it was needed). I'm very happy and hope you will be as well--will watch for your post. If I were you, I'd be pushing the update button on the Fedex site twice daily, I bet.

I think I remember someone here describing the Iwasaki as a "double spike" razor, but interestingly, both ends of my razor are carefully muted, with a very even 45 degree line ground into the corners. Frankly, I prefer that, but purists might be disappointed.

best, Dan

[headdoc]

I placed my order in March and received a call on Wednesday that it was here. I expect it will be arrive in Chattanooga by Monday. I am also excited.. I have been using my Tosuke regularly and am please to learn that the Iwasaki was just about shave ready.
I'd appreciate information about honing. This may or may not be what I have used with the Tosuke. Please PM me with this.
I'll post pictures after I receive mine.
Headdoc

[Kees]

Thanks for sharing. I am expecting a similar razor from So any day soon. You mention honing instructions you received. Could you post them here for us all?

[SteveS]

Originally Posted by dcarmell

I think I remember someone here describing the Iwasaki as a "double spike" razor, but interestingly, both ends of my razor are carefully muted, with a very even 45 degree line ground into the corners.

I got one of these, too, and my razor is the same, but that didn't keep me from nicking myself a few times with one end or the other.

Mine also came sharp enough to shave. Based on thebigspender's experience, I skipped the hones and gave it some laps on diamond paste. I had to push it harder through the whiskers than I thought I would. On that basis, perhaps it's not as sharp as it could be, but dang, it really left me smooth cheeks after one pass.

[headdoc]

Got mine today- it looks like all the others. I did strop it a bit on CrOx. it passed the HHT right out of the box but after a few laps (3-2 style) it did it even better.
I tested it on one side (just couldn't wait until tomorrow AM) and wow. It was a bit intimidating but after seeing that the tip was not a spike, I settled down.
Now I think I'll sell my Tosuke. I see the difference in them and am very pleased with the Iwasaki. I'll probable put the Tosuke on classified in a few day.
David

[Amyn]

The Iwasaki arrived on Tuesday. The workmanship is excellent. It was quite sharp when it came out of the box but not quite sharp enough in my opinion. Here is what I did to sharpen it

Iwasaki (very hard steel)
+ Lots o laps (I mean lots) on Chinese 12K (slow cutting stone)
+ CrO2 pasted paddle strop
___________________________________________

= very sharp and smooth edge = great shave =


The blade is small and easy to handle which make it easier to control. Unlike the traditional straight where the size of the blade is larger and a bit more difficult to control.

The only draw back the awkward positions you must get into while shaving certain parts of your face due to the geometry of the blade. So I am doing some yoga while I shave, big deal...

The best part about using the Iwasaki is that the ATG pass (S-N) is extremely easy and that cuts down on my shaving time.

[Kees]

I received mine form So last week, it is identical to the JWW Iwasakis so I feel free to post here as well. It came shave sharp although I felt it might be possible to get it even sharper. I gave it 60 laps on both linen and leather and had a great shave. As I always strive to get the best out of my razors I am going to take it to the hones and see if I can improve.

Iwasakis have 2 drawbacks: first the fairly narrow handle but I think I can get used to it, 2nd cutting edge that cannot be folded into scales.

Has anyone ever tried to fit scales on a kamisori?

[Bruno]

I've thought about it.
The problem is you'd have to drill a hole in the handle to prevent it from slipping / falling out of the scales.
That would pretty much destroy it from a resale point of view.

I suppose you could come up with a set of scales + custom pivot that would clamp the razor, but I did not spend enough time on the idea to come up with something that is elegant and functional.

[Kees]

Originally Posted by Bruno

I've thought about it.
The problem is you'd have to drill a hole in the handle to prevent it from slipping / falling out of the scales.
That would pretty much destroy it from a resale point of view.

I suppose you could come up with a set of scales + custom pivot that would clamp the razor, but I did not spend enough time on the idea to come up with something that is elegant and functional.

Those are my sentiments as well. I did once see a picture of a kamisori with some sort of wooden scales, I think it was a vintage thing.
For the time being I will try and get used to it as it is. If someone comes up with a brilliant idea I might give it a try.

[kevint]

One thing for sure, I wish I had one to brag on.

Congrats to you all on such a fine examples of the smithing craft. Craps I'd be happy with one on their red T-shirts Are these small ones or large ones? what'd you choose?

Looking over the razor section at japan-tool I did notice some western razors on the shelf. That'd solve your handle dilemma .

It's not uncommon for traditional tools to require some work to complete by the user. The lack of a handle wrap might be a similar situation. It'd certainly make for safer use.
I'd probably lacquer the tang to protect it as it could be easily cleaned off later with thinner. I think a simple string wrap looks pretty nice when you coat it with colored lacquer and sand it back to reveal the twist pattern of the cord.
Lacquered samegawa finished in similar fashion or left bumpy, or simple rattan, etc. You could always add to bulk to the tang with veneer, paper etc under the wrap.
A fitted panel for the box will keep it from shifting about. or you could make a scabbard. I just can't see trying to westernize it as a valid approach, but whatever I suppose. If it's cool it's cool.

[Kees]

Kevint,

The tang is another concern. It has some blackening but that easily comes off. I have been trying to work out a solution for that as well. Rattan seems a bit thick for such a small handle. What sort of stuff is string wrap? Where can one get it?

[kevint]

Hi Kees, you can get rattan in nearly any size you like. I'll see if I can dig up a link but it's easy enough to search for online.

String, cord, I am referring to a twisted cotton "mason's" line. You can usually find a few different sizes in a hardware store. I have always preferred the cotton over nylon as I believe it soaks up more of the lacquer.

Maybe not now, but later you could always patinate the tang, again I'd have to hunt up the formulas, techniques for getting a nice durable black oxide coating. Low tech stuff.

lac on the tang is just to protect it from moisture as much as possible as it may be a long time before you see it again

[Seraphim]

How about a CA coat for the tang prior to wrapping it?