Iwasaki

Shigeyoshi Iwasaki was born in 1933 in Sanjo, Niigata — into a family of legendary blacksmiths. His father, Dr. Kousuke Iwasaki, designed the Iwasaki Kamisori and was also a respected metallurgist, famous for classifying Japanese steels into yellow paper, white paper and blue paper grades. Kousuke also took part in the investigation of ancient swords and knives kept at Shōsō-in, an 8th century treasure house.

Shigeyoshi learned the craft from his father and went on to become a teacher himself, training young Sanjo blacksmiths in technical skill and metallurgy theory — including Shigefusa and Yoshikane. Two names that need no introduction in this world.

He is now unfortunatly passed away. His student, Mr. Ryoichi Mizuochi, continues making these razors and kiridashi today, carrying the Iwasaki name and standard forward.

These pieces come from one of the most important bloodlines in Japanese blacksmithing history. Swedish carbon steel, hardened to roughly 64 HRC. Carbon steel — can rust, needs basic care.