The Japanese were’t big on scales as a general rule, they tended to be cheap and plain in spite of the world-class steel and grinding. But when they did nice scales, they were many times striking as @Suhrim21 Kikuboshi shows. I have a Cape with a scale swap from a worn Towa IIRC with the same scales, and a white one that’s very similar. The attached image does not do the white ones justice. The blades oddly, have different model numbers but appear to be identical right down to the grind, length, shape, and weight. Maybe the same blade for different clients? We’ll never know.
Completely agree. More often than not you get cheap generic black scales. And when they did pay attention to their scales they are some of the nicest scales I have seen. It just takes time and money to find the ones with gorgeous scales. I love the white scales @Steve56 they are stunning. I've been looking for a razor with them since the first time I saw them. I think part of the fun collecting and using Japanese razors is the simple fact razors like these dont come up very often.
The white ones are like the Hayashi 8000 scales, they’re difficult to photograph with my amateur light box. Here’s an image that maybe shows them more like what they look like in hand. They’re similar to MOP though you’d never mistake them for that. Still, not too shabby for plastic. These are the original scales.
This lovely Wester Bros Manganese Steel razor is one I bought early on. It was shave ready and was a nice shave - until I got more experience and started paying for honing. Then it paled a little too much to get much use. It just came back from @gssixgun and back into good graces I have too many 5/8 and 11/16 straights and I wanted to give this one an equal shot at staying in the den when it comes time to clear a few out. Hot water preparation Argan Oil PSO Romera Wengue Chubby Manchurian Badger AOS Lemon Shaving Cream Wester Bros. Manganese Steel 11/16 Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Happy shaving - Karl
Fine shave today, from a razor, sold through Montgomery Wards, but German made, from what I understand. I had a nice 2 pass shave, that left me near BBS(I was rushed). Razor- Lakeside Cutlery "Select", by Boker, sold through Montgomery Wards. Soap- ARKO stick. Brush- Homemade handle, by @jtspartan , Omega Boar Knot. Aftershave- Shulton Old Spice. Magic-1870 Decanter.
I had a great shave today with my Lewis straight razor and a Gem Jr. Parade. The straight got most of the first pass and the Gem got the rest of the shave with a 7th flip Gem SS PTFE loaded. The Sterling Executive man lathered very well on my Custom SHD two band badger. The Lewis just got back from a generous member who offered to hone it for me since I've been having trouble honing since having carpal tunnel. I had surgery on both hands.
June 16th Noble Otter SS & AS - BarrBarr Jason's 2019 30DC w/Omega 10098 boar Drew Dick 7/8 Damascus Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements ASB - Star Jelly
Went to the mountain. Nichiri Manaslu 300 Not fancy, but I do like these scales. Substantial enough to pair up with that blade.
The ERN was another razor sent to @gssixgun for a new honing before I decide how to thin my overly full inventory of 5/8ths and 11/16ths. It shaved like a dream and made a strong case for staying in the den. Hot water preparation Argan Oil PSO Shavemac 2-Band Silvertip Badger AOS Lemon Shaving Cream ERN 1934 11/16 Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Happy shaving - Karl
Di Ricco Crescenzo & Figli Definitely signs of a German blade for the Italian market... has that lovely shape & grind of a Puma 18, and that 49 identifier is on some others I have with that shape. Enjoy your shave. Tom
