Great looking razor Mike, you only have to look over on the SRP razor clubs to see how highly regarded Japanese razors are I can see these razors in the not to distant future becoming as sought after and as expensive as big Filarmonicas Wade & Butchers and Heljestrands, hopefully one day I'll be able to afford a NOS Iwasaki western style razor.
The first J-West I obtained was an Iwasaki in Swedish carbon steel. More followed on it's coat tails. As I've said previously, I'm usually a level headed guy when it comes to not loosing my mind over straights, but J-Wests make my eyeballs roll up in my skull and I get all squishy inside. It seems I want EVERY ONE I SEE. Sadly, I believe you're correct, they are destined to become the Flavor of the Week. But I can hope the esteem that they are held in by the general public will remain disproportionately low, as my intent is to acquire, acquire, acquire...and I don't intend to ever sell any of my J-Wests. My first Iwasaki:
And you slid this one in on me Oscar11. I have a HUGE soft spot for Le Grelot razors, one of the great old marques. And yours has the nicest wash on the blade I think I've seen on a Le Grelot. Congrats!
Very nice. I feel the same as you do, I want every Japanese Western style straight I see. I have most well-known makers, but not Iwasaki. I do have a Tanfuji, a teacher of Iwasaki.
I need a Tanifuji western style. I'm currently patrolling hard for a swanky King Pelican, and also for the "right" j-frameback.
Richardson Special 11/16 (Durham Inst. of Barbering) Awesome shave tonight from this gem after it's second trip to the hones. Dialed in now.
Wow, where did you get this razor? I live in Durham where that barber school is still in business, I think. Does the other side of tang give the maker and country names?
That is a very nice razor PIF. I have some Clauss straights and really love them. Easy to hone and produce a great edge.
Off eBay for cheap. It was in beautiful condition and came with the coffin. Other side just says "made in Germany." It's a pretty piece that I might just keep.
My first SR shave in a couple of days...and my first with this recent-restore of a W&B 6/8." It took a keen edge and turned out to be quite the smooth shaver!
Today was a Fon Golden Star, who joins his buddy the Fon Model 172 as one of my two most recently acquired razors. I saw both of these had become available at the same time, and used my Phone-A-Friend to Jamie as to which one I should grab up. Jamie, being the supportive enabler that he is said "Both!" Which in retrospect, I must admit was sheer brilliance and demonstrated remarkable insight on his part By the way, a question for Kids in the Know. Which is correct, to refer to these as "Fon" or "Feon" razors? I've seen even the company use both spellings... The two shave identically, which is as well as any of my razors. Also included a picture of these beauties together, and one more shot, which is straight up J-West razor porn for those of you afflicted. Again, sorry about the mineral oil.
I enjoy looking at your blades and I may actually try one someday, but I saw this on the bay and wanted to share.
