Japanese markings, kanji, symbols

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Japanese markings, kanji, symbols
(Updated: 2018, July, Okt, Nov, 2019, Jan, March, April)

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This article is meant to provide a bit of help with figuring out
kanji that is found on razors, kamisori,…

By any means, I do not want to give the impression that I master the
Japanese language, far from it. The information, provided in this article is just
something that I’ve managed to gather in the past few years

If you would see a mistake, please contact me by the
contact form, available at the end of this article

If you would like to provide suggestions, new information, extra kanji translations
or comments, please don’t hesitate to use the same contact form

Thank you!

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First of all, a few links of some fantastic sites 
“when you want to know your kanji”
(click to open the link in a new window/tab):

http://classic.jisho.org/kanji/radicals/
or the newer version: http://jisho.org/#radical
http://www.orientaloutpost.com/dictionary.php?q=&d=2
http://www.FreeJapaneseLessons.com 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tōyō_kanji
http://www.kanjidamage.com/tags/55
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_writing_system
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc194859.aspx

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(n) = name (brand, trademark, master,…)
“ā” = “a” / “aa”
“ē” = “e” / “ee”
“ī” = “i” / “ii”
“ō” = “o” / “ou”
“ū” = “u” / “uu”

Some words change when used after each other :
betsu + Sei becomes bessei
toku + kyū becomes tokkyū

(Updated ’18, Nov)

Some masters made Tamahagane razors, with their name I’ve included the sentence:
“He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors”

Those masters are (there could be more):
浅沼 = Asanuma, 吾妻 Azuma, 冨二 Fuji, 花正 Hanamasa, 廣寅 Hiroto,
日吉丸 = Hiyoshimaru, 育(?)井 Ini, 岩崎 Iwasaki, 武⌉ Kanetake (Mr. “Norikazu Takahashi”),
かたなや Katanaya, かね吉 Kanekichi, 川村 Kawamura, きくひだり Kiku hidari,
菊秀 Kikuhide, 菊一文字則宗 Kiku-Ichi Monji Norimune, 菊輝 Kikuteru, 與三丸 Kōsanmaru,
松尾 Matsuo, 永正 Nagamasa / Eishō, 誠一郎 Seiichirō, 志津三郎 Shizu Saburō,
寺正 Teramasa, 山稜 Yama-Ryo, 吉信 一刀斎 Yoshinobu Ittōsai, ずぼら Zubora

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For starters, a few general words:

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Barber = バーバー  (Bābā), 理髪 (Rihatsu = Hairdressing), 理容 (Riyō / Riyou = barber),
床屋 理髪 散髪 職人 (Tokoya rihatsu sanpatsu shokunin = Barber hairdresser)
Barber(shop) = 床屋 (Tokoya)
For Barbers’ (use) = 床屋向け (Tokoya-muke)
Blacksmith = 鍛冶 (Tan’ya)
Craftsman = 職人 (Shokunin)
Masterpiece = 名工 (meikō)
一丁掛 (一丁掛け), 二丁掛け (二丁掛け) = some kind of size measurement;
一丁掛 = ‘Ichichōgake’ or ‘1-chō-kake’ = small/medium
二丁掛 = ‘Nichōgake’ or ‘2-chō kake’ = large
三丁掛 = ‘Sanchōgake’ or ‘3-chō kake’ = (very) large & heavy

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Cutlery = 刃物 (Hamono)

Razor = 髭剃刃 (Higeso ha = razor blade),
剃刀 (or) カミソリ (or)  かみそり (kamisori = razor),
日本剃刀 (Nihon kamisori = Japanese razor), レザー (Rezā), 西洋 (Seiyō = Western),
西洋剃刀 (seiyō kamisori = Western razor = straight razor)
御剃刀 (0 kamisori = (0, respectful prefix) razor)
裏 (ura = “back”, kamisori side with kanji)

Knife = ナイフ (Naifu)

Small cutlery = 小 刃物 (Ko hamono)

•

• Showing how a Kanenaga Kamisori is forged:
  www.youtube.com
• One way how kanji are put on knives/razors,…
  play.tojsiab.com/oFJ44qz9_to

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‘Rattan’ (wrapped handle) = 籐巻 = Tōmaki

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Shaving = 髭剃り (Higesori = Shaving), 顔そり (Kao sori = face shaving),
シェービング (shēbingu = shaving), 剃り(sori = shaving)

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‘Blue paper’ = 青紙 (shōshi)
Sheffield = シェフィールド (Shefīrudo)
Swedish steel = スエーデン鋼 (Suēden-kō = Sweden steel),
スウェーデン鋼 (suu~ēden-kō = Swedish steel)
Solingen = ゾーリンゲン (Zōringen)
Tamahagane = 玉鋼 (Tamakō)
‘White paper’ = 白紙 (Hakushi)
Yasuki steel = 安来鋼 (Yasugihagane)

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Henckels = ヘンケル (Henkeru)

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Antique = アンティーク (Antīku)
壹 = ichi =  out-dated kanji = (number) one; best
純 = jun = pure; genuine
保險附 = 保険附 = Hoken fu = insurance supplementary
(resembling 保険付 = Hoken-tsuki = with insurance)
検 = Ken = Inspection
Old = 古い (Furui), オールド (Ōrudo)
Retro = レトロ (Retoro)
Special selection = 特選 (tokusen)
Supreme = 極上 (gokujō)
Vintage = ヴィンテージ (Vu~intēji), ビンテージ (bintēji)

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A

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ABS → See “Itō Co.&LTD, Tokyo”

油焼入= abura yakiiri = oil tempered
   (高速度鋼 油焼入 =
Kōsokudo-kō abura yakiiri = oil tempered high-speed steel)

赤城 = Akagi (n)
 

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「穴刀」 -「あなとう」 = Anatou / Anatō = ‘hole-sword’
or「耳刀」-「みみとう」 -「耳そり」-「みみそり」
= mimitou / mimizori / mimi-gatana = ‘ear-sword’
or even 「バーバーヤナギ」= bābāyanagi

= ‘Japanese razor’ used for shaving ear or nose hair
hairsalon-mitsuwa.tokyo/anatou

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(Updated ’18, Nov)

浅沼 = Asanuma (n, master)
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors

特級 = Tokkyū, high grade
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō = registered trademark
浅沼 = Asanuma
特撰 = Tokusen = special edition
純玉鋼別打  = “Jun Tamahagane betsu uchi”  = specially made genuine Tamahagane
“実雄作” = “Jitsuo-saku” / “jitsu Yūsaku” >
Not sure about the meaning, IF 実雄 is a name, it could mean: “作 – Saku – made by”:
Mitsuo (みつお) / Toshio (としお) / Jitsuo (じつお) / Shizuo (しづお) / Saneo (さねお),
IF not, it could mean something like “Truly superior made”, or something like that…

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誂え = atsurae = article ordered – custom

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吾妻
   = Azuma (n, master)
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
       
特級 = Tokkyū, high grade
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō = registered trademark
吾妻特撰 = Azuma tokusen = Azuma special edition
純玉鋼別打  = “Jun Tamahagane betsu uchi”  = specially made genuine Tamahagane
“実雄作” = “Jitsuo-saku” / “jitsu Yūsaku” >
Not sure about the meaning, IF 実雄 is a name, it could mean: “作 – Saku – made by”:
Mitsuo (みつお) / Toshio (としお) / Jitsuo (じつお) / Shizuo (しづお) / Saneo (さねお),
IF not, it could mean something like “Truly superior made”, or something like that…

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B

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別製 = bessei = special make / specially made

別撰 = bessen = specially selected

别誂 / 別誂 = betsu atsura = special order, customized or custom made / special model

別註 = betsu chū = exceptional/special note (?)

別上品 = Betsu jōhin = refined / special / exceptional product

別打 = betsuuchi / betsuda = specially made/forged
 

美研 = Biken (n)

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C

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CAPE
⇒ See “Nichiri Co. ” & Tanifuji (Fukutarō) (Cape Kennedy)

CANON (72 1/4 AAA CANON, Super Extra)

(On tang: 舶来鋼 = Hakurai-kō / Hakurai hagane  = imported steel
(imported into Japan), another name = “chemical steel”)

千歳 = Chitose (n); Senzai (n); Chisai (n); “millennium”

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頂上 = Chōjō = “the top”


登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō = registered trademark
頂上(?)製 = chōjō (?)-sei = The top (?) made
= possibly 頂上別製 = Chōjō bessei = Top made specially made
(??)打 = (??) da = (??) forged

◎
It is possible that the markings ◎ are the same as the Japanese symbol ◎
【◎】=【二重丸】=【にじゅうまる】=【Nijūmaru】
which means ‘very good‘ or ‘favorite’ (better than ○)

○
【○】=【まる】=【Maru】means ‘good‘

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Chobomasa > see Yamamasa

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D

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DAISHI; Yasuki Steel, Made of iron sand
  
  

大師 = Daishi
 
(“大師” = Daishi = means “great teacher”,
日立焼鈍鋼 = Hitachi shōdon-kō = Hitachi annealed steel
( → See Hitachi – Y.S.S. (Yasuki Speciality Steel), 高橋 = Takahashi (Master)

大助 = Daisuke (n)

大亰亞特製 = Dai ō(?) Tsuguru tokusei = Large (?) Tsuguru special
 

Derby → There are different makers of “Derby” razors:

• Itō Co.&LTD, Tokyo, “Derby”
• “Kebia Derby”
• Matsukura / Matukura (master), Matukura Co. , Tokyo, “Derby AIKU”

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E

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栄光 = Eikō (Yasuki Steel-S2 YSK.2)
 

Eishō → See 永正 = Nagamasa / Eishō (n)

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F

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FEON → See Kikuboshi – Takehana

FON → See “Kinshō / Kinsyō”

籐 = Fuji (n)

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冨二
 
= Fuji (n, master)
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors

 
(“純玉鋼別打”  “実?” = “Jun Tamahagane betsu uchi”  “mi?”
= specially made/forged genuine Tamahagane
特級 = tokkyū, high grade
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō
冨二 = Fuji
保險附 = 保険附 = Hoken Fu = supplementary insurance)

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ふぢや = Fujiya (Seen on “Orihi” type kamisori)

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G

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極上 = Gokujō = best / first quality

玉晁 = Gyokuchō (n)

玉杯 = Gyokuhai = “Jade cup”, “TSC”
 

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H

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八剣 = Hachiken (n, or place-name), “Suzuki” made
(No. 375, Tokyo T.S.K. = Frame back razor)
 
(八剣 = hachiken, 鈴木特製 = Suzuki tokusei = Suzuki special made)

 

Hadoson → See “Matsukura”

鋼 / 钢 / 刃金 / 鋼鉄 = hagane = steel

舶来鋼 = Hakurai-kō / Hakurai hagane  = imported steel
(imported into Japan), another name = “chemical steel”
 

ハリマ冨二   or  ハりマ冨二 = Harima Fuji (n, brand)

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花正 Hanamasa
  
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
    特級 = Tokkyū, high grade
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō
花正 = Hanamasa
特撰 = tokusen  = specially selected
玉鋼別打 = Tamahagane betsu uchi = specially made Tamahagane
   特級 = Tokkyū, high grade
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō
花正 Hanamasa
特撰 = tokusen  = specially selected
玉鋼別打 = Tamahagane betsu uchi = specially made Tamahagane
“実雄作” = “Jitsuo-saku” / “jitsu Yūsaku”

→ Also see “New Kaou / New Hanamasa”

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春吉(作) = Haruyoshi (saku, made by) = Haruyoshi (n, master)
 
(春吉作 別誂正鋼 最良 床向御剃刀
= Haruyoshi saku  Betsuatsura sei hagane sairyō yuka kō o kamisori
= special made with the best possible steel for razors (?))

 

橋 =  “bridge”; Hashi (n); Hashizaki/Hashisaki (n);
Kyouji (n); Takanahashi (n); Wataru (n); Yanahashi(n)

Hashimoto, Toyo Riki’s Werk, “Honest Harthy”, No. 1075
 
 
  

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“H. Diamond” or “Hayashi Diamond” (Hayashi Ichitaro)
“H. Diamond & Co.”, “Hayashi Ichitaro” / “Gen Takahashi” / “H.Shinyichi”
“Tōwa & Co.” → See H. Diamond / Hayashi Diamond
    
      
     

→ Also see Tōwa, Tōwa & Co.

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Heart Colombia (22, Chemical Steel)
  

へんホつ = (henhotsu)  henkotsu
(actually it isn’t ホ (katakana) = HO
it is   = KO (hentaigana)
  

日下開山 (found on very large Henkotsu kamisori, around 8/8′) =
Hikakaizan  / Hinoshitakaizan = Highest Rank (“Hinoshita Kaizan” is
the nickname of the highest rank yokozuna of the sumo)

光 Hikari = “light”
  
  
(実案特許出願 = Jitsu an tokkyo shutsugan
= The actual draft/motion patent application)

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廣寅 = Hiroto (Hiro Tora) (n, 名工, Meikō = master craftsman)
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
 (Jun Tamahagane)

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飛車角 = Hishakaku ( folding straight razor with kamisori grind;
accompanied with stamp (on box): “extra – very hard”
=> razors were probably made of Hitachi steel)

• 6/8 Hishakaku, Asami. 850 (?)
  
  
• 500 Hishakaku
  

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Hishisei, Best Steel, Seiko Razor, Special “Prooes” (Process), Seikosha Tokyo Japan
 

Hishihoshi (Trademark) – Pure steel made

 

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Hitachi / Hitachi Metals Ltd.

(ヤスキレーザー H.CO.,LTD. = Yasuki razor Hitachi Co.,Ltd.)
→ See Hitachi – Y.S.S. (Yasuki Speciality Steel)

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日吉丸 = Hiyoshimaru
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
  玉鋼打 = Tamahagane uchi
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō
日吉丸 = Hiyoshimaru
特撰 = tokusen  = specially selected

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宝剣 = Hōken = “treasured sword”
(= a trademark of: “Toyo Koken Co. Ltd”)

• 66, Hōken, H.Y.S.2.7.5., Best Razor, Toyo Koken Co. Ltd
    
• 66, Hōken, H.Y.S.2.7 (TSC), Best Razor, Toyo Koken Co. Ltd
     
  (紅葉 = Kōyō = autumn colours; fall colors; leaves changing color (colour),
  (Japanese) maple (Acer japonicum) or momiji)

→ Also see Hitachi – Y.S.S. (Yasuki Speciality Steel) “H.Y.S.” (= “Hitachi Yasuki Steel”)

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保険 = Hoken =  “insurance” – should be interpreted as “guaranteed quality” or something, this remains a bit unclear…

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北斗七星 = hokuto shichishō = Ursa Major; the Great Bear; Hokutoshichisei (n)

本家信 = Honke nobu (n)

“Star” (image of star) = Hoshi = star. Sometimes with kanji within the star
= “Hoshi” + meaning of kanji in “star” (See “Hoshimasa”, “Hoshi Tombo”)

星正 = Hoshimasa

正 = Masa/Tadashi (n), Hoshimasa (Masa into Hoshi = “star”)

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Hoshitombo
Company: Tokyo Riki Co.,Ltd / Tokyo

The history of the Tokyo Riki Co.,Ltd apparently started by inmates of
the “Sugamo Prison” (巢鴨拘置所 / 巣鴨拘置所, Sugamo Kōchi-sho), Tokyo.
The production of hand made clippers evolved into the company in 1922.
In 1925, it became established in Tokyo, Nishi Sugamo, Toshima-ku (豊島区),
were it produced “straight razors” (straight razors, kamisori grind) under the
names “Hoshi Tombo” and “Tohri”. The factory got destroyed in an bombing on
Tokyo in 1945. It is rebuilt though and presently it is still very famous for its
production of hair dressing scissors/shears.

• Hoshi Tombo, First Edition, Tokyo RIKI & Co.
    
  (背金燒入 ?, “Star” (Hoshi = star)トンボ = tonbo = Dragonfly ⇒ Hoshi Tombo)
• 72 Hoshi Tombo, Custom, Swedish Steel, For Barbers’ Use, Tokyo RIKI Co., LTD.
   
• 6000 Hoshitombo,Trademark, Made by Tokyo RIKI Co.
  (Straight razor, kamisori grind)
   
• 6500 Hoshitombo,First Edition, Tokyo RIKI & Co.LTD (Straight razor, kamisori grind)
     
• 8000 Hoshitombo,Trademark, Made by Tokyo RIKI Co.
  (Straight razor, kamisori grind, with very large tail)
   
• 8500 Hoshitombo,Trademark, Made by Tokyo RIKI Co.
  (Straight razor, kamisori grind, with very large tail)
  

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保證 = Hoshō = guarantee

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I

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一番 Ichiban = best, number one  (read Up>Down)
 (read R>L)
一貫斉 = Ikkansai

育(?)井 = Ini (n, master)
   
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors

(“純玉鋼別打”  “実雄作” = “Jun Tamahagane betsu uchi”  “Jitsuo-saku” / “jitsu Yūsaku”
= specially made/forged genuine Tamahagane
“特級” = Tokkyū, high grade
“別誂” = “read from right to left” = betsuatsura, special order
“?井” = Ini)

伊勢 = Ise (n)

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Itō Co.&LTD, Tokyo

• ABC, High Class Razor, made by Tokyo ITO Co. & LTD
   
• Derby, 66, Trademark, Extra Superlative Razor, made by Tokyo ITO Co. & LTD
   → Also see “Derby”
• Three eight; 888,  made by Tokyo ITO Co. & LTD
   
   

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一刃斎 = Ittōsai (See also Yoshinobu Ittosai)

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井上藤助 (作) = Inoue  Tōsuke (saku) (n, = master)

Sometimes preceded with 登録 (Tōroku = registration)
→ 登録井上藤助作 = registered work of Inoue Tōsuke

Also following combination frequently is seen:
井上 (登録商標) 藤助, Inoue (tōroku shōhyō, registered trademark)
Tosuke, aside with 別撰 (bessen, specially selected)
     
Top, right: 別註 = betsu chū = exceptional
実作 = Jissaku = “actual work” (?)
Middle: 井上 (登録商標) 藤助別撰
井上藤助 = Inoue  Tōsuke (maker, in this case “head” of firm)
Middle 4 kanji in a square:
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō = Registered Trademark
別撰 = bessen = specially selected

Sometimes this also can be seen:
新(?)特許出願中 = Shin(?)Tokkyo shutsugan-chū = New(?)Patent pending
 
二丁掛 = Nichōgake (= size, large)

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イヤデモ切レル = iyademokireru (often seen on Henkotso kamisori)
= “It will cut even if you don’t want it to”
   

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岩崎 = Iwasaki (n, master), Sanjō seisakusho (=Sanjo Works)
often with “Maru-san” (三 ,san, within 〇,maru = brand name)
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors

   (玉鋼, Tamahagane) 
(岩崎の日本剃刀  =  Iwasaki no Nihon kamisori
検査済     本刃付   =  kensa sumi      honbadzuke (this razor is “fully inspected”)
三条製作所 =  ” Sanjō-seisakusho / Sanjō-seisakusyo” = “Sanjo works; factory; plant”
kajidojo.com/origin/
kajidojo.com/meister/sanjoseisakusyo/
⇒ Japan razor (kamisori) of Iwasaki, Inspected razor, Sanjo Works)
Mr. Kousuke Iwasaki’s father was a famous cutlery distributor in Sanjo, Niigata, Japan.
Mr. Kousuke Iwasaki himself was on his turn very famous for his research of the old Japanese sword, the sword smith and its revival. His life was dedicated to the Japanese sword and Tamahagane. He had a bachelor degree in history, in science and master degrees in metallography. Mr. Kousuke Iwasaki also became an apprentice of Japanese sword blacksmiths and Japanese sword whet master. At the end of WWII, he tried to make high quality Japanese swords with government support.

Around that time, Mr. Kousuke Iwasaki established “Sanjō Seisakusho/Sanjo Seisakujo” (“Sanjo works”), which made the world famous Iwasaki Razors right after WWII.
He kept on researching Japanese swords and steel, and influenced the Sanjo steel
industry in Niigata a lot, as well as the entire steel industry in Japan.

A son of Mr. Kousuke Iwasaki, Mr. Shigeyoshi Iwasaki, also has devoted his entire life to razors and cutlery

At one time, Sanjō Seisakujo had Mr. Kousuke Iwasaki, Mr. Shigeyoshi Iwasaki,
two of his other sons, Mr. Mizuochi (who presently makes Iwasaki razors), and
Mr. Tokifusa Iizuka (who makes “Shigefusa” Knifes) as their workers, the
company really had a dream team of Japan cutlery.

Link

→ Also see Tanifuji, who also made razors for Iwasaki,
he even taught him how to make straight razors

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J

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実案特許出願 = Jitsu an tokkyo shutsugan
= The actual draft/motion patent application

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“実雄作” = “Jitsuo-saku” / “jitsu Yūsaku”, seen on Tamahagane razors,
also on others, for example on Katsura kamisori
    
(純玉鋼別打” = “Jun Tamahagane betsu uchi)

Not sure about the meaning, IF 実雄 is a name, it could mean: “作 – Saku – made by”:
Mitsuo (みつお) / Toshio (としお) / Jitsuo (じつお) / Shizuo (しづお) / Saneo (さねお),
IF not, it could mean something like “Truly superior made”, “Serious work”
or something like that…

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上 =  jō / jyou= superior quality; best; top; high class

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K

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亀寿 = Kameju (=trademark, sometimes with markings of master Tsurayuki)


  亀寿丸撰 = Kameju marusen

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Kamijō Yukio
→ See Iwasaki/Kamijō Yukio

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⌉ = “kane”, used aside with another kanji, for example as in:
武⌉ = Kanetake
精⌉  = Kanesei

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兼正 = Kanemasa (see Sanshū Kanemasa)

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兼長(作) = Kanenaga (saku, made by) = Kanenaga (n, = master)
(水池長弥, Osami Mizuike)
    
(最高級  日本剃刀 = Sai kōkyū Nihon kamisori = Finest Japanese razor)
→ Here is a video showing the forging of a Kanenaga Kamisori:
www.youtube.com

名人 (Master) 水池長弥 (みずいけおさみ, Osami Mizuike) made
kamisori under the name (銘) 兼長 (かねなが, Kanenaga).
Born in 1947, Banshu. At the age of fifteen, he enters the Nigiri scissor
training from his father, Master. In 2009, he gained the knowledge of
Ichihara Kiyotaka. He made his debut as a razor maker at the age of 65!
https://item.rakuten.co.jp/h-express/n-kamisori/
http://www.ehamono.jp/news/?p=916

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精⌉  = Kanesei (used on Shizu saburō kamisori)
  

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金高 = Kanetaka (n, = master)
 (むね鋼付 = Mune-kō-tsuki = back (“spine”) is made of steel,
meaning instead of using iron or soft steel, Hagane (harder steel) was used
for the area where the “spine” hits the stone at the Omote side. Soft steel/iron
is honed away much faster, this makes honing in general easier, also for correcting
bevels, hard steel is more difficult to hone, but a finer edge can be achieved!
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō, registered trademark, 金高造 = Kanetaka zō)

金高造 = Kanetaka zō (Kanetaka, n)

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武⌉ = “Kanetake”, made by Mr. “Norikazu Takahashi”
He is one of the masters making Tamahagane razors
 
→ See further: Kanetake – Norikazu Takahashi

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(Updated ’18, Okt)

かね吉 Kaneyoshi
He is one of the masters making Tamahagane razors

玉鋼別打 = Tamahagane forged
かね吉特撰 = Kaneyoshi Tokusen

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かたなや
 = Katanaya (n, master)
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
 特級 = Tokkyū, high grade
別誂 = “read from right to left” = betsuatsura, special order
かたなや = Katanaya
特撰 = tokusen  = specially selected
純玉鋼別打 = Jun Tamahagane betsu uchi
= specially made/forged genuine Tamahagane
実雄作 = “Jitsuo-saku” / “jitsu Yūsaku”

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カツラ = Katsura
 特級 = Tokkyū, high grade
別誂 = “read from right to left” = betsuatsura, special order
カツラ = Katsura
特撰 = tokusen  = specially selected
日本刀打 = nihontō-da = forged Japanese sword (razor)
実雄作 = “Jitsuo-saku” / “jitsu Yūsaku”

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川北 = Kawakita
 

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川村 = Kawamura
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
 
玉鋼 川村 = Tamahagane Kawamura

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カワセ = Kawase

ダービー Kebia Derby
  
  
(ダービー = Dābī = Derby (horse race))
→ Also see “Derby”

剣和 / 劒和 / 和
= Kenwa  (possibly a name), another possible translation is:

• 剣/劒/ = Tsurugi = sword (originally esp. a doubled-edged sword)
• 和 = Wa = Japanese style
  → Japanese style sword/razor?

Because 剣和 can be found on symmetric kamisori (double edged,
not single edged as a typical kamisori), the meaning could maybe be:
“Japanese style double edged razor (“sword”)”, could be wrong of coarse…
 

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菊星 = Kikuboshi (Kiku = “chrysanthemum”)

See → Kikuboshi – Takehana
 

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菊一文字則宗
(きくいちもんじのりむね)
= Kiku-Ichi Monji Norimune = Kiku-Ichi “character” Norimune
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
 菊一文字則宗 = Kiku-Ichi Monji Norimune
玉鋼打 = Tamahagane uchi = Tamahagane made/forged

This paper came from a wooden box of a Kiku-Ichimonji Norimune razor
(non-Tamahagane):
    
伊勢名匠 = Ise meishō = Ise masterpiece
刀鍛冶司 = Katanakaji tsukasa =  Swordsmith
御 かみそり= O kamisori
(御 =​ (O) = Honorific or respectful (sonkeigo) affix ,
affixed to a word related to the emperor, in this case it is a form of respect)
宗家 = そうけ = Sōke = head of family; originator​

菊一文字則宗 = Kiku-Ichi Monji Norimune
謹製 =きんせい = Kinsei = quality product; carefully produced; reverently made​

伊勢國二見浦 = (伊勢國 = いせ = Ise)
= Ise kuni Futaminōra / Ise kuni Futamigaura (ふたみがうら) /
Ise futamigaura (Futami Bay in Ise Province)

• Around 1946 the kanji symbol 國 was replaced by 国,
  therefore 伊勢國 would be from before 1946.
• Ise Province (伊勢國) was an old province of Japan in the area of modern Mie Prefecture on the island of Honshū. In the Meiji period (1868 – 1912), the provinces of Japan were converted into prefectures. The maps of Japan and Ise Province were reformed in the 1870s. The name “Ise Province” continued to exist as a geographical anachronism for certain official purposes.

→ Therefore this box would be made between 1870 – 1946 (maximum)

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きくひだり = Kiku hidari
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
  純玉鋼別打 = Jun Tamahagane betsu uchi
= specially made/forged genuine Tamahagane
実雄作 = “Jitsuo-saku” / “jitsu Yūsaku”
特級 = Tokkyū, high grade
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō, registered trademark
きくひだり = Kiku hidari
最高級鋼別打 = saikō-kyū-kō-betsu-da
= Highest class forged steel
きくひだり = Kiku hidari
責任附ツ(?)印 = “Guarantee” … (?)

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菊秀 = Kikuhide
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
 特級 = Tokkyū, high grade
別誂 = “read from right to left” = betsuatsura, special order
菊秀 = Kikuhide
特撰 = tokusen  = specially selected
純玉鋼別打 = Jun Tamahagane betsu uchi
= specially made/forged genuine Tamahagane
実雄作 = “Jitsuo-saku” / “jitsu Yūsaku”

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菊王冠 = Kiku ōkan (77,… Tokyo Kiku ōkan Co., Japan)


研ぎ師がほめる = Togishi ga homeru = Praise for sharpening teachers/masters (?)
名作菊王冠 = Meisaku Kiku ōkan = Masterpiece Kiku,ōkan
英国地球鷲鋼使用 = Igirisu chikyū washi-kō shiyō = Use the England global eagle steel
菊王冠 No. 77 レザー = Kiku ōkan No.77 Razor
 
  

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菊水= Kikusui (n)
  

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菊輝 = Kikuteru (n, master)
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
   
(特級 = Tokkyū = high grade; special grade
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō, registered trademark
菊輝 = Kikuteru (read from right to left)
⇒   
玉鋼別打 = Tamahagane betsu uchi
= specially made/forged Tamahagane)

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金星 = Kinboshi (n)

King Pelican → See Nichiri Co.

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金文字 = Kinmoji (frequently, if not mostly, used by Inoue Tosuke)
= gold or gilt letters

Sometimes accompanied with 別註 (betsu chū)
or even an, unidentified at this moment, symbol of several mountain (?) peaks
    

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謹製 = Kinsei = quality product; carefully produced; reverently made; humbly made

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金章 = Kinshō / Kinsyō (n), Golden Star (FON)
“Kinsyo” (pronounced “Kinsho”) means Gold Medal.
These FON Golden Star is said to be made of
Japanese Hitachi R. S. C. -2 Carbon Yasuki Steel
(Hitachi Metals Made Razor, also see Hitachi – Y.S.S. (Yasuki Speciality Steel))

• K-3 Golden Star FON EXTRA STEEL
     
• 金章 = Kinshō / Kinsyō
   
• No. 1200 Golden Star FON EXTRA STEEL
  
• 2500 Golden Star FON EXTRA STEEL
   

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KINTAKA
 
(東京 金鷹 特製 = Tōkyō kanataka tokusei = Tokyo gold hawk special
一番 =  (read R>L) = Ichiban = best, number one)

木屋 = Kiya = Famous “cutlery” in Nihon-bushi, Tokyo, 450y old, very wanted by collectors

小林 = Kobayashi (n)
 Also see on Yamamasa kamisori (Update 2019, Jan)

金剛 = kongō = vajra (indestructible substance); diamond; adamantine

與三丸 = Kōsanmaru
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
 (玉鋼打 = Tamahagane uchi, 登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō)

公爵 = Kōshaku (333) – Takigawa Co.
    

高速度鋼 = Kōsokudo-kō = high-speed steel
  

高炭素鋼 = kōtansokō = high carbon steel

共栄 = Koyei (Kyōei)
 

紅葉 = Kōyō = autumn colours; fall colors; leaves changing color (colour),
(Japanese) maple (Acer japonicum) or momiji
→ Also see “Hōken”

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KRG, half in a circle, often found on “R.Saito” razors
→ See R. saitō – KRG – Ribbon Co.

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草薙刀 = Kusanagi katana = Kusanagi sword / razor (n)
  

巨匠 = Kyoshō (n) = master, master hand
  
→ Also see Hitachi – Y.S.S. (Yasuki Speciality Steel) (S2 could be Shirogami 2)

级别 / 級別 = Kyūbetsu = grading, classification

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M

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孫六 = Magoroku (n,place-name, surname)

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Manaslu (also see Nichiri Co. & R. saitō – KRG – Ribbon Co.)
 
 
Manaslu, M-55, Manaslu, Nichiri Co. Tokyo Japan,
“55” Y.akamatsu-Razor Works, Osaka. Tokyo. Nichiri Co. LTD.
   
Manaslu, M-100, Manaslu, Nichiri Co. Tokyo Japan, 1077,
Y.Akamatsu-Razor Works, Osaka. Tokyo. Nichiri Co. LTD.
  

At the moment, I think that “Manaslu” was a brand of razors that were made by “Y.Akamatsu Razor Works”, and distributed/sold by “Nichiri Co. LTD.”

The “trademark A”  , seen here with “Y.Akamatsu-Razor Works”, is also seen on “Ribbon” razors, see R. saitō – KRG – Ribbon Co.

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万両 = Manryō (n)

〇 (mostly with kanji into the circle) = “maru” (+ meaning of kanji in circle)
(For example 辻 (=Tsuji) within 〇 (=maru) = Maru-Tsuji)

Maruni

辻 (=Tsuji) within 〇 (=maru) = Maru-Tsuji (n)

正錄 = Masaroku (n)

Masashi (n)

正友 = Masatomo (n)
ニュー正友 = Nyū Masatomo = New Masatomo

松吉 = Matsukichi (Matsuyoshi) (= master)
120 New Gold, 名工 Trademark, Deluxe razor superior, Tozaki. & Co.

   
(名工 = Meikō = Master craftsman, 名工保存会 = Meikō hozon-kai = Master craftsman Preservation Society, 松吉 = Matsukichi (master))

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Matsukura / Matukura (master), Matukura Co. , Tokyo

• Derby AIKU
  
   
   
  → Also see “Derby”
• ハドソン = Hadoson = “Hudson”, 63 Hadoson, Tokyo
   
   
  With variation (trademark & Matsukura company’s):
    
  Another one (65 Hadoson):
     
  Very interesting is this Matsukura 63 Hadoson, NAKUI Co.:
    

There are also “Aiku” & “Hadoson” razors without
the “Mat(s)ukura” sign, both with the same trademark on both razors,
the trademark of Matsukura!

• “T. THE AIKU’M”
  No. 60 Aiku for barbers, Tokyo (Real German hollow ground)
   
    
  (特殊全鋼 = Tokushu zen hagane = Special all steel)
• Hadoson 63, Tokyo
   
    

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松尾 = =  = Matsuo (n, master)
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors

(特級 = Tokkyū, high grade
別誂 = “read from right to left” = betsuatsura, special order
松尾 = Matsuo (n, master)
保險? = insurance ?
純玉鋼別打 = Jun Tamahagane betsu uchi
= specially made/forged genuine Tamahagane)

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Meiji centenary model
明治100年記念 = Meiji 100 year commemoration
明治 = Meiji (Japanese reign name 1868-1912),
100年 (nen) = 100y., 記念 = Kinen = commemoration

⇒ This means the fabrication date of these razors is around 1968!

Post stamps supports this idea:

1968 明治百年記念 (百 = 100)

It can be see on certain razors (from “Nichiri”)

• CAPE (Meiji centenary model 30, 35 CAPE, Nichiri)
    
• KING PELICAN (Meiji centenary model 28 KING PELICAN, Nichiri)
   

⇒ Also see “Nichiri Co.” & “Tanifuji (Fukutarō)”

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明光 = Meikō (n)

名工 = Meikō = Master Craftsman

名工保存会 = Meikō hozon-kai = Master craftsman Preservation Society

名作 = Meisaku = Masterpiece

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MICOR: a retailer/seller/producer (around 1950 – 60’s) of
straight razors, (stainless) kitchen knives & forks and … stones

Stainless forks:
 

(terapeak.com/vintage micor works)

Straight razor (kamisori grind):
 

(ebay.co.uk/Micor 3000)

Stainless kitchen knife:

(etsy.com/micor-keukenmes)

Stones:
 
(Stamps under wooden base & stamp on stone)
(straightrazorplace.com/J-Nat club)

大西精選 = Ōnishi Seisen = (careful) selected by Ōnishi

優 (in circle) = Yū = excellent

(Read from left to right & above to below):
山産山
? 正城
証本國
→ 山城國産正本山?証 = Yamashiro kuni-san Honyama – ? – shō:
Authentic Yamashiro area product, Honyama, warranted

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みのる = minoru (n)
  (公 (Kō = Public) within 〇 (maru?) = Official price (?)

Mitsuon, Trademark Tokyo (3000, Molybden Steel)
 
(手打 = Teuchi = Handmade)

宮文 = Miyabun

森下? = Morishita (n)

むね鋼付 = Mune-kō-tsuki = back (“spine”) is made of steel,
meaning instead of using iron or soft steel, Hagane (harder steel) was used
for the area where the “spine” hits the stone at the Omote side. Soft steel/iron
is honed away much faster, this makes honing in general easier, also for correcting
bevels, hard steel is more difficult to hone, but a finer edge can be achieved!
(Seen on kamisori made by “Kanetaka”)

宗光 = Munemitsu (n)

室井 = Muroi (n)

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N

---

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永正 = Nagamasa / Eishō (n)
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
 

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七郷吉信  = Nanasato Yoshinobu (n, master,
often associated with the brand “Yahatamaru”, and “Tsubo Masamune”)
 
 Right side, top: 七郷吉信  = Nanasato Yoshinobu (maker)
Right side, under: 快心作 Kaishin-Saku (good feeling product)
Center, 2 kanji next to each other: 登録 Toroku (registration)
Center, below: 八幡丸 =  Yahatamaru (brand)

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七和橋正 = Nanawabashi Tadashi (?)

直三翁 = Naosannou (?) / Naozou Okina (?)

ニュー = Nyū = New

New Gold → See “Matsukichi”

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ニュー花(?) Often with “Yasuki Steel” on razor
= New Kaou

If the last symbol is 正 (most probably) then wen have:
ニュー花正  = “New Hanamasa”
→ Also see “Hanamasa”

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日本刀 = Nihontō = Japanese sword (razor)

Nobiru
 

ノボル = Noboru (n)

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O

---

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Ochiwa → See Uchiyama / Uchama

翁 = Okina (n)

大阪 = Ōsaka, a city and prefecture in Japan (in the beginning of the
Meiji Era (明治, 1868-1912), kanji for Ōsaka changed from 大坂 to 大阪)

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P

---

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Pechika, 東京, Tokyo, Japan

• Pechika 55, ヤスキ鋼 = Yasuki Hagane = Yasuki Steel
  (With a special feature: 3 “cavings” at both upper sides of the blade
    

Perfect works – Silver Steel

• 500 CAPE, Swedish steel, PERFECT WORKS, Silver Steel,
  For Barbers’Use, First Quality
   
  → See Tanifuji (Fukutarō) & Kikuboshi – Takehana

Perikan (800)
 

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R

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R. Saito → See R. saitō – KRG – Ribbon Co.

雷龍 = Rairyū

レザー / (レーザ ?) = rezā = leather; razor
レーザー = rēzā = razor

レーザ打 / レザー打 = rēza-da / rēza-uchi / rēza-uhi = forged razor
 

Ribbon Co. → See R. saitō – KRG – Ribbon Co.

Rosette → See R. saitō – KRG – Ribbon Co.

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S

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最上 = Saijō, High grade

最高級 = Sai kōkyū = top quality, highest grade, top class

最高級  日本剃刀 = Sai kōkyū Nihon kamisori = Finest Japanese razor

最高級別鋼打 = Sai kōkyū betsu hagane-da
= first class/top quality/highest grade forged steel

最良 = Sairyō = “The best”

彩正 = Sai Sei / Sai Masa / Sai Tadashi (n)
 

Sankan – Best steel – High class razor
 

里村 = Satomura (n)
 

作 = saku = made by…
  

三洲兼正(作) = Sanshū Kanemasa (saku, made by) (n, master)

“Sculp Razor” → See Nichiri Co.

“Sculpture Cut” → See Tōwa, Tōwa & Co.

正鋼 = Sei hagane = “Real / genuine” steel

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誠一郎 = Seiichirō
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
  特級 = tokkyū = Special grade
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō = registered trademark
誠一郎 = Seiichirō
特製 = tokusei / tokuse = special made / make; deluxe
純玉鋼別打 = Jun Tamahagane betsu uchi
= specially made/forged genuine Tamahagane
For the moment, I have no idea what the other kanji are:
maybe 旁 , 妾 or 変, and 火 or 人 or…
  
 

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左平次 = Sa heiji

Kamisori 1 (with box):
 

Kamisori 2 (with box and wrapping paper):
    

On the kamisori:
YASUKI STEEL
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō = registered trademark
左平次  特製 = Sa heiji Tokusei = Sa heiji Special
or
左平次  特選 = Sa heiji Tokusen = Sa heiji Specially selected; special approval; special prize; high honour

On the paper of the box:
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō = registered trademark
最高級品 = saikōkyūhin = highest grade product/Top quality items
変人 ?? = Henjin ??
左平次　謹製 = Sa Heiji Kinsei = Sa Heiji Humbly made
左平次 刃物製作所 = Sa Heiji Hamono Seisakusho = Sa Heiji Cutlery Manufactory

Red square stamp:
左平次 = Sa heiji
責任保 = Sekinin ho = Responsibility
証(付?何?)化?印 =  akashi nan-ka?/tsuki-ka? shirushi = Certification mark?

藤巻 = Fujimaki
日本剃刀 = Nihon kamisori = Japanese razor

On wrapping paper:
最高級 = Sai kōkyū = First-Class
别誂 / 別誂 = betsu atsura = special order
本床向剃刀 = Hon yuka kō kamisori = ???

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Seiko → See “Hishisei”

清和 = Seiwa (n)

西洋剃刀 = Seiyō kamisori = Western razor/Straight razor

専売 特 許 = Senbai tokkyo = patented product

千人刀 = Sennin katana / Sen-ri katana (?)

師範用 = shihanyō = For teacher, tutor, instructor

新案特許出願中 = Shin’antokkyo shutsugan-chū = Patent-pending
  (Aside to 井上 (登録商標) 藤助
(Inoue (tōroku shōhyō, registered trademark)
Tosuke, 別撰 (bessen, specially selected))

島屋 = Shimaya

新型 = Shingata = new style

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(Update 2018, July)

塩澤作 = Shioawa-saku (作 = saku = master)
88 “Rich Brand”
 

塩澤政明 = Shiozawa Masaaki (n) (70 New Atorio, Focus)
   (謹製 = Kinsei
= humbly made/quality product/carefully produced/reverently made)

Shiozawa Masaaki seems to be connected with Iwasaki as well
→ Also see “Iwasaki“

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志津三郎  = Shizu Saburō (n, master) (along with 精⌉  = Kanesei)
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
  
Also see → Shizu Saburo tamahagane?

Sometimes the name Sizu Saburo can be seen, for example on this box:
  
(最高級 = Sai kōkyū = top quality, highest grade, top class,
録登 = 登録 = tōroku = Registered)

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商標 = Shōhyō = trademark

---

(Update: 2019, April)

秋水 (しゅうすい) = Shūsui

> see Hitachi – Y.S.S. (Yasuki Speciality Steel)

---

Subora > see Zubora

末廣 = Suehiro (n)

---

 

Sukisen スキセン (= ‘Skincare’)
Eventually the Omote side of a kamisori will become more and more flat,
with a bevel that becomes too large; such large flat surfaces can get very
difficult to hone. In such cases a ‘Sukisen’ (スキセン) can be used, which is a
‘Japanese razor care tool’ (Nihon kamisori teire dōgu 日本剃刀 手入れ道具)
used for hollowing the Omote side of a kamisori.

A small piece of hardened steel, attached on a bar with handles,
scrapes the soft steel away, creating again a hollowing of the Omote.

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铃木 / 鈴木 = Suzuki

→ See “Hachiken”

Suzumasa (800, 888, frame back razor) (n)

 
(別)特殊鋼製(製) = 別製 + 特殊鋼製 = bessei + / Tokushu kōsei
= special make / specially made + Made of special steel
寿々正 = Suzu Masa
東京 = Tōkyō

スエーデン鋼 = Suēden-kō = Swedish steel

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T

---

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多寳丸 = Tahōmaru (n)

高槁 = Takahashi (n, Master) → See “Daishi”

Takehana → See Kikuboshi – Takehana

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玉鋼 = Tamahagane
= sometimes preceded with 純 (jun = pure; genuine), also frequently
accompanied with 別打 = betsuuchi / betsuda (specially made/forged),
or with レザー打 = rēza-uchi/da (forged/made razor)
     

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“Tamakō Y.S.K. razor”:
“Masa steel made of char…” – “Iron refined from iron (sand)”
(Masa steel is a kind of iron sand (katana-craft.com/tamahagane-steel))

手打底温鍛造 : Low temperature hand forge
 “kō” = “hagane”,
so “Tamakō” should be “Tamahagane”, also there is the “Tamahagane” symbol 玉鋼,
but this could be the “name” of the company…
→ Also see: Hitachi – Y.S.S. (Yasuki Speciality Steel)

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多聞 = Tamon (n)

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谷藤 福太郎 =  Tanifuji Fukutarō (n, =master, =trademark)
  
→ Also see Tanifuji (Fukutarō)
→ Also see Nichiri Co.

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谷風  = tanikaze

炭素鋼 = tansokō  = carbon steel

天?? = Tenkichi

天洋 = Tenyō = TENYO (66,77)
  

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寺正 = Teramasa (n, master)
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
 (read from right to left)
  
(Teramasa Tamahagane Betsu uchi)

(玉鋼別打 = Tamahagane Betsu uchi
特級 (?) = Tokkyū
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō = Registered Trademark
寺正特撰 = Teramasa tokusen)
   

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照正 = Terumasa
 照正 別打 = Terumasa betsu da = ‘Terumasa’ special forged

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手打 = Teuchi = Handmade

Three eight, 888 → See “Itō Co.&LTD, Tokyo”

東利 = Tohri / Tōri (n)

トキワ　マスター   = Tokiwa masutā = Tokiwa master

特級 / 特级 = Tokkyū = high grade; special grade
   

床屋カミソリ = Tokoya kamisori = Barber razor

特誂え = Tokuatsurae: specially made, ordered

特別請合 = Tokubetsu ukea(i) = special guarantee
   

特技 会 = Tokugi-kai = Special skill

特上 = tokujō = High grade; first class plus; extra special

特製 = tokusei / tokuse = special made / make; deluxe
 

特撰 / 特選 = tokusen = specially selected; special approval; special prize; high honour
 

特殊鋼 = tokushukō / Tokushu hagane = Special steel
 

特殊全鋼  = Tokushu zen hagane = Special all steel

東京 金鷹 特製 = Tōkyō kanataka tokusei = Tokyo gold hawk special

友行 = Tomoyuki (n)

登録
商品
or
登録商品 = tōroku shōhin = registered product (登録 = tōroku = registration)

登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō = registered trademark
(sometimes need to be read from top to bottom and from right to left)
  

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東和 = Tōwa (n)

Trademark on boxes:
 
→ Also see Tōwa, Tōwa & Co.
→ Also see H. Diamond / Hayashi Diamond

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東洋 = Tōyō (n?, place-name?)

津保正宗 = Tsubō Masamune / Tsuhō Masamune (brand,
associated with master Nanasato (Nanago) Yoshinobu 七郷吉信)

?正 = Tsukimasa

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つらゆき = Tsura yuki (n), made by 市原清隆  Mr. Ichihara Kiyotaka
  
市原清隆  Ichihara Kiyotaka (Master) mark (銘, Mei) on kamisori was:
つらゆき (Tsurayuki).
Mr. Ichihara Kiyotaka, one of the last craftsman who makes Japanese razors
lives and works at in Banshu, Hyogo Prefecture, Miki City (播州 兵庫県三木市)
   
YASUKI STEEL
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō = Registered Trademark
つらゆき = Tsurayuki
責任保証 = Sekinin hoshō = Liability guarantee
証(付?何?)化?印 =  akashi nan-ka?/tsuki-ka? shirushi = Certification mark?
青紙安来鋼 = Ao gami Yasuki hagane = Blue paper Yasuki steel
   
Here, just 安来鋼 (Yasuki steel) is mentioned (No ‘Blue or ‘White’ paper)

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貫之 = Tsura yuki (n, master, sometimes associated with brand Kameju)
 (貫之別打 = Tsurayuki betsuuchi =specially made/forged Tsura yuki)

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U

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打 = uchi / da= “punch” / “strike” / forged

内山 = Uchiyama / Uchama
→ frequently named “Ochiwa”
  

請合 = Ukeai = guarantee

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梅鉢 清志郎 = Umebachi Kiyoshirō
 切味責任付 = Kireaji sekinin-tsuki = With sharpness responsibility
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō = registered trademark
梅鉢 清志郎 = Umebachi Kiyoshirō

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W

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W-2 = Unknown what it means at this moment…

Maybe a steel producent, type,…
Seen on H.Diamond, Kikuboshi,… razors
See → H. Diamond / Hayashi Diamond
See → Kikuboshi – Takehana

和陣 = Wajin (Uizin)

若丸 = Wakamaru

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Y

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弥一 = Yaichi (= trademark, made by Nichiri Co. LTD.
⇒ Also see Nichiri Co.)
 
 
(特級 = Tokkyū = high grade; special grade)

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八幡丸 =  Yahatamaru (n, brand,
often associated with Master Nanasato Yoshinobu)
 

業務用 = Gyōmu-yō = For business use
八幡丸御剃刀 = Yahata Maru o kamisori
七郷吉信 = Nanasato Yoshinobu

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(Update ’19, March)

山星 = Yamaboshi – Yamahoshi
 
 

山星 = Yamaboshi – Yamahoshi (‘Mountain Star’)
本床向剃刀 = hon yuka kō kamisori

お父さん = Otōsan = ‘Father’ (respectful)
山星印は
よく切れますね = yama-boshi shirushi wa yoku kiremasu ne
= Yamaboshi (trademark) It cuts well

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^力 = Yamaka / Yamaryoku? (n)

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^^正 / 山正 = Yamamasa (sometimes named Chobomasa ちょぼ正) (n)
 
often accompanied with 2 symbols:

(Update ’18, Nov)

Often found like this:
.
上 = Jō = Top, ^^正 = Yamamasa,
登録商標 (probably) = tōroku shōhyō = registered trademark

More rare they are found like this:
Kamisori:
録登 ^^正 請合 = Roku tō (registered) Yamamasa  ukea (guaranteed)
Paper:
日本有職剃刄司 Japanese razor maker
大和橋正宗 Yamatobashi Masamune
三代目 Third generation
山田伝三郎 Yamada Denzaburō

Also rare:

  大和橋正宗 = Yamato-bashi Masamune (n)

(Update 2019, Jan)

Kobayashi – Yamamasa
^^正 = Yamamasa (Chobomasa)
小林 = Kobayashi
別打 = betsuuchi / betsuda = specially made/forged

This razor is also said (?) to be a razor of
大和橋正宗 Yamatobashi Masamune from Osaka (Ikuno):
大阪生野の大和橋正宗の剃刀
スエーデン鋼 = Swedish steel (Suēden-kō = Sweden steel)

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山松 = Yama matsu (n)

山稜
 = Yama Ryo
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors

(玉鋼レザー打  = Tamahagane reza uchi = razor made
of Tamahagane, 特級 = Tokkyū, high grade, 別誂 = betsuatsura
= special order, 山稜 = Yama-Ryo, 特撰 = tokusen)

安重 = yasushige (n, master)

Yasuki Steel

→ Also see Hitachi – Y.S.S. (Yasuki Speciality Steel)
→ Also see interesting information about Hitachi Metal →
www.hitachi-metals.co.jp

ヤスキレーザー = Yasuki razor (sometimes with H.CO.,LTD. = Hitachi Co.,Ltd)
Also seeHitachi – Y.S.S. (Yasuki Speciality Steel)

吉信 = Yoshinobu (n, = master)

吉信 一刀斎 = Yoshinobu Ittōsai (n, = master)
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
    (Tamahagane Betsu uchi)

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Y.S.S. ( = acronym of Yasugi Speciality Steel / Yasuki Speciality Steel, registered trademark)

(ヤスキレーザー H.CO.,LTD. = Yasuki razor Hitachi Co.,Ltd.)
→ See Hitachi – Y.S.S. (Yasuki Speciality Steel)

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実雄一代 作 = (Jitsu) Yūichidai saku
= real Yūichidai work = genuine article made by Yūichidai

上條幸夫 or 上条幸夫 = Yukio Kamijō
→ See Iwasaki/Kamijō Yukio

幸定 = Yukisada

ユリカ = Yurika
 

優等 = Yūtō= excellence; superiority

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Z

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全鋼 = Zenkō = “all steel”
 

造 = Zō = made by

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ずぼら = Zubora (n, master)
He was one of the masters who made Tamahagane razors
     特級 = tokkyū = Special grade
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō = registered trademark
ずぼら = Zubora
純玉鋼別打 = Jun Tamahagane betsu uchi
= specially made/forged genuine Tamahagane
実雄作 = “Jitsuo-saku” / “jitsu Yūsaku”

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瑞鳳 = Zuiho
 

(straightrazorplace.com/”KANJI help post here your requests”, Arsenico)

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瑞鶴 = Zuikaku
 Yasuki steel
登録商標 = tōroku shōhyō = registered trademark
瑞鶴 特製 = Zuikaku tokusei
‘Best Steel’

Zuikaku tokusei 瑞鶴 特製

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