Words Can't Express... (Pic Heavy)

I'm usually pretty flip around here, which is ok, you know? It's fun...But not this time. This time, I've got a very important story.

I might have mentioned my barber before; he's a cool old guy, about 60, who has as "authentic" a barbershop I've ever seen...fishing tackle strewn around everywhere, nudie magazines for his waiting customers, and when you get a shampoo, you wash your OWN damn hair. He's been good to me, he helped me out with my first brush, and my first soap (terrible as it was...) and he's one HELL of a haircutter. But today, he floored me with as great an act of generosity as I've ever experienced.

I went in for my usual haircut ("What do you want?" "Short...") and we started talking about the usual random crap, and of course we somehow got around to my shaving hobby. I started talking about my recent straight addiction, about honing and restoring, and he gave me that "Are you nuts?" look...and then he out and out said it. "You're a little strange in the head, aren't you?" We josh, it's normal, I laughed and said "Probably, my wife would certainly say so." Then, of course, he brought out a straight--I knew he used them occasionally. I had even harbored hopes of asking him to teach me to hone a bit. It was a nice little Japanese made spike point--one of those western style straights that I've been seeing around. I tested the edge and it was wicked sharp. He asked me "Can you hone?" I said just a little, and lo and behold, he comes out with a little Japanese natural water stone. He shows me some Japanese style honing (circles) and I show him some X strokes, and he says something along the lines of "Yeah, not bad!" So we talk a little about the hone, and he said it's a Kyoto Honyama Kamisori hone which is pretty awesome, and he sets it down for a while. Then he says, "I'll give it to you."

"What?"

"Take it, it's yours. I've got lots of them!"

"No...I couldn't possibly.."

"Go on! Look!" And of course he brought out more. He explained how he used them to hone his scissors, as he rarely uses a straight anymore. And of course I'm speechless...he has just given me a hone worth a couple hundred dollars, at least.

Then he goes to a cabinet and starts digging around in some papers, and brings out more razors. Some really nice western style straights, including an Iwasaki (!!!) and then he digs some more and brings out a box. In the box are three very well used, and very cool, Japanese style straights, including (of course) a big old Iwasaki. I ohh and ah over them, and after a while we go back to the hair cut. Then...of course, you can see where this is going, right? After a while, he pointed at the razors and said "If you need one, take it!" "What? No...I'd be happy to buy one..say, 5000 yen?" "No way, take one!" "I couldn't..." "Listen," he said, "if I keep them, they'll just go back in that drawer. I haven't used them in ten, fifteen years. Take it." So I start looking and of course, they're in really nice condition. Well used, and a bit aged, but certainly worth a good bit. He was helping me, saying "This one's good...Oh, and this one..." and finally he said "Take them all. I want them to be out in the light, I want them to go to someone who'll enjoy them." He got out the Japanese straights and said "What about these? Do you have one?" I said yes, and he said "Well, take one...they're good!" I took the smallest, oldest one, feeling so greedy and terrible..."Here, take these too. As long as you use them!"

So, moved almost to tears, I was given the lot. He refused any money to the last, and I still can't believe it...He's been such a good friend, and now...well. I'll treasure them forever, of course...

It may seem crass, but I did think about the value. Just to drive home to my wife and mother-in-law what an amazing thing this was. I figure it at around US$1,500...astonishing generosity.

And now, of course, pictures.
First, everything. (He also threw in a "Japanese Scuttle" which is pretty above and beyond, because THIS IS THE SECOND ONE HE'S GIVEN ME!!!)




The three Japanese style straights. On Iwasaki and two...somethings. I can't quite make out the Kanji. Anyone know?


One of the unknown blades:




And the other...


The Iwasaki:


And the maker's mark:


And then the western straights. First, one I had never ever thought to see: an Iwasaki folding straight.





A "Gold Rex", made with Swedish steel (not uncommon for Japanese made folding straights):


Here's a "Towa", a brand I've seen on Yahoo Auctions before.


And finally, a "Three Dolls". Notice the similarity (Click to enlarge...) of the "Dolls" to the Henckels Twins?
doubt that's an accident--Germany has long been a role model for Japan, and German made goods are widely respected.


Here's the mark from the Gold Rex, as well:


Clear similarity.

And, finally, the big one. Even he said this was the best one of the lot...with care, it'll last a thousand years.


I hope Kawaguchi-sensei does, as well.