Product Description
This traditional Japanese razor is hand forged by Osami Mizuike, sole craftsman in the world who hand-makes traditional Japanese scissors called nigiri basami.
The 70-year-old Mizuike from Ono, Japan, has been creating these tools since he was 15. There were once hundreds of craftspeople like him making these pieces. Now he’s the last remaining – and he’s looking for a successor.
The craft has been passed down from father to son for generations. In Mizuike’s case, it has been in his bloodline for centuries. But his son never took up the trade. It’s a story that repeats itself for many craftspeople across the country and has seen the number of artisans dwindle to a trickle. This trend started during the 20th century. Manufacturing that had been in Japan went overseas. Workshops closed down. And sons chose stable careers rather than dedicating their lives to one craft.