Thread: Inoue Tosuke Razors - The Real McCoy

There has been some debate and confusion over the authenticity of the Master Inoue Tosuke razors purchased by forum members (B&B and SRP). While the razors made by his associates are still top quality, some people would like to know if their razor is a real Tosuke razor. Here are 8 different imprints (not logos) on authentic Tosuke razors. This is not a complete list but it's a start. Compare these pictures with your razor. Regards.

I'm still somewhat confused, it would probably help if I could actually read Japanese, but I can't find any elements that are common between all 8 of those.

I'm also somewhat surprised that he doesn't have the exact same logo, just in a different place or whatever. Even artists and people that do pottery and such try to avoid changing their logo or signature so that their work can be more easily recognized. Maybe it is a possibility that some or most of the "true" Tosuke razors are just made under his direction? By apprentices and such?

I recently received a couple Tosuke handled razors, and while I like them very much, they shave excellent and seem high quality...I'm not so sure it's a true Tosuke.

Originally Posted by Droshi

I'm still somewhat confused, it would probably help if I could actually read Japanese, but I can't find any elements that are common between all 8 of those.

I'm also somewhat surprised that he doesn't have the exact same logo, just in a different place or whatever. Even artists and people that do pottery and such try to avoid changing their logo or signature so that their work can be more easily recognized. Maybe it is a possibility that some or most of the "true" Tosuke razors are just made under his direction? By apprentices and such?

I recently received a couple Tosuke handled razors, and while I like them very much, they shave excellent and seem high quality...I'm not so sure it's a true Tosuke.

The markings on the razors aren't logos (I fixed that in my original post). They're his name and/or the metal used and/or a sign indicating how the metal was forged. However, your point about apprentices (or associates) making his razors under his direction is certainly a possibility. Tosuke is the only knifemaker to have his own handles mass-produced. He could've stamped his name, attached a handle, yet commissioned someone else to actually do the work.

I like the thought that in japan they want england steel like we in england want japan steel.

the grass is always greener!

From the moment I first saw them I felt it is a shame that Tosukis are equipped w/ such tacky looking blue plastic handles.

Originally Posted by Kees

From the moment I first saw them I felt it is a shame that Tosukis are equipped w/ such tacky looking blue plastic handles.

Ditto. Is the razor in the second series of pictures what all Tosukes look like without the blue handles? If so, why not take them off?

Originally Posted by Kees

From the moment I first saw them I felt it is a shame that Tosukis are equipped w/ such tacky looking blue plastic handles.

Originally Posted by SteveS

Ditto. Is the razor in the second series of pictures what all Tosukes look like without the blue handles? If so, why not take them off?

I'm not sure of why he started using these handles but I do know you can take them off. Perhaps it was for English buyers. For Japanese buyers, all the necessary information is already written right on the blade.