Kai Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Hiroaki Endo), a global blade manufacturer, announced that its world's first*1 full metal, 5-blade razor with replaceable blades, "THOLL," sold a total of 11 million yen, with 661 sets of the main unit and replacement blades sold during its exhibition period on "Kickstarter," one of the world's largest crowdfunding services, from March 10 to April 30, 2026.

*1 A full metal razor where the replacement blade and front cover can be attached/detached with magnets (Patent No. 7754149)

*1 A full metal replacement blade that allows for the replacement of only the minimum necessary blades (Patent No. 7745615)

Kai has continuously brought innovation to the razor market, launching the world's first*4 3-blade razor "K-3" in 1998, and in 2021, the world's first*3 "Paper Razor®," developed as a plastic-free*2 item by using paper for the handle and metal for the blade (entire head), was released.

Details of the exhibition on the crowdfunding service "Kickstarter"

Exhibition Period: March 10, 2026 (Tue) - April 30, 2026 (Thu)

Purchase Benefits: Early bird discount available, up to 50%

Kickstarter URL: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1156250903/tholl-full-metal-5-blade-razor-with-magnetic-swap

About Kickstarter: Launched in the United States in 2009, Kickstarter is one of the world's largest crowdfunding platforms specializing in creative projects (film, music, games, technology, art, etc.).

Although the exhibition on Kickstarter has concluded, Kai plans to sell "THOLL" exclusively at Kai's directly managed stores (Kai Blade Store Kyoto and KAI CUTLERY STORE) in the future.

*2 Reduced plastic parts by 98% compared to conventional products.

*3 A razor consisting of a metal head and a paper handle (Patent No. 6894054)

*4 In-house research at the time of release.

The full metal razor "THOLL" achieves sustainability while maintaining design and functionality.

Product Highlights

◎ Sophisticated design focused on ease of use

・ Minimalist design that blends into daily life, incorporating safety and ease of use.

・ Seamless connection between the head and handle creates a shape that combines cleanliness with the beauty of metal.

・ Despite the seamless design, it features a pivoting head for a comfortable shave.

・ A large opening on the side of the handle ensures a good grip and optimal weight.

Resource-saving design with unnecessary materials removed (Design Registration No. 1822945)

◎ Benefits unique to full metal construction

・ Full metal construction enhances the durability of the holder, with less risk of stickiness, breakage, or cracking in resin parts compared to resin-based holders from repeated use.

▲ Magnetic new replacement blade structure

◎ Ultra-thin replacement blades of approximately 1.7mm! A new sensation with magnetic blade replacement

・ A simple replacement blade structure makes it affordable to continue using the 5-blade system.

・ A new design where the blade and head parts attach with magnets.

・ The blade is attracted to the head by magnetic force, making replacement safe and hygienic with less contact with the blade.

・ The replacement blade case is a slim and lightweight type inspired by disposable contact lens cases, convenient for storage and carrying.

World's first*1 plastic-free*5, full metal, 5-blade razor with replaceable blades, boasting high design and functionality.

*1 A full metal razor where the replacement blade and front cover can be attached/detached with magnets (Patent No. 7754149)

*1 A full metal replacement blade that allows for the replacement of only the minimum necessary blades (Patent No. 7745615)

*5 Limited to the main unit and replacement blades.

Reference: History of Kai Razors

1908: Founded in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, a city famous for blades.

1951: Began manufacturing long-handled disposable razors (L-shaped disposable razors).

1963: Launched the single-blade razor "T-Type Gold" (discontinued).

1974: Launched the double-blade razor "P002" (discontinued).

March 3, 1998: Launched the world's first*4 3-blade razor "K-3" (discontinued).

2004: Launched the 4-blade razor "K-4 Tetra" (discontinued).

2010: Launched the 5-blade razor "KAI 5."

2012: Launched the world's first*4 sonic vibration razor "bi-hada ompa."

2014: Launched the hybrid razor "Xfit."

2018: Launched "Pretty Sensitive Skin Face L," a razor with the world's smallest*6 guard.

2019: Launched VIO-specific razors with the world's first*7 "windowed double prop structure x flexible handle" that allows the blade to be seen through a window.

Launched "FEMINICARE" and "DANDYCARE."

2021: Launched the world's first*3 "Paper Razor®," made of paper and metal, pursuing plastic-free*2.

2022: Launched the "AUGER System Razor," featuring Kai's highest-spec blades and the industry's No.1 pivoting range*8 3D pivoting function.

2024: Launched "miness," a line of razors for women's specific areas.

*3 A razor consisting of a metal head and a paper handle (Patent No. 6894054)

*4 In-house research at the time of release.

*5 Limited to the main unit and replacement blades.

*6 As of January 2025, our research.

*7 In the design where the blade is visible through a window between the prop supporting the head and handle, intended for use in the VIO zone, a structure with finger rests on the front, back, and sides of the handle to accommodate various shaving styles.

*8 As of June 2025, our research.

The Birth Story of "THOLL"

Developed as the next sustainable item following the Paper Razor®.

Following the release of the Paper Razor® in 2021 and its positive reception, development began on the next sustainable item.

While the "Paper Razor®" is convenient for travel as a disposable razor, the "Full Metal" razor, with its replaceable blades and high durability for long-term use, was introduced as an item that achieves sustainability from a different perspective.

Kai's unique structure achieves ultra-thin blades of approximately 1.7mm.

Focusing on Kai's proprietary blade structure where 5 blades are fixed onto a metal substrate, a metal frame was added to provide safety and holder attachment, eliminating resin parts, to create a 5-blade full metal replacement blade.

With a minimal design of approximately 1.7mm, it has become an item that is environmentally friendly and can be used continuously.

Kai Corporation

Founded in 1908 in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, a renowned blade-making town. Kai is a global blade manufacturer that develops and sells approximately 10,000 items, primarily blades closely related to daily life, including grooming tools such as razors and nail clippers, beauty tools, kitchen knives, confectionery tools, and surgical blades. The company handles the entire process from product planning and development to production, sales, and logistics.

Headquarters: 3-9-5 Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

President & CEO Hiroaki Endo https://www.kai-group.com

Inquiries from readers regarding this matter:

Kai Corporation Customer Service Center

3-9-5 Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8586

TEL: 0120-016-410 (Toll-free / Hikari Wide)

https://www.kai-group.com

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 製品発売
  • Organizations: Kickstarter