Teeth filing (hazuri), Kyoto boxwood combs

Next, the teeth are filed (hazuri) to sharpen them. The file is placed between the teeth at the tip and bits are shaved off. The base of each tooth is also shaved between the teeth. When one side is finished, the task is repeated on the other side. The task is apparently carried out with a coarse, and nowadays metal, file. The comb does not come out well if the teeth are cut “square on” first. Therefore, they are initially cut at an angle from the right and then at an angle from the left, and finally square on.