Japanese Steel Scissors and Shears Guide
January 18, 2021What are the best Japanese hair shears
Do a poll about which nation manufactures the highest quality goods and a good percentage will answer Japan.
For the past few decades, Japan has enjoyed a reputation for manufacturing goods that are high tech, durable and sophisticated. Japan’s manufacturing is world-renowned in a wide range of industries including robotics, electronics, automobiles, shipbuilding, swords and shears.
Some of Japan’s neighbors have won manufacturing work based on their low labor costs while Japan wins on innovative product design and superior quality.
When the world wants the best, it looks to Japan to produce it. And Scissor Tech is no different.
Our Choice of Japanese Steel Shears
High-Quality Japanese Steel
With Japanese materials and goods, you know what you’ll get. There’s no sloppy work using second-grade products. Nope, the Japanese have a reputation to uphold. They take great pride in turning the finest raw materials into high-performing products.
There are a lot of companies that specialize in making Japanese stainless steel products for a variety of industries - like the automotive industry, restaurant industry, construction, and of course, it's used to make some of the best hair cutting scissors in the world.
Japanese stainless steel is known for:
- Corrosion-resistant
- Easy to handle
- Lighter than most types of stainless steel
- Keeping a razor-sharp edge longer
- Being more damage resistant and tougher
- Being the best hair cutting shears in the world by reputation
Take a look at our guide to some of the best scissor materials in the world:
VG10
VG10 is known as SuperSteel and cutlery grade because it was designed by Japanese chefs. VG is short for Vanadium and Gold.
The Rockwell Hardness of VG is between 59 to 61 due to its high carbon content and cobalt. VG10 shears are popular because they maintain a sharp blade and for their durability. It’s possible to gain a sharper edge with VG10 than many other types of steel.
Check out our range of Matsui VG10 Scissors.
Damascus Steel
Another superior form of steel, Damascus, is made using layering or laminating techniques. The steel is folded onto itself 15-17 times which creates around 5,000 tiny layers of steel. Known as Tajyusou in Japan, the skill has been passed down through generations.
The layering technique gives the appearance of fine wood grain or watermark on the surface of the shears. The layers provide strength and flexibility and soft closing action of the blades.
See our range of Damascus shears
Did You Know...
What is Aichei Steel and Why is it Great for Scissors?
Aichei Steel vs. Aichi Steel
Aichei Steel is also often misspelled - people tend to write and search for "Aichi Steel'' or "Aichi Scissors''. Why is that?
Aichi is actually a prefecture in Japan, famous for Toyota and Nagoya Castle. What about Aichi Steel or Aichi Scissors? Not so much... We tried to find out where this mistake originated, and it's actually quite clear.
While Matsui makes Aichei Steel Scissors, one of the top manufacturers of professional hair cutting scissors and hair cutting shears, Aichi Steel (愛知製鋼, Aichi Seikō) supplies automotive steel for Toyota and is part of the Toyota Group.
The mistake between Matsui Aichei Steel is easy to make since even Google corrects your spelling to Aichi Steel (and so does our Grammarly!) - they are huge on the market when it comes to construction and automotive steel. But not hair cutting scissors!
Keep in mind that Matsui Aichei Steel is made specifically for manufacturing super sharp and stylish barber scissors. It's infused with cobalt, to improve the durability, toughness and keep tools resistant to normal wear and tear - scratches, chipping, and other surface or structural damage.
This is great news for anyone who has ever cracked or scratched their hairdressing scissors beyond repair - a salon is a busy place, and they're bound to get dropped sooner or later, but let’s hope you don’t at all.
What is Matsui Aichei Steel?
Let's talk about Japanese Steel that's used to make the best hair cutting shears. This type of steel is particular to Matsui, and they are covered by a lifetime warranty. Yes, these professional shears are meant to outlast the hairstylist that wields them. Crazy right? But it’s true, don’t believe us? Give them a go today at scissortec.com.
This type of Japanese steel is made for this type of usage - and the ergonomic design of these sharp cutting professional shears can be made more custom for your hands - the set usually comes with special, handy plastic inserts that make the shears adjustable to your hand size, while still getting the benefit of the high-end metal product for cutting hair.
Aichei hair shears are known all over the world for their beautiful appearance and toughness - perfect for the professional hairdressers and barbers of the world.
Why is Japanese Steel the Best for Hair Shears?
After crafting and sharpening swords, scissors and shears for all these years, Japanese craftsmen know what’s the best steel for producing top-quality blades that stay sharper for longer. Consumers the world over are prepared to pay top dollar for the best quality products.
The Japanese shears sold in our online store are made from two major steel producers in the country, Hitachi and Aichi.
Hitachi Metals
Hitachi Metals continues the ancient tradition of crafting quality blades. Hitachi also produces products for the automotive, infrastructure and electronics industries.
Aichei Steel Corporation
Aichei Steel Corporation produces high-quality specialty steel, stainless steel, forged products, electro-magnetic products, tool steel, amorphous wire and stainless steel/titanium for a range of industries including shipbuilding, automotive, dental, agriculture and electronics.
History of High-Quality Japanese Steel and Scissors
Steel has a long history in Japan - the production of swords was not only a complicated process but a sacred one - there were Shinto rituals performed during the forging process, and it took decades for a swordsmith to become a true master of his art.
Scissor-making never required such pomp and circumstance, however, this craft definitely has its history. The first pair of known shears were produced over 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia and were made out of bronze.
This means that even back then, proper scissors represented quite an investment as they must have been incredibly expensive. So count yourselves lucky these days, they are way more affordable for the hairdressers and barbers of today.
Best Japanese Steel Used in Shears Today
Today, professional scissors are made out of high-grade quality steel, which is graded in multiple ways - there are the SAE steel grades developed in the 1940s by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Confusing… we know! This is why we’re going to break it down for you below.
They go from 100 to 900, depending on their properties. Japan also has its own grading system that starts with the letters VG (at least for our purposes).
The types of steel (not only Japanese) mostly used for hair scissors are:
- 440C - 440C steel has the highest durability and the highest carbon content of the 400 series. It is mostly used in applications that require a razor edge - like chef knives and some hairdressing scissors. Scissors made out of this type of steel are famous for their sharp cutting edge.
- VG-10 - This is another type of steel that is often used for chef knives and premium quality hair cutting scissors, and are especially durable because of their high titanium content. It's produced in Japan, and the "G" in the specification stands for "Gold", as in "Gold Quality''. (yes we love gold too) This type of steel is perfect for texturizing shears and makes a clean cut on wet or dry hair.
- VG-1 - This is another "Gold Quality" type of Japanese steel. Its high-carbon content makes it perfect for making scissors and chef knives. The carbon content makes scissors made out of VG-1 excellent for cutting thick hair and curly hair. They keep their edge and are built for busy professionals (whether in the kitchen or in the salon!).
- Matsui Aichei Steel - This custom steel is perfect for making hairdressing scissors and shears. It is a type of cobalt infused steel that is crafted to keep an extremely sharp edge and is known for its quality and durability. It's not heavy, which makes it easy to handle for professionals that want their scissors to handle like an extension of their own hand - shears made from this material are great for all cutting techniques. Remember not to get it confused with Aichi Steel - it's not the same thing!
Keep in mind that your run-of-the-mill crafting scissors will be made out of much poorer quality material, some of it not even stainless. It's the material that matters - you can either be a samurai of haircutting or have the poor quality of your scissors get in the way of your talent every time.
Best Japanese Hair Cutting Scissors Brands
You have probably seen these top brands wherever you shop for high-quality hair scissors, thinning scissors, or any type of professional hair cutting shears.
Where do they come from and what's their story? What is the best brand for Japanese hair cutting scissors? So many questions we have the answers for!
Kamisori
Kamisori is a professional hairdressing scissor company. They have been around for over 18 years, and provide a wide choice of hair shears, thinning scissors, professional carrying cases as well as combs, razors and shaving kits.
If you're looking for some bling (which we all love a bit of bling in our life or scissor case for that matter), they also have stainless steel necklaces with hairdressing accessories for those hairdressers who like to make their passions known. Scissor Tech offers a wide variety of Kamisori products, all made from high-quality stainless steel.
They carry on the Japanese tradition of high-quality steel products, even naming one of their high-quality hair scissor series the "Sword Series".
Kamisori design - Kamisori scissors have some of the most unique designs in the hairstyling shears industry, period. Their designs not only include sleek classics, but their “dragon style” design started a whole subculture of shears.
For those of you who aren't familiar with this brand - their shear handles are literally made to look like writhing dragons - with scales and gems. They are breathtaking but they are also ergonomic and awesome to handle.
If you’re looking for something equally as unique but not quite as glam - Kamisori also has Typhoon Shears that have a handcrafted skull design as the pivot screw. This is for all those serious barbers out there - and it has many awards to vouch for their design and popularity.
Amongst them, Canadian Salon Hairdresser Favorite Tools, Coiffure de Paris, American Salon Pro’s Choice - the list goes on!
Matsui
Matsui is a famous brand that produces hair scissors and professional shears made from Aichei Steel, which is a type of stainless steel that is particular to this company. Established in 1998, Matsui Scissors are at the cutting edge of both quality, ergonomic handle design and the type of stylish salon shears that you want to show off to your clients and coworkers
They not only have sharp blades and a sleek design but they include some fun extras, like Swarovski Crystal embellishments. This is an Australian company that draws from the best Japanese stainless steel traditions for their Aichei Steel (or like some people insist, "Aichi Steel'') line of shears.
Matsui design - Matsui shears are amongst some of the prettiest hair cutting scissors out there. They come in shining rainbow colours, matte black, rose gold, or classic Silver Some of their offset and thinning shears also come in a bright hue of Neon Pink, which, when combined with the sharp black of the finger inserts is simply gorgeous and in hot demand.
Depending on the “look” you’re going for, you can find amazing offset shears, thinners, swivel scissors / shear such as Matte Black Matsui Swivel Shear or Matsui Master Barber Shear and precision cutters (or all of them in a combo!) in any of the above colours and styles - all of them are made from the same type of high-grade Japanese steel.
We consider the Matsui brand to be the premiere in Japanese high precision hair shears. As soon as you pick up a pair of Matsui shears, the design and quality are clear. The Matsui brand uses a few different Japanese steels in its ranges which include the Aichei Mountain Steel, the Damascus Steel Shears and the Silver Swarovski Crystals collections.
Discover the shears available in the three Matsui ranges:
Matsui Swarovski Crystals Collection
Yasaka
Yasaka makes exclusive hair cutting scissors that can be hard to find on the open market - they are made with professionals in mind. They keep a razor edge for a long time, and their price is actually fairly low for the type of quality that it represents.
Yasaka hair shears are probably one of the best deals for this type of material on the market, using state of the art manufacturing equipment combined with master craftsmanship to produce shears with clam-shaped blades. The steel’s hardness, resistance to corrosion and ergonomic design is necessary for professional hairdressers and barbers.
They are available in the classic silver colour, and they mean business - they hold their edge like no other, and they are almost entirely corrosion-resistant. They will stay sharp longer and keep your hair cuts looking on-point.
You’ll fall in love with the Yasaka Shears Collection.
Joewell
Still not convinced by any of the brands mentioned above? Well, then, Joewell is the shear brand for you! Designed with master craftsmanship and quality in mind, discover the extensive experience, and leading technology in hairdressing.
Jowell Shears award-winning design and hand-finished shears provide the sharpest cuts for professional hairdressers and barbers.
Check out the collection of gold, black, chrome and colored Joewell Shears.
To learn more about this cult brand's history, read our article about The Century-Old Joewell Shears.
Joewell design offers some of the most modern looking scissors - with their bright green accent screws and finger inserts looking amazing on the scissors, you know that something this stylish will give you the confidence you need when making your cuts.
Your other options with this brand can include anything from the classic silver to the best rose gold scissors.
Sozu Shears
Apprentice hairdressers and barbers may not afford the top-of-the-line shears but the Sozu brand allows them to enjoy the benefits of Japanese-made shears without the high price tag.
Check out the Sozu Shears Collection if you’re in the early stage of your career.
Japanese Hair Cutting Scissors FAQs
Why is Cobalt added to Aichei Steel?
Cobalt is infused with added Aichei Steel in order to give it extra durability. You can find it not only in Japanese hair cutting shears but also in heavy-duty tools that require durability.
Is the steel used to make Katanas the same kind used for making my thinning shears or scissors?
The process of making Katanas is still a sacred tradition in Japan - and the way that Katana steel is handcrafted takes decades to master. While this rare Tamahagane steel is used to make quality chefs' knives, there can only be a few extremely rare antique scissors found that were made with this type of Japanese steel.
Modern shears are made with factory-made steel that is machine-controlled, in a carefully measured process.
Is Japanese steel really better quality than let's say German or Chinese steel?
Japanese steel has a better reputation than any other type of steel in the world. Japanese made steel has a higher carbon content, especially when it comes to the type of steel used for professional knives and sharp blades.
The higher carbon content makes the metal harder, which makes it possible to make a thinner, more elegant tool. This type of metal is also much harder, and can hold a sharp edge for much longer than the softer German steel. So basically to answer your question - yes, yes it is.
How do I take care of scissors made out of Japanese steel
The care of these stainless shears is quite easy. Make sure to keep them in their leather case when not using them, and out of harm's way.
The correct way to clean your scissors is to - after use wipe down your scissors with a clean damp cloth to remove and excess hair and was all hair is removed wipe over again with a dry clean cloth to ensure there is no residue or moisture on the scissors themselves, as this can cause rusting and pitting. (what you definitely don’t want for your scissors).
Next, you should oil your scissors. Oiling is an important process, because it keeps the pivot point functioning perfectly, and corrosion free. Point your shears down and open, and put just a few small drops of shear oil at the pivot point.
Open and close them to really get that oil in there. Leave the oil overnight. On the next day, open and close your scissors a few times - this will let the oil drip out along with any hair pieces that were stuck in the pivot point. Now you’re ready to start cutting.
Once all dry oil, your scissors at the pivot point ready for next use. You should be doing this at least once a week minimum! If you can do more, even better! If you get stuck check out our scissor maintenance guide for step by step guidance.
How do I sharpen professional stainless steel scissors?
Even if you maintain your scissor care routine according to our guide above, you have to make sure that your scissors are professionally sharpened approximately every six months to a year.
This is better left to a professional- see our guide on sharpening blades on professional hairdressing scissors, where you will find out why getting your shears to a professional bladesmith is a good idea.
You will know when the scissors lose their sharp edge once hair begins to bend before being cut. Sharp scissors should cut through hair effortlessly and make your job satisfying. Never attempt to sharpen professional scissors yourself! You can seriously damage the blades.
Why Japanese Shears are Hand-Made?
The blades on all our Japanese shears are hand-made because machines can’t replicate craftsmanship. Japanese swords date back to the fourth or fifth century AD. So it’s no surprise that Japanese swordsmiths and bladesmiths are the best in the business.
Conclusion
Japanese steel is one of the best materials for making professional scissors. They’re easy to handle, resistant to corrosion and keep their razor sharp edge longer. If you have never invested in professional blades before, this is a great place to start. Using professional scissors will up your game and not only make you enjoy the art of hair cutting a lot more, but make the outcome more stunning.
There’s a moment in every professional’s life when they really decide to commit, and every hair stylist always remembers the first time they invested in a pair of “real” blades.
In the hair industry, they are an investment to be treasured and you can always tell a bit about the stylist or barber by the way they take care of their blades.
Japanese steel scissors are a perfect first choice, but they are also an excellent second, third or fourth choice for an experienced barber. They will last so long that they might become an heirloom piece, passed down from teacher to student or colleague to colleague through generations.
Can I Buy Japanese Shears Online?
Yes, you can buy Japanese shears online right here at Scissor Tech. We have one of the largest online stores stocking Japanese hairdressing shears and scissors. You’re sure to find a pair of shears here that are perfect for you. Have a look through our three collections.
A Selection of Our Favourite Japanese Shears
It feels like choosing a best-loved child but we’ve chosen a few of our favourite Japanese shears below.
Matsui Rose Gold Aichei Mountain Offset Shear
Prime quality cobalt infused steel, this blushing beauty is perfect for slide cutting. The premium Japanese steel provides a fine razor sharp cutting edge. Available in 5.5 or 6 inch sizes.
Matsui Precision Matte Black Cutting Shear
Made from Hitachi 440C Japanese Steel, this pair of shears has form and function in spades. The hard-wearing matt black coating is complimented by pops of rose gold on the trims. Available in 5.5 or 6 inch sizes.
A fine pair of matte black shears. The cobalt alloy steel provides a razor sharp edge, perfect for a smooth cutting action and blunt cuts. The black protective coating provides a sleek finish. Available in 5.5 and 6 inch sizes.
The perfect shears for point cutting and slicing, the hard steel also makes them resistant to corrosion. Available in 5, 5.5 and 6 inch sizes.
Sozu Essentials Pink Rainbow Cutting Scissor
A stunning printed scissor with ergonomic handles and an affordable price tag for apprentice hairdressers.
Complete Peace of Mind With Online Ordering
Even though you’re guaranteed a good quality pair of shears when you choose a Japanese brand, you aren’t guaranteed that they’re the best pair of shears for YOU. There’s a lot of personal preference with shears, scissors, knives and swords.
We all have original hands and different techniques when we’re wielding a pair of shears in the salon, a knife in the kitchen or a sword…Hopefully you’re not jousting with anything more than a kids’ plastic sword!
What feels entirely comfortable in one hand might feel too heavy, too light, too long, too short, or even unbalanced in another. And when that happens, you need the option to return them for an exchange or refund.
Scissor Tech wants your shears to be just right so any pair of shears you buy is covered by our Return and Exchange Policy.
If there’s anything you’re unsure of, don’t hesitate to contact one of our shears’ experts and we’ll answer your queries.