Ten compact cutters (5.0" to 5.5") and ten longer ones (6.0" to 7.0"): the Ichiko for fringes, the Ichiro Sword for over-comb and more, with prices.
By SalonScissors editorial team Updated
Shorter pairs win on detail and longer pairs on reach. Here are ten of each.
How we chose: Twenty from our range, picked from maker specs, listed options and price. We sell them and haven’t run cutting tests. Prices checked 15 October 2026.
| You mostly cut | Size | Start with |
|---|---|---|
| Fringes, ears and short graduation | 5.0–5.5” | Ichiko Precision |
| Everyday salon work | 5.5–6.0” | Yasaka SA Classic |
| Long sections and layers | 6.0–6.5” | Ichiro Sword |
| Scissor-over-comb and barbering | 6.5–7.0” | Yasaka 7.0” |
The inch size is the whole scissor, so compare blades too. Two 5.5” pairs here differ by 6 mm: Yasaka’s SA-5.5 has a 60 mm blade and Joewell’s FX-L55 a 54 mm one.
The inch size is the whole scissor. Makers differ on whether a finger rest counts.
The blade is the part that cuts. Two pairs with the same inch size can have different blades.
Eight right-handed and two left-handed. Tap a name to jump to its card.
| Scissor | Best for | Hand | Handle | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Mina Classic II 5.0" | blunt detail work on a budget | Right | Semi-offset | A$109 |
| 2. Mina Umi 5.5" | left-handers who want a compact pair on a budget | Left | Offset | A$109 |
| 3. Mina Sakura II 5.0" | close detail and fringes on a budget | Right | Offset | A$124.95 |
| 4. Ichiko Precision 5.0" | fringes, ears and tight graduation | Right | Offset | A$234.95 |
| 5. Juntetsu Classic II 5.25" | a traditional symmetrical grip in a compact size | Right | Symmetrical rings | A$249 |
| 6. Kasho Design Master Offset 5.5" | an offset pair with a ratchet tension screw | Right | Offset | A$349 |
| 7. Yasaka SA 5.5" | a classic straight handle | Right | Straight | A$399 |
| 8. Kamisori Diablo II 5.5" | an offset pair with a fixed finger rest | Right | Offset | A$499 |
| 9. Kamisori Featherlite 5.5" | a traditional in-line grip with a removable rest | Right | In-line | A$680 |
| 10. Joewell FX LEFTY 5.5" | left-handers who want Joewell’s 3D handle | Left | 3D offset | A$749 |
Catalogue photos show each model. The size or hand pictured can differ from the option named.
Best for: blunt detail work on a budget
A$109
A short micro-serrated bevel cutter that holds the hair as the blades close.
Keep in mind: Micro-serration suits blunt cutting. For slide cutting, pick a smooth edge.
View this option: Mina Classic II 5.0"On the product page, choose 5.0" Inch Cutting.
Best for: left-handers who want a compact pair on a budget
A$109
A left-handed 5.5" with a flat edge and an offset handle, at a budget price.
Keep in mind: Left sizes start at 5.5", so this is the shortest left Umi.
View this option: Mina Umi 5.5"On the product page, choose Left / 5.5" Cutting Scissor.
Best for: close detail and fringes on a budget
A$124.95
A 5.0" convex-edge cutter with an offset handle, at a budget price.
Keep in mind: Sakura II also comes in 5.5" to 7.0" if 5.0" feels too short.
View this option: Mina Sakura II 5.0"On the product page, choose 5.0" Inch.
Best for: fringes, ears and tight graduation
A$234.95
A dedicated compact range. This 5.0" has a convex edge and an offset handle.
Keep in mind: There’s also a 4.5". Keep a longer cutter for broad over-comb work.
View this option: Ichiko Precision 5.0"On the product page, choose 5.0" Cutting Scissor.
Best for: a traditional symmetrical grip in a compact size
A$249
Symmetrical rings and a convex slice edge at 5.25", between the usual 5.0" and 5.5".
Keep in mind: The only other size is 5.75".
View this option: Juntetsu Classic II 5.25"On the product page, choose 5.25" Inch Cutting Scissors.
Best for: an offset pair with a ratchet tension screw
A$349
KAI lists semi-convex, satin-finish blades and a ratchet screw for the Design Master series.
Keep in mind: Also comes in 5.0" and 6.0" on the same listing.
View this option: Kasho Design Master Offset 5.5"On the product page, choose 5.5" Inch Cutting Scissors.
Maker specs: KAI’s Kasho catalogue, page 16
Best for: a classic straight handle
A$399
Level rings and SUS440C steel. Yasaka publishes a 60 mm blade and 147 mm overall length.
Keep in mind: The same listing has a 6.0" if you want a little more reach.
View this option: Yasaka SA 5.5"On the product page, choose 5.5" Inch Cutting Scissor.
Maker specs: Yasaka’s SA-5.5 specs
Best for: an offset pair with a fixed finger rest
A$499
A polished offset cutter with a fixed finger rest. Kamisori describes a 3D convex edge.
Keep in mind: The same listing sells left-handed builds, so check the hand before you add it.
View this option: Kamisori Diablo II 5.5"On the product page, choose Right / 5.5".
Maker specs: Kamisori’s Diablo II page
Best for: a traditional in-line grip with a removable rest
A$680
In-line rings, a removable finger rest and a VG-10 blade with a 3D convex edge, per our listing.
Keep in mind: The name isn’t a weight. Ask us if grams matter to you.
View this option: Kamisori Featherlite 5.5"On the product page, choose Right / 5.5" Cutting Scissor.
Best for: left-handers who want Joewell’s 3D handle
A$749
A true left-handed FX with a removable finger rest. Joewell publishes a 54 mm blade.
Keep in mind: Same 5.5" size as the Yasaka LEFT, but a shorter blade: 54 mm against 58 mm.
View this option: Joewell FX LEFTY 5.5"On the product page, choose 5.5" Cutting Scissor.
Maker specs: Joewell’s FX-L55 specs
Our pick: the Ichiko Precision 5.0” for fringes and ears, or the Mina Sakura II 5.0” if budget comes first. Left-handed? The Joewell FX LEFTY is the compact lefty here.
Nine right-handed and one left-handed. Long blades suit barbers, long hair and scissor-over-comb.
| Scissor | Best for | Hand | Handle | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Mina Umi 7.0" | left-handers who want a long pair on a budget | Left | Offset | A$109 |
| 2. Mina Classic II 6.0" | blunt lines through longer sections, on a budget | Right | Semi-offset | A$109 |
| 3. Ichiro Ergo Apprentice 6.0" | apprentices who want a micro-serrated 6.0" | Right | Offset | A$189 |
| 4. Ichiro Sword 6.5" | over-comb work with a wide blade | Right | Offset | A$219 |
| 5. Ichiro Chomper Wide 6.0" | broad sections and over-comb work | Right | Offset | A$274.95 |
| 6. Yasaka 7.0" | scissor-over-comb and long strokes | Right | Semi-offset | A$379 |
| 7. Yasaka KM 6.5" | a long pair with a 3D offset handle | Right | 3D offset | A$449 |
| 8. Yasaka F-CUT 6.5" | long sections with a traditional French grip | Right | French | A$449 |
| 9. Joewell FX PRO 6.0" | more reach with Joewell’s 3D handle | Right | 3D offset | A$699 |
| 10. Kasho Sagano 7.0" | slide cutting with a sword-style blade | Right | Offset | A$949 |
Catalogue photos show each model. The size or hand pictured can differ from the option named.
Best for: left-handers who want a long pair on a budget
A$109
A left-handed 7.0" with a flat edge and an offset handle, at a budget price.
Keep in mind: A shorter pair is easier for tight detail, so keep one for fringes and ears.
View this option: Mina Umi 7.0"On the product page, choose Left / 7" Cutting Scissor.
Best for: blunt lines through longer sections, on a budget
A$109
A 6.0" micro-serrated bevel cutter that holds the hair as the blades close.
Keep in mind: Micro-serration suits blunt cutting, not slide cutting.
View this option: Mina Classic II 6.0"On the product page, choose 6.0" Inch Cutting.
Best for: apprentices who want a micro-serrated 6.0"
A$189
Ichiro’s apprentice pair. The 6.0" option has a micro-serrated edge that grips the section.
Keep in mind: The 5.5" Ergo has a convex slice edge instead, so check your course list.
View this option: Ichiro Ergo Apprentice 6.0"On the product page, choose 6.0" Micro-Serrated Cutting.
Best for: over-comb work with a wide blade
A$219
A wide convex blade at 6.5", between the 6.0" and 7.0" options on the same listing.
Keep in mind: Pick 6.0" if you still need detail control, or 7.0" for longer strokes.
View this option: Ichiro Sword 6.5"On the product page, choose 6.5".
Best for: broad sections and over-comb work
A$274.95
A wide convex blade gives you more blade across big sections and over the comb.
Keep in mind: Keep a slimmer, shorter pair for fine fringe detail.
View this option: Ichiro Chomper Wide 6.0"Best for: scissor-over-comb and long strokes
A$379
A fixed 7.0" semi-offset cutter in ATS314 cobalt steel, listed for long strokes and over-comb work.
Keep in mind: A shorter pair is easier for tight detail, so keep one for fringes and ears.
View this option: Yasaka 7.0"Best for: a long pair with a 3D offset handle
A$449
A 6.5" right-handed cutter with a 3D offset handle and ATS314 cobalt steel, per our listing.
Keep in mind: A 6.5" needs room to move around close detail. KM also comes in 5.5" and 6.0".
View this option: Yasaka KM 6.5"On the product page, choose 6.5" Inch Cutting Scissor.
Best for: long sections with a traditional French grip
A$449
A 6.5" with a level French handle and VG10 cobalt steel, per our listing.
Keep in mind: One size only. For close work around the ear, a shorter Yasaka is easier.
View this option: Yasaka F-CUT 6.5"Best for: more reach with Joewell’s 3D handle
A$699
Joewell publishes a 63 mm blade, Sword & Flat blades and a 3D handle for the FX-PRO 60.
Keep in mind: The 5.0" and 5.5" options on the same listing have shorter blades.
View this option: Joewell FX PRO 6.0"On the product page, choose 6.0" Cutting Scissor.
Maker specs: Joewell’s FX-PRO specs
Best for: slide cutting with a sword-style blade
A$949
A 7.0" offset cutter with a sword-style upper blade and a slice edge.
Keep in mind: Sagano also comes in 5.5", 6.0" and 6.5". Ask us about sharpening before you buy.
View this option: Kasho Sagano 7.0"On the product page, choose 7.0" Inch Cutting Scissors.
Our pick: the Ichiro Sword 6.5” for over-comb on a budget, or the Yasaka 7.0” for the longest stroke. Left-handed? The Mina Umi Left / 7” is the only long lefty here. For more over-comb picks, see the scissor-over-comb guide.
Sixteen of the twenty are offsets of some kind. Here’s where the handles differ:
The handle guide draws each layout.
Only when you can name what it adds. Four of the twenty cost A$680 or more, and each brings something specific:
| Pair | What the extra buys | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kamisori Featherlite 5.5” | In-line rings, a removable rest and a VG-10 blade | A$680 |
| Joewell FX PRO 6.0” | A 3D handle and a 63 mm Sword & Flat blade | A$699 |
| Joewell FX LEFTY 5.5” | A true left-handed 3D handle and a 54 mm blade | A$749 |
| Kasho Sagano 7.0” | A sword-style slice blade at full length | A$949 |
Before you spend that much, ask who sharpens the model and what it costs. The upgrade guide helps you decide whether to replace your pair or add a second.
5.0” to 5.5”. A shorter blade is easier to steer around fringes, ears and the nape. The Ichiko Precision also comes in 4.5” for the closest work.
6.5” to 7.0”. A long blade covers more of the comb on each pass. Keep a shorter cutter for detail around the ears.
Whichever fixes the job your first pair struggles with. If it feels clumsy around fringes, go shorter. If over-comb or long sections take too many closes, go longer.
Still not sure of your size? The size guide shows how to measure the pair you have, and the scissor finder narrows it to the exact option.
Tell us what you cut and which scissors you are comparing.
Our 10 hair cutting scissor picks: the Mina Umi for a first pair, the Rose Lefty for left-handers, the Yasaka SA for level rings and the FX PRO for reach.
Buy for the hand you cut with, start at 5.5” and pick a handle you can control. Real picks from A$109 for apprentices, barbers and left-handers.
