Salon scissor brands
The brands we stock come first, each with our picks. Below them are short profiles of makers you might be comparing.
Kasho
Kasho is the salon scissor brand of the KAI group in Tokyo. Start with the Design Master, step up to the Blue series, or go to Millennium for SG2 steel.
22 products
Joewell
Joewell is the scissor brand of Tokosha in Tokyo. Start with the Classic for an all-rounder, the Classic PRO for detail or the FX for an offset grip.
30 products
Yasaka
Yasaka Seiki, based in Nara, Japan, was established in 1965. Start with the SA Classic for level rings, the KM for a 3D offset or the 7.0" for over-comb.
23 products
Juntetsu
Juntetsu is an independent Japanese brand with cutters from A$249.00. Start with the VG10 Offset, the light Balance or the level-ring Classic II.
83 products
Kamisori
Kamisori makes offset, crane and double-swivel cutters, many with left-handed builds. Start with the Diablo II, or the Revolver III if you want a swivel.
29 products
Ichiro
Ichiro is an independent Japanese brand with cutters from A$199.00. Start with the Ergo set as an apprentice, the Sword for over-comb or the Rose Lefty.
71 products
Mina
Mina is an independent Japanese brand with cutters from A$114.95 and cutter and thinner sets from A$174.95. Start with the Umi, which comes in either hand.
39 products
Feather
Feather has made replaceable-blade razors in Japan since 1932. Start with the Styling Razor and Standard blades, or the folding Artist Club SS.
21 products
Mizutani
Mizutani has made scissors since 1921 and is based in Matsudo, Chiba. We don't stock it, so here's what to know about the range and what to compare.
Profile only, not stocked
Hikari
Hikari is a Tokyo scissor maker, established in 1967, that hand-makes its scissors in Niigata. We don't stock it; here's what to check and compare.
Profile only, not stocked
Fuji
Fuji is a Japanese scissor maker from Sakai, Osaka, whose logo reads Fuji MoreZ. We don't stock it, so here's what to check before buying elsewhere.
Profile only, not stocked
Yamato
Yamato is a Japanese scissor brand, made at the Fuji MoreZ plant in Sakai, its distributor says. We don't stock it, so here's what to check before buying.
Profile only, not stocked
Hattori Hanzo
Hattori Hanzo is a California company selling Japanese-steel shears to licensed hairdressers and barbers. We don't stock it, so here's what to check.
Profile only, not stocked