Yasaka: The Brand and Where to Start

Yasaka’s company page puts it in Ikoma, Nara, and its materials page covers the steels it uses, including 440C, ATS314 and VG10.

SA Classic or KM?

	SA Classic	KM
Handle	Straight, level rings	3D offset
Steel	SUS440C	ATS314 cobalt stainless
5.5” blade	60 mm	53 mm
Sizes here	5.5”, 6.0”	5.5”, 6.0”, 6.5”

The SA suits you if you learned on level rings. The KM drops your thumb lower, so it’ll feel different at first; compare the handle shapes if you’re unsure.

Left-handed and barber options

The Yasaka Left-Handed is a true left-handed cutter with an offset handle, in 5.0”, 5.5” and 6.0”. Our left-handed Yasaka guide lists the exact choices.

For over-comb work, the 7.0” cutter has a semi-offset handle and ATS314 cobalt stainless steel.

Thinners and sets

The YS thinner is a 6.0” offset thinner with a choice of 16, 20, 30 or 40 teeth. If you need a cutter and thinner together, browse the Yasaka sets in the Yasaka range and check the cutter length in each option.

Caring for a Yasaka? Start with Yasaka’s own advice. Comparing makers? Read Yasaka vs Joewell.