Mina Scissors | Budget-friendly tools that still respect your hands
Mina 101
If you are building your first kit or need a backup pair that will not make you cry if bleach hits it, Mina is the smart pick. Designed as the starter arm of the Japan Scissors family, Mina delivers ergonomic handles, tidy edges, and bundles that make sense for apprentices and mobile stylists.
Fast facts (Sep 2025)
- Steel: 440C stainless (≈58–60 HRC) with VG10 upgrades on select series
- Edge options: Bevel for training, semi-convex for everyday salon work, convex on Sakura/Matte Black kits
- Handles: Offset as standard, with barber-length straight handles for 7”+ models
- Price range: $99–$249 AUD for single shears; $180–$360 AUD for complete bundles (confirm on japanscissors.com.au / jpscissors.com before ordering)
- Warranty: Lifetime manufacturing cover when serviced through Mina/Japan Scissors partners and logged in ScissorPedia
Popular Mina bundles in Australia
| Kit | What you get | Perfect for |
|---|---|---|
| Mina Umi Apprentice Set | 5.5” cutter, 5.5” 30-tooth thinner, razor, oil, case | Students stepping onto the salon floor |
| Mina Sakura | 5.5” convex cutter + thinner with soft pink coating | Stylists wanting lightweight, feminine gear without skimping on edge |
| Mina Matte Black | 6” convex cutter + thinner + razor in a stealth coating | Mobile stylists and barbers wanting a modern look |
| Mina Jay Barber 7” | Bevel long blade, generous finger holes | Barber trainees learning scissor-over-comb |
| Mina Rose Gold Set | 5.5” cutter + thinner with PVD blush finish | Stylists building an Instagram-friendly kit |
Why Mina works for apprentices and backups
- Comfortable offset handles keep thumbs relaxed while you are still perfecting technique.
- Bundled thinners and razors mean you can cover every assessment without extra spend.
- Coated options handle constant sanitising thanks to PVD treatments that resist chipping.
- Easy to sharpen locally—most Aussie techs know Mina geometry inside out.
Care tips for entry-level steel
- Wipe, disinfect, and dry immediately after each client. Lower HRC steels stain faster if left damp.
- Oil nightly, even if you only cut a few heads that day—lubrication extends time between sharpens.
- Schedule sharpening every 6-9 months (or sooner if the blades start pushing). Keep receipts for course assessments.
- Store in the supplied zip case or a padded roll. Apprentice trolleys get messy; protect those tips.
2025 Aussie availability snapshot
- Stockists: Japan Scissors, Jpscissors.com, JapanScissorShop.com, Scissor Hub, and MinaScissors.com (AU distributor).
- Payment options: Afterpay available via Japan Scissors; ask about student discounts or bundle pricing when buying two kits.
- Promos: Timeless/Apprentice bundles often include combs, razors, and capes—perfect for TAFE assessments.
- Sharpening: Log every service with Mina/Japan Scissors-accredited techs in ScissorPedia to keep the lifetime warranty active.
Need a Mina starter plan?
Send through your course requirements (lengths, thinning tools), budget, and whether you travel between salons. We will build a Mina shopping list that keeps trainers happy and wrists comfy. Ask for a Mina kit recommendation.