Gear Guides
No-nonsense breakdowns of standout scissors, shear sets and accessories that earn their keep in Australian salons.
We only feature products we've stress-tested on the floor and would hand to a mate. Expect straight talk on ergonomics, cutting feel, aftercare and where to buy locally without overpaying.
Each guide maps to the journey stages in our playbook so you know whether a tool suits a struggling stylist building a client list, a scaling technician or a master mentor running a crew.
Need to brush up on scissor families before you shop? Dive into the Salon Scissor Types hub for a plain-English breakdown of convex, bevel, texturising, thinning and swivel designs.
Quick investment guide (mobile friendly)
Starter Kit (Apprentice & New Grad)
Build confidence with forgiving blades while you master consultation and section control.
- Bevel edge workhorses for wet cutting and salon classics.
- Short blade detailers to polish fringes and pixies.
- Jaguar and Yasaka starter ranges with AU warranty support.
Pro Toolkit (Scaling Stylist)
Upgrade to blades that keep up with back-to-back colour clients and precision work.
- Convex edge cutters for slide cutting and dry detailing.
- Chunker shears to debulk dense shags and curls.
- Kasho and Mizutani mid-tier lines balanced for Aussie salon pace.
Specialist & Mentor (Elite)
Protect your body and deliver signature finishes with ergonomic-first gear.
- Double swivel scissors for 360° thumb freedom.
- Crane handle blades that keep elbows low during long sessions.
- Hanzo Signature and Hikari artisan ranges backed by local sharpeners.
Comparison Table (Coming Soon)
We’re building a printable matrix covering blade types, handle ergonomics, price bands and Aussie distributor details. Drop your email and we’ll send it the minute it’s ready.
Join the waitlistSpotlight Shears at a Glance
Weights and price bands are approximate street figures from Australian distributors. Always confirm current specs, stock, and warranty terms directly with the retailer or brand before purchasing.
| Model | Steel & Edge | Handle | Weight | Typical Price (AUD) | Climate Fit* | Best For | Warranty / Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yasaka Offset | ATS314 convex | Offset | ~48 g | $400–$500 | Coastal C4–C5 (wipe & oil) | Everyday salon workhorse | Lifetime via Dateline Imports |
| Juntetsu VG10 Offset | VG10 convex | Offset | ~50 g | $300–$450 | Inland C2–C3 | Mid-tier upgrade from bevel | Lifetime (authorised sharpeners) |
| Hikari B2 Crane | Cobalt convex | Crane | ~48 g | $800–$1,000 | Urban C3, coastal with care | Precision cutters needing ergo support | 12-month warranty (Hikari service) |
| Hikari Roto EPS Swivel | Cobalt convex | Full swivel | ~48 g | $850–$1,100 | Urban C3 / Coastal (wipe & oil) | Advanced stylists managing RSI | 12-month warranty (Hikari service) |
| Hanzo HH6 Kime | High-carbon convex | Swivel | ~52 g | $550–$750 | All zones (requires diligent oiling) | Dry-cut specialists, educators | Lifetime (Hanzo on-site/factory) |
| Mina Umi Apprentice Set | 440C semi-convex | Offset | ~45 g (cutter) | $180–$250 | Coastal & inland (wipe after every client) | TAFE students & mobile starters | Lifetime (Japan Scissors) |
| Joewell FX Pro Swivel | Supreme stainless convex | 360° swivel | ~50 g | $600–$900 | Urban C3 / Inland C2 | Precision stylists, barbers | Lifetime manufacturing cover |
| Kamisori Sword 7" | ATS314 3D convex | Offset sword spine | ~60 g | $450–$650 | Coastal & tropical (anti-rust routine) | Scissor-over-comb barbers | Lifetime + 1-year accidental |
| Fuji MoreZ GF 6" | Powder Super Cobalt convex | Offset | ~52 g | $1,000–$1,400 | All zones (factory service) | High-end salons & educators | Lifetime + 15-year Fuji sharpening |
| Yamato Royal Crane | Super Cobalt convex | Crane | ~48 g | $900–$1,200 | Coastal & tropical (factory service) | Ergonomic long-layer specialists | Lifetime + 15-year Fuji sharpening |
| Ichiro Rose Gold Set | 440C semi-convex | Offset | ~50 g | $220–$350 (set) | Coastal (wipe often), Inland | Apprentices & mobile stylists | Lifetime manufacturing |
| Jaguar CJ4 Plus | 4034 stainless semi-convex | Offset | ~52 g | $350–$450 | All zones (low-maintenance) | Training salons, backup blades | 1-year manufacturing |
*Climate zones from AS 4312 corrosion categories. Adjust maintenance routines (wipe, oil, storage) accordingly.
Quick verdict
For stylists chasing heirloom-grade performance, the Fuji MoreZ GF 6” is the benchmark. Powder steel keeps the edge sharp for ages,...
Quick verdict
Hanzo’s HH6 Kime is the dry-cut workhorse reps demo at shows for a reason. Lightweight, powder-coated handles, and a silky convex e...
Quick verdict
When stylists rave about “butter-smooth” scissors, they’re talking about the Hikari B2. Hand-built in Tokyo with cobalt alloy steel...
Quick verdict
The Roto EPS is Hikari’s flagship swivel, delivering the brand’s trademark butter glide with a thumb that rotates without friction....
Quick verdict
The Ichiro Rose Gold set brings aesthetic flair, reliable 440C steel, and a matching thinner for under $500. It’s light, ergonomic,...
Quick verdict
Jaguar’s Silver Line CJ4 Plus is the definition of reliable. German 4034 steel, semi-convex edges, and a robust tension system mean...
Quick verdict
The Joewell FX Pro Swivel takes the brand’s silky pivots and adds a thumb that rotates in any direction. You get pinpoint control f...
Quick verdict
Looking for a silky convex edge without the premium price tag? Juntetsu’s VG10 Offset is the sweet spot. Built through a 124-step <...
Quick verdict
Need a scissor-over-comb monster? Kamisori’s Sword 7” brings a thick spine, razor edge, and ergonomic handles that stay comfy throu...
Quick verdict
If you’re stepping off the training floor or juggling salon school with part-time work, the Mina Umi set is the safe first investme...
Quick verdict
Yamato Royal combines Fuji-level craftsmanship with ergonomics tuned for stylists who live in long layering and balayage. The crane...
Quick verdict
Yasaka’s 30-tooth thinner is the natural partner for the offset cutter—same ATS314 steel, same snappy pivot, and teeth polished so ...
Quick verdict
If you want the real Japanese glide without smashing the rent, Yasaka’s Offset is the faithful workhorse. Handmade in Nara from ATS...