How to Build a Left-Handed Scissor Kit

A left-handed kit comes down to two tools: a cutter for the shape and a thinner for weight. Here’s what to buy first, and when a set is the better deal.

What goes in a left-handed kit?

1. 1A cutter comes first

   Your main tool. Buy it left-handed, in the length you use most.

2. 2Add a thinner when you need one

   For softening lines and taking weight out. It has to be left-handed too.

3. 3A set covers both

   Best value when you need both now. Check the hand and size of each tool in it.

Every tool in the kit needs to be left-handed, the thinner included. A left-handed cutter next to a right-handed thinner still leaves you fighting one of them.

Set, or one tool at a time?

Here’s how the Ichiro Rose Lefty works out:

How you buy	Price	Makes sense if
Cutter now, thinner later	A$199 + A$199	You’re not thinning yet
The set, both at once	A$309	You’ll use both now

So the set saves you A$89 if you’ll want the thinner anyway. The catch: it only comes one way, with a 6.0” cutter and a 6.0” thinner. If 6.0” is longer than you like, the Mina sets below let you pick a shorter cutter.

Which left-handed kit should you pick?

• Mina Umi set, for a first kit. Choose Left / 5.5” Cutting & 6” Thinning or the 6” version. A left-handed cutter plus a 6.0”, 30-tooth thinner. Keep in mind: Left stops at 5.5” and 6.0” here. The Mina Jay II set costs the same and comes in Left from 5.0” to 7.0”.
• Ichiro Rose Lefty set, for a matched pair. A 6.0” convex slice cutter and a 6.0” V-tooth thinner on matching offset handles. Keep in mind: there’s no other size.
• Mina Umi Master, for two cutters. Two left-handed cutters plus a 6.0”, 30-tooth thinner. Our example is Left-Handed / 5.5” & 7.0” Cutting / 6.0” Thinning: a 5.5” for detail and a 7.0” for over-comb work. Keep in mind: Left cutters start at 5.5”.
• Ichiro Rose Lefty cutter, to start small. Buy the cutter now and the matching thinner when you need it. Keep in mind: buying both later costs A$89 more than the set.

Do you need a backup pair?

Once you’re cutting every day, yes. When your main pair goes away for sharpening, a right-handed spare from the salon drawer won’t cover you. A second left-handed cutter will. Our backup plan covers what to keep in reserve.

Common questions

Do left-handers need a left-handed thinner?

Yes. Thinners are built for one hand too, so a right-handed thinner has the same problems in your left hand as a right-handed cutter. Our left-handed thinner guide compares four.

Is a set cheaper than buying one tool at a time?

For the left-handed kits here, yes. The Ichiro Rose Lefty set is A$309, against A$398 for its cutter and thinner bought one at a time.

Does a set come with a case?

Not unless the listing says so, and these three name the scissors only. If you need a case in the box, ask us before you order.

What size should my first left-handed cutter be?

If you’re not sure, start at 5.5”, unless your course list names another size. Check which sizes the model offers in Left before you order.

Next step

Every left-handed cutter, thinner and set we sell is in one place.

Still choosing the cutter? Read how to spot a true left-handed pair.