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Why Japanese Scissors Are of the Highest Quality

The World Recognizes Japan for High-Quality Products

When asked about high-quality products, many will point to Japan. For decades, Japan has been renowned for its high-tech, durable, and sophisticated manufacturing across a broad range of industries, including robotics, electronics, automobiles, shipbuilding, swords, and scissors. Unlike its neighbors, who may compete on low labor costs, Japan stands out for its innovative product design and superior quality.

High-Quality Japanese Stainless Steel

With Japanese materials and goods, the quality is guaranteed. There’s no cutting corners with inferior products. The Japanese take great pride in transforming the finest raw materials into high-performance products. Numerous companies specialize in creating Japanese stainless steel products for various industries such as automotive, restaurant, construction, and notably, for crafting some of the best hair cutting scissors in the world. Japanese stainless steel is celebrated for its corrosion resistance, ease of handling, lighter weight compared to other steels, long-lasting sharp edges, and greater toughness and damage resistance.

The World's Most Esteemed Scissors

  • VG10: Often referred to as “SuperSteel,” VG10 is known for its high carbon and cobalt content, which gives it a Rockwell Hardness between 59 and 61. VG10 scissors are sought after for their ability to maintain a sharp blade and for their durability. The ability to achieve a sharper edge with VG10 surpasses many other steel types.

  • Damascus Steel: Another superior steel form, Damascus is created using layering or laminating techniques. The steel is folded onto itself multiple times, creating around 5,000 tiny layers. Known as Tajyusou in Japan, this skill is a legacy passed through generations. The layering not only contributes to the steel's strength and flexibility but also to the soft closing action of the scissors’ blades.

The History of High-Quality Japanese Steel and Scissors

The history of steel in Japan is long and storied. The production of swords was not only complex but also sacred, involving Shinto rituals during the forging process. It would take decades for a swordsmith to truly master his craft. Scissor-making may not have required such grandeur, but the craft certainly has its history. Scissor production in Japan, executed by craftsmen over generations, is a testament to this legacy. Unlike in America, where the professional scissor manufacturing industry is largely unregulated, truly Japanese-made scissors are handcrafted by these master artisans.

Identifying Genuine Japanese-Made Scissors

  • Made in Japan: Authentic Japanese-made scissors are marked with "MADE IN JAPAN" on the blade. If this marking is absent, despite packaging claims, they are not truly made in Japan.

  • Construction and Hardware: The build and hardware of the scissors directly influence their longevity and durability. Genuine Japanese-made scissors feature hand-forged two-piece construction and are equipped with hardware that ensures smooth cutting and long-lasting performance.

  • Lifetime Warranty: A testament to their quality, authentic Japanese scissors come with a lifetime guarantee, underscoring their durability and the craftsmanship behind them.

Japanese scissors are globally recognized by professionals for their precision, durability, and exceptional sharpness. Behind these esteemed tools is a tradition of craftsmanship passed down through generations, cementing their status as the finest in the world.