The industrialist nations have conducted multiple polls about the supreme quality of scissors and shears, but every time, a single nation comes forth to mock - Japan. Haters or lovers all unanimously declare that Japanese scissors and shears rule the roost. Hairstylists' first choice is the Japanese option.
This mystic intrigue spurred us to uncover the facts beneath the Japanese aura and to let us drag out the secret behind the Japanese hegemony at the saloons all over; our editors have jotted down an extensive factual guide for you. Stay with us!
Which steel-type!
Yes! It is an open secret that Japanese scissors and shears are famous for the incorporation of high-quality steel. Japanese steel is known for its corrosion resistance, lightweight, razor-sharp edges, and swiftness. While picking up the Japanese option, you would have various options popping up regarding the steel choice from the hub. You may take stock from the below Rosetta Stone.
- 440C - 440C has the highest carbon concentration and is considered the primmest high-end steel for making the saloon scissors and shears.
- VG10 - Although popular in cutlery usage, VG10 is also incorporated in scissors-cum-shears genre for developing lightweight tools. The flexibility does not compromise on quality at all.
- VG1 - Also known as Cold Steel, VG1 is famous for its edge retention, strength, shockproof, and point swiftness. This type surpasses the other contemporary steel types in scissor manufacturing.
- Cobalt ATS314 - Cobalt ATS314 is another reliable type to pick from the swish Japanese steeling for your salon. This type is highly reliable, spanning the average life-size of 20-25 years. It is crafted by the famous steel company - Hitachi.
Right Blade
Blade also plays a make-or-break role in hairstyling. However, the Japanese offer different blades for the different hairstyling techniques. Know your requirement and pick accordingly.
- Short blade - It is recommended for precision cutting but could also be used in various hairdressing techniques.
- Long blade - The exclusive style is over-the-comb but can also be generalised.
- Texturizing/thinning blade - The 30-40 teeth blade chops down the thick locks of hair evenly in a short time.
- Wide-tooth chomping blade - This blade for Japanese scissors is great against thick and curly hair. The 10-20 lethal teeth do the magic.
Identify the Feasible Handle.
Handle also plays a pivotal role in the selection of Japanese steel scissors and shears. The potential buyer should have a beforehand idea about the popular grips to pick the suits her. The Japanese scissors and shears, more than often, come up with the following handle variants.
- Offset Handle - Offset handle is perhaps the most ergonomic one. It relaxes the stiff muscles, wrist, hand, and elbow. Moreover, it reduces RSI and fatigue during continuous cutting.
- Crane Handle - This crane shape is viable and recommended for the hairdressers with RSI or busy bees having a heavy workload without rests.
- Opposing Handle - These are the classical handle designs with zero ergonomics. Considered unhealthy by the experts, this type is still popular among the generations preceding this "Z" one owing to extensive practice or nostalgic attachment.
- Swivel Handle - The swivelling handles allows the thumb to settle down in the natural position. This handle is perfect for diminishing the accumulated strain during workload.
Edges also have a say.
The Japanese scissors and shears come up with three popular edges. It is up to your salon requirements which one is to grab. Let's have a basic idea.
- Tilting edge - Tilting edge textures or cuts down the hair with utmost finesse.
- Curved edge - The curved angle prevents the hair from slipping and compensate for the deviations during cutting, ensuring simple straight lines. This is the best type for newbies and practitioners.
- Serrated edge - Serrated edges are applied in a high-tech take where the hair-cut requires complicated protocols.
Lefty or Righty
Japanese scissors and shears come in two different variants for left-handed and right-handed persons. Let's know the difference.
- Left-handed - The left blade is always on the top and naturally fits in the left-handed posture.
- Right-handed - The right blade is always on the top and allows the freedom of cut to the right-handed persons.
- Suitable size - The right size is subjective, but 4.5 to 7 inches is considered a universal one.
- Screw - The high-end Japanese cutting tools come up with the ball bearing system; it is sophisticated.
Wrapping up the guide!
Now you are all set to adorn your salon with a hi-fi set of Japanese scissors and shears. Japanese scissors are the most sought-after, and we anticipate that this inclusion in your arsenal would blow your rivals' businesses up in the air. Feel the Japanese sword dance in the salon.