See the symbols above? In Japanese they mean “#1”. There’s a school of thought in our profession that says that Japanese shears mean quality and are #1. Many times that turns out to be true, especially with the best-known names like Kamisori, Hikari, Hachi, and HattoriHanzo. But unfortunately sometimes it doesn’t. So when you’re investing in a new pair of shears, it’s still important for you to be well informed. And it starts right from the name.
- Some shear companies have Japanese sounding names or Japanese katakana symbols (like the one above), as logos but are not Japanese. They hope that buyers see the name and automatically think “quality”. They hope you assume that a Japanese sounding name or logo means that the shears are made 100% in Japan when that is often not the case.
- Some Japanese scissor manufacturers only produce a portion of their products in Japan while others are often produced in Korea, China or the Philippines. This does not mean that the quality is any better or any worse. It simply means that you need to look carefully at the product to determine the quality before you buy. If “100% Made in Japan” is critical to you, make sure that’s what you’re getting.
- Other companies say “Made In Japan” but refer only to the steel, not the entire product.
- And some companies tell you precious little about their shears – like the materials they’re made of, the manufacturing processes that are used, the Rockwell Hardness rating, etc.
At TopEdge Shears we do not use gimmicks or tricks. We simply offer top quality products, an obsession with service and education, and a name you can trust.