

Yasaka is the brand that Australian hairdressers and barbers reach for when they want Japanese steel without the Joewell or Mizutani price tag. Made in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture, Japan since 1965, every pair is handcrafted from Japanese stainless steel with a clam-shaped convex edge that stays sharp through months of daily use. At $300-600 per pair, Yasaka sits in the sweet spot between cheap imports and premium Japanese brands that start at $800+.

Image credit: yasakaseiki.co.jp
This guide covers the full Yasaka range: cutting scissors, barber shears, thinning scissors, left-handed models, and how to choose the right one for your work. Gennemse det fulde Yasaka samling her.

Hvorfor Yasaka Is One of the Most Trusted Scissor Brands
Yasaka Seiki, led by president Matsumoto Satoshi (松本諭), has been manufacturing scissors in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture since 1965 — nearly six decades. They are a family-owned operation, not a multinational conglomerate. Every scissor passes through a multi-stage quality inspection before it leaves the factory, and they have built a reputation on three things:
Japanese steel, not marketing. Where some brands slap "Japanese steel" on scissors made in China or Korea, Yasaka uses genuinely sourced Hitachi, Takefu, and cobalt alloy steels processed in Japan. The vacuum heat treatment they apply to every blade creates a harder, more corrosion-resistant edge that holds its sharpness significantly longer than standard stainless steel.
Honest pricing. Yasaka has never played the "inflate the RRP, then discount" game. Their scissors retail for $300-600, which is where they belong given the materials and craftsmanship. You are not paying for a brand name or celebrity endorsement. You are paying for the steel.
Konsistens. Yasaka Offset you buy today will feel and perform the same as the one you bought five years ago. For a working hairdresser, that predictability matters. You do not want surprises from your scissors.
Yasaka Steel Types Explained
Yasaka uses three grades of Japanese steel across their range. The steel grade is the single biggest factor in how a scissor performs and how long it lasts.
| Stål | Grade | Ejendomme | Brugt i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hitachi 440C | Entry-premium | HRC 58-60 hardness, excellent corrosion resistance, easy to sharpen | Traditional, Left-Handed, entry models |
| VG10 Kobolt | Mellem-premium | Superior hardness, finer edge retention, lightweight feel | SSS model, premium cutting |
| ATS-314 Kobolt | Top klasse | Highest hardness in the Yasaka range, exceptional edge retention, corrosion resistant | Dry Cutting, Barber 7", K-10, SA Thinning |
Alle Yasaka steels go through a vacuum heat treatment with sub-zero processing that increases blade hardness, improves abrasion resistance, and extends sharpening intervals. In practical terms, this means a well-maintained Yasaka scissor stays sharp for 6-12 months of daily salon use before needing professional sharpening.
Yasaka Cutting Scissors — Which Model to Choose
Yasaka's full catalogue includes over 70 models across cutting, thinning, and specialty categories. In Australia, we carry their most popular lines. Here are the five cutting scissor lines most relevant to Australian hairdressers and barbers. Each uses a different handle style, steel grade, and blade design. Here is what separates them:
Yasaka Offset — The bestseller, and for good reason. The offset handle puts your thumb in a natural downward position that reduces wrist strain over a long day. Made from Hitachi steel with a clam-shaped convex edge. Available in 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 inch sizes. If you have never owned a Yasaka, start her.
Yasaka Traditionel — Classic straight (opposing) handles for stylists who learned on a traditional grip and do not want to switch. Same Hitachi 440C steel and convex edge as the Offset, just with a different handle geometry. Available in 4.5 to 6.0 inches. Sarah, a salon owner in Brisbane, told us: "Simplicity and quality are the two things I look for. My Yasaka traditionals are small, slim, and cut beautifully."
Yasaka SSS VG10 — The premium model. VG10 cobalt steel is a step up from Hitachi 440C: harder, lighter, and holds its edge longer. Available in 5.5 inch only. This is the choice for stylists who want the best steel Yasaka offers in a compact cutting shear.
Yasaka KM (Crane Handle) — Crane ergonomics position the thumb ring even lower than a standard offset, creating the most relaxed cutting posture in the range. Made from cobalt steel. Available in 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 inches. Best for stylists dealing with wrist or shoulder strain.
Yasaka Tørskæring — Specifically designed for dry cutting with ATS-314 cobalt steel and a convex edge optimised for slicing through dry hair without tugging. Available in 5.5 and 6.0 inches. Alex, a barbershop owner in Perth: "I use dry cutting scissors from different brands, but I always go back to Yasaka. Quality, trust, and the price is right."
| Model | Handle | Stål | Størrelser | bedst til |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offset | Offset | Hitachi 440C | 5.0-6.0 " | All-round salon work (bestseller) |
| Traditionel | Lige | Hitachi 440C | 4.5-6.0 " | Stylists who prefer classic grip |
| SSS VG10 | Semi-offset | VG10 Kobolt | 5.5 " | Premium daily cutter |
| KM (Crane) | Crane | Cobalt | 5.0-6.0 " | RSI prevention, maximum comfort |
| Tørskæring | Offset | ATS-314 Kobolt | 5.5-6.0 " | Dry cutting specialists |
Yasaka Frisørsaks

Yasaka KM-TOF cutting scissors. Image credit: yasakaseiki.co.jp
Barbers need longer blades for scissor-over-comb work, and Yasaka has built a strong reputation in barbershops across Australia with their 6.5 to 7 inch shears.
Yasaka 7 "Barber Shear — The flagship barber scissor. Cobalt steel, full-length thick blade, offset handle. Built for scissor-over-comb techniques and long-blade cutting. This is the most popular barber scissor we sell from Yasaka.
Yasaka Deluxe K-10 — A premium 7 inch barber shear with a unique handcrafted design and cobalt steel. For barbers who want the best Yasaka har at tilbyde.
Yasaka L 6.5 " — A shorter barber option for those who want the control of a longer blade without going to a full 7 inches. Cobalt steel, good for point cutting and scissor-over-comb.
Yasaka Frisørsæt — A 7 inch cutting shear paired with a 6 inch thinning scissor. John, a barber in Melbourne: "I purchased the Yasaka barber set and have been extremely satisfied. The quality Yasaka delivers to barbers in Australia is excellent for the price."
Yasaka Tyndere saks
Yasaka thinning scissors are known for their soft teeth that leave no visible cutting marks. The comb blade thins hair smoothly and evenly, which is why they are a favourite for stylists who want subtle, undetectable thinning. For a detailed comparison of all three models, read our Yasaka thinning scissors review.
| Model | Tænder | Skæringsforhold | Stål | bedst til |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YS Offset Thinning | 40 | 50% | Hitachi | Heavy thinning, bulk removal |
| YS-30 Fortynding | 30 | ~ 35% | Hitachi | Versatile all-round thinning |
| SA Thinning | 30 | 25% | ATS-314 Kobolt | Subtle texturising, fine hair |
Yasaka Venstrehåndet saks
Finding quality left-handed scissors in Australia is harder than it should be. Yasaka's left-handed model is built on the Traditional handle design, adapted so the blade orientation works correctly in the left hand. Made from Hitachi 440C steel, available in 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 inch sizes.
FuXi, a salon owner in Surrey Hills, Sydney: "I chose Yasaka for my left-handed scissors after a lot of thought. The quality, the trust around the brand, the lightweight design for female hairdressers, and the affordability. It was a confident choice."
If you are left-handed, do not use right-handed scissors in your left hand. The blade geometry is reversed, which causes tugging, poor cutting, and potential hair damage. Read more about choosing left-handed scissors.
Sådan vælger du det rigtige Yasaka Scissor
With this many models, the choice can feel overwhelming. Here is the simplest way to narrow it down:
- Salon stylist, first Yasaka? Start med Yasaka Offset in 5.5 or 6.0 inches. It is the bestseller for a reason.
- Prefer a classic grip? Gå med Yasaka Traditionel in your preferred size.
- Want the best steel? SSS VG10 is the premium choice for a 5.5 inch cutter.
- Barber doing scissor-over-comb? 7 "Barber Shear eller Frisørsæt (cutting + thinning).
- Wrist or shoulder issues? KM Crane Handle offers the most ergonomic cutting position.
- Specialise in dry cutting? Tørskæresaks with ATS-314 cobalt.
- Left-handed? Left-Handed Traditional is your only option, and it is a good one.
For sizing, measure from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your palm. That measurement is your ideal overall scissor length. Most female stylists find 5.5 to 6.0 inches comfortable. Most male barbers prefer 6.0 to 7.0 inches. Read more about how to choose the right scissors.
Hvor kan jeg købe Yasaka Scissors in Australia
Vi arbejder direkte med Yasaka Seiki in Nara, Japan to bring their full range to Australian hairdressers and barbers at the best prices. Every pair comes with a free scissor pouch and is shipped with free Australian delivery.
Gennemse det fulde Yasaka collection here →
Yasaka scissors are also available at our other regional stores:
- Scissor Hub Australia — scissorhub.com.au
- Japan Scissors USA — jpscissors.com
- Japan Scissor Shop Canada — japanscissorshop.com
- Japan Scissors NZ — japanscissors.co.nz
Ofte stillede spørgsmål
Er Yasaka scissors worth the money?
Ja. Yasaka offers genuine Japanese steel and handcrafted quality at $300-600, which is significantly less than comparable brands like Joewell ($600-900) or Mizutani ($800-1,500). For working hairdressers and barbers who cut daily, Yasaka is one of the best value propositions in professional scissors.
Hvor er Yasaka scissors made?
Yasaka scissors are handcrafted in Nara, Japan by Yasaka Seiki Co. Nara is one of Japan's oldest cities and has a long tradition of metalwork and blade craftsmanship. Every pair is made and inspected in their Japanese factory.
What steel do Yasaka scissors use?
Yasaka uses three grades of Japanese stainless steel: Hitachi 440C (entry-premium), VG10 Cobalt from Takefu Special Steel (mid-premium), and ATS-314 Cobalt from Hitachi (top-tier). All are put through sub-zero vacuum treatment for superior hardness and corrosion resistance.
Hvad er den bedste Yasaka scissor for beginners?
Yasaka Offset in 5.5 or 6.0 inches. It is the most popular model for a reason: comfortable offset ergonomics, reliable Hitachi steel, and a forgiving convex edge that suits all cutting techniques. It is also the most affordable model in the range.
Hvor lang tid gør det Yasaka scissors last?
With proper daily maintenance (wiping, oiling, and professional sharpening every 6-12 months), a pair of Yasaka scissors can last 10-20 years of daily salon use. The higher-grade cobalt models tend to hold their edge longer and require less frequent sharpening.
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