The landscape in 2025
Australia has no shortage of companies selling shears, but only a dozen Japanese makers consistently deliver the metallurgy, ergonomics, and after-sales support professionals need. This guide narrows the field to those brands, showing where each excels and how to match them to your chair. We buy, test, and service these tools ourselves-there are no affiliate schemes or paid placements influencing the picks.
Summary table
| Brand | Tier | Ideal for | Stand-out traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mizutani | Premium | Precision stylists, advanced dry cutters | Nano Powder Metal steels, bespoke balancing |
| Hikari | Premium | Slide-cut specialists | Silkiest convex edges, dual-bearing pivots |
| Kasho | Premium | All-round professionals wanting consistency | Disc Operation System, KAI manufacturing discipline |
| Fuji MoreZ | Premium | Barbers needing sword blades and long-term support | Hand-lapped edges, factory servicing |
| Yamato | Premium | Stylists managing high volume with ergonomic demands | Air Balanced handles, cryogenic tempering |
| Joewell | Professional | Salon teams needing dependable workhorses | Massive catalogue, easy servicing |
| Yasaka | Professional | Everyday cutters upgrading from entry-tier kits | ATS-314 steel, balanced weight |
| Juntetsu | Professional | Value seekers chasing VG-10 edges | Japan-direct supply, range of finishes |
| Kamisori | Professional | Creative stylists wanting bold aesthetics | Titanium coatings, swivel options |
| Hattori Hanzo | Professional | Stylists who prefer in-salon demos and lifetime service | Rep network, lifetime sharpening |
| Ichiro | Value | Apprentices and backup kits | Bundled sets, inspection slips |
| Mina | Value | Training programs and mobile stylists | Affordable kits with matching thinners |
Premium brands ($1,000+ AUD)
Mizutani
Mizutani hand-builds every pair in Tokyo, leveraging proprietary alloys such as Nano Powder Metal. Expect long edge life, near-frictionless travel, and custom handles that can be bent to your grip. Ideal for senior stylists chasing surgical precision. Sharpen through Mizutani-authorised technicians only.
Hikari
If slide cutting is your signature, Hikari delivers the smoothest glide on the market. Cobalt alloys, dual-bearing pivots, and meticulous ride-line polishing reduce drag. Pair with a more rigid shear for blunt work.
Kasho (KAI Group)
Kasho balances surgical-grade steels with ergonomic handles that suit a wide audience. The Disc Operation System keeps tension consistent, making these a favourite for teams that share tools across shifts.
Fuji MoreZ
Swordsmith heritage shines through the GGF and GF lines: hand-lapped edges, offset handles, and responsive factory servicing. These shears feel slightly weighty, which barbers love for controlled power.
Yamato
Kouho’s flagship blends ATS-314 steel with Air Balanced handles to reduce fatigue. The Royal and Cobalt series remain staples for stylists who cut 30+ clients a week and need reliable comfort.
Professional brands ($400-$1,000 AUD)
Joewell
More than 50 active models mean you can match handle style, length, and finish to almost any preference. Supreme Stainless and cobalt variants balance durability with easy sharpening-perfect for busy salons.
Yasaka
Forged in Nara from ATS-314, Yasaka’s offset range is the definition of dependable. Clean convex edges, lightweight feel, and ready access to Australian sharpeners make it the go-to upgrade from entry-level kits.
Juntetsu
Japan-direct VG-10 shears at mid-tier pricing. Offset, sword, and swivel models give you room to experiment without breaking the bank. Ideal for stylists stepping up quality while keeping cash flow intact.
Kamisori
Canadian-run, Japanese-forged shears with bold styling. Black Diamond and Frost models combine cobalt steels, titanium coatings, and comfortable offsets. Great for creators who want performance and personality.
Hattori Hanzo
Their sales-first model is not for everyone, but lifetime servicing and on-site demos can be valuable. Cobalt blends provide solid edge life; just budget for turnaround time when shears go in for maintenance.
Value brands ($200-$400 AUD)
Ichiro
Entry-to-pro bundles featuring VG-10 or 440C steel, matching thinners, and inspection slips. Perfect for apprentices logging hundreds of practice cuts. The Matte Black set remains a mobile stylist favourite.
Mina
Training-focused kits with friendly ergonomics and reliable QC. The Timeless set offers a brushed finish that hides wear; Sakura and Black Diamond add colour-coded coatings for easy station allocation.
How to choose the right brand
- Map your workload: List the services you perform most (precision bobs, balayage, fades). Pick a brand whose signature line supports those tasks.
- Check sharpening access: Premium brands often require factory servicing. Confirm turnaround times so you are not left without tools during peak weeks.
- Assess ergonomics: Try handles before you commit-offset suits most, crane helps RSI, swivel demands retraining but can relieve chronic pain.
- Verify authenticity: Ask for serial numbers, inspection slips, and local distributor details. Counterfeits are common whenever pricing looks too good to be true.
- Plan for a support shear: Even with premium tools, pair them with a secondary shear tuned for different work (e.g. rigid barber blade plus soft slide cutter).
Maintenance cadence by tier
- Premium: 8-12 months between factory-level services, provided you clean and oil daily.
- Professional: 6-9 months via reputable Japanese-trained sharpeners.
- Value: 4-6 months, especially if the shears are in apprentice rotation.
Final word
Focus on a brand that aligns with your technique, budget, and service ecosystem. The 12 listed above have proven they can support Australian professionals long-term. If you are still unsure, send through your current kit and we will recommend the best next step.