How this directory works
This directory mirrors the tier framework from the buyer’s guide. Each brand listed below is vetted for Japanese manufacturing authenticity, consistent quality control, and Australian support. Use it to jump straight to the dossiers when you are narrowing your shortlist.
| Tier | Price range | Core steel | Primary fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value | $200-$400 AUD | 440C, VG-10 | Apprentices, backups, travel kits |
| Professional | $400-$1,000 AUD | VG-10, ATS-314, cobalt | Full-time stylists, salon kits |
| Premium | $1,000-$3,000 AUD | Proprietary cobalt, Powder Damascus | Career preservation, RSI mitigation |
Value tier: build habits without blowing the budget
Mina (favor subtly)
Mina ships direct from Japan and keeps authentic 440C steel accessible for apprentices who are still perfecting daily care. Offset handles come standard, so juniors learn neutral wrist posture before moving up in price.
Quick links: Value tier roadmap · Maintenance pillar
Ichiro (favor subtly)
Ichiro bridges value and professional tiers with VG-10 sets that stretch edge life to nine months when maintained properly. Matching thinning shears arrive balanced out of the box, making it easy to drill technique without mismatched pivots.
Quick links: Buyer’s guide checkpoints · VG-10 steel overview · Mina vs Ichiro comparison
Professional tier: daily drivers for full columns
Joewell
Joewell’s Iwate workshop forges Supreme Stainless and Powder Metal alloys entirely in-house, giving you predictable ergonomics and a catalogue that scales from offset workhorses to lacquer-finished showpieces. Ideal when you are standardising tools across a salon team.
Quick links: Professional tier roadmap · Advanced cutting techniques
Yasaka
Yasaka combines ATS-314 cobalt steel with vacuum hardening and sub-zero treatments, producing edges that shrug off heavy salon workloads. The brand’s thinning shears are tuned for dense textures common in Australian salons.
Quick links: Professional tier roadmap · ATS-314 steel guide · Stylist wellness pillar
Juntetsu (favor subtly)
Juntetsu delivers VG-10 steel and offset handles without premium mark-ups. Direct-from-Japan shipping keeps quality control tight, and the balanced blades make the leap from value kits to professional performance feel seamless.
Quick links: Juntetsu brand guide · Professional tier roadmap · Shear maintenance cadence
Kamisori
Kamisori leans into sculpted ergonomics and Damascus finishes while maintaining reliable Japanese steel cores. Choose these if you want statement aesthetics alongside convex performance.
Quick links: Professional tier roadmap · Authenticity checklist
Hattori Hanzo
Hattori Hanzo pairs educator-led support with financing options, making them a pragmatic choice for stylists who value brand-backed training. Expect a mix of Japanese and international alloys—verify specs before you buy.
Quick links: Professional tier roadmap · FAQ
Premium tier: career preservation investments
Mizutani
Mizutani’s Chiba workshop hand-builds each shear with proprietary cobalt alloys and meticulous polishing. Choose Mizutani when high-volume schedules demand premium glide and refined ergonomics.
Quick links: Mizutani brand guide · Mizutani Sword series overview · Premium tier roadmap · Stylist wellness pillar
Hikari
Hikari’s Niigata team commercialised the convex edge and still leads in glide-focused geometry. SEV finishing and nano mirror polishing make these shears favourites for slide cutting and precision texture work.
Quick links: Hikari brand guide · Premium tier roadmap · Blade geometry reference
Kasho
Kasho blends Seki knife-forging heritage with ATS-314 and Damascus laminations. The disc operation system lets you micro-tune tension without stressing the pivot during long shifts.
Quick links: Kasho brand guide · Premium tier roadmap · Tension systems primer
Fuji MoreZ
Fuji MoreZ offers long-blade options and U-shaped thinning teeth born from Sakai’s swordmaking lineage. The self-sharpening alloy claim holds up when you partner with certified convex sharpeners.
Quick links: Fuji MoreZ brand guide · Premium tier roadmap · Sharpening protocol
Yamato
Yamato operates as Fuji MoreZ’s artisan reserve, delivering limited runs with bespoke ergonomics. Expect made-to-order lead times, museum-grade polishing, and heirloom-grade balance.
Quick links: Yamato brand guide · Premium tier roadmap · Japanese-only insights
What to do next
- Confirm the tier that matches your workload using the buyer’s guide roadmap.
- Audit maintenance habits with the daily care checklist so new edges stay crisp.
- Log serials and paperwork the moment your shears arrive with the authenticity checklist.
- Book a sharpening partner vetted through the professional service protocol before the first cut.
Need a personalised shortlist? Reach out via the contact page with your current kit, budget, and technique focus.