Why the Sword series matters
Mizutani’s Sword line is the brand’s dedicated answer for barbers and stylists who need reach, stability, and premium glide. Public product literature highlights a forged spine that runs through the blade (“sword back”) for strength, paired with proprietary alloys such as Extramarise II cobalt and Nano Powder Metal®. The result is a family of shears that maintain alignment on long strokes while delivering the glassy close Mizutani is known for.
At a glance:
- Blade profile: Reinforced “sword” spine for torsional rigidity.
- Steels: Extramarise II cobalt alloys in most models; Nano Powder Metal® (NPM) in Sword MB.
- Length range: 5.7” to 7.0” depending on model, with offset and crane handles.
- Ideal fit: Barbers running scissor-over-comb, stylists performing dry slice/detail work, educators demonstrating premium handling.
Key models (publicly listed)
| Model | Steel | Handle | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sword Wood | Extramarise II cobalt alloy | Offset | Wooden inlay handle, 6.0”–7.0”, designed for barbers seeking smooth power strokes |
| Sword D-17 (or equivalent) | Extramarise II cobalt alloy | Crane | Slim blades with reinforced spine for salon precision work |
| Sword MB | Nano Powder Metal® | Offset | NPM core for ultra-low drag in dry cutting and detailing |
| Sword Swivel variants | Extramarise II cobalt alloy | Swivel | Combines sword spine stability with wrist-friendly swivel handles |
Sources: Mizutani global product pages; authorised retailer descriptions (Japan Scissors, JP Scissors, Barber Scissors).
How it feels on the floor
- Torsional stability: The sword spine keeps the blade from flexing during scissor-over-comb and long strokes, so your cutting line stays predictable.
- Edge glide: Extramarise II and NPM steels deliver the silky close stylists expect from Mizutani—slide cutting and dry detailing remain effortless.
- Handle variety: Offset, crane, and swivel options let you match the ergonomics in the Stylist Wellness hub without sacrificing power.
- Presentation: Premium cases and documentation reinforce the professional positioning, which can be valuable in education or premium service environments.
Buying considerations for Australian professionals
- Model length: Select 6.5”–7.0” for barbering; choose 5.7”–6.2” when you need salon agility.
- Steel selection: If you spend most of your time on dry precision, the Sword MB’s Nano Powder Metal® core will hold glide the longest. For mixed wet/dry service, Extramarise II offers durability with a touch more forgiveness.
- Handle preference: Crane handles reduce wrist lift; swivel models add articulation but keep the sword spine’s stability.
- Maintenance partners: These alloys require cobalt/powder-aware technicians. Align with a specialist listed in the sharpening guide before purchasing.
- Lead times: Sword models often ship direct from Japan. Confirm availability with authorised Australian retailers and factor in extended delivery windows.
Maintenance tips
- Follow the Maintenance hub routine: wipe, dry, oil, and track tension adjustments after each shift.
- Schedule sharpening roughly every 9–12 months (earlier for heavy dry cutting) with a Mizutani-certified or cobalt/powder-capable technician.
- Store in padded cases and avoid cutting pins or clips—rigid Sword edges can chip if mistreated.
- Log serials and service notes to maintain warranty coverage and resale value.
Ready to compare?
- Review the broader Mizutani brand guide to understand how Sword fits within the catalogue.
- Explore premium alternatives in the Brands Directory if you’re weighing Hikari or Kasho options.
- Benchmark steels via the ATS-314, cobalt alloy, Nano Powder Metal, and Powder Damascus explainers.
- Contact trusted Australian retailers (Japan Scissors, JP Scissors, Barber Scissors) for pricing, bundles, and educator demos.
Need personalised guidance? Share your current toolkit and client mix through the contact page and we’ll help match the right Sword model to your workflow.