Introduction
Yamato is Kouho’s flagship brand, forged in Nara by artisans who spend years perfecting their grind. The name is synonymous with steady balance, reliable edge life, and ergonomics that let you work sunrise to sundown. You will not find marketing hype or affiliate angles here — just a working professional’s appraisal to help you decide if Yamato belongs in your kit.
Heritage & Manufacturing
Kouho has produced salon shears since 1932. Unlike many factories that specialise in either handles or blades, Kouho does everything under one roof. Steel billets are forged and hammered to align the microscopic grain, then hot-pressed into rough shapes. Each blade undergoes vacuum heat treatment for uniform hardness, followed by cryogenic tempering to remove stress. Senior grinders shape the hollow on Japanese water stones before finishing the convex edge on felt wheels. Pivot screws are custom machined and matched to each pair to ensure a smooth close. Every shear is test-cut on mannequin hair and synthetic fibre before leaving the factory.
Technology & Materials
Yamato primarily uses cobalt alloys and ATS-314 steel. The combination gives edge retention without excessive weight. Many models incorporate Kouho’s Air Balanced System, a design tweak that redistributes weight toward the pivot to reduce wrist fatigue. Handle options run from classic offset to pronounced crane, plus a soft-swivel series for stylists fighting RSI. The tension system varies: some models use a flat screw with micro-adjustments, while higher-end shears feature an internal clicker so you can feel each quarter-turn.
Key Innovations
- Air Balanced handles: Lower the centre of gravity to ease lengthy scissor-over-comb sessions.
- Cobalt ATS-314 blend: Holds a 60-61 HRC hardness without becoming brittle.
- Micro-adjust pivots: Help you dial in tension without risking over-tightening.
Model Range
| Series | Focus | Sizes | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal | Premium salon work | 5.0”-6.5” | Mirror polish, Air Balanced handle, smooth click tension |
| Cobalt | Everyday all-rounder | 5.5”-7.0” | Slightly heavier spine for durability |
| Swivel | RSI-friendly cutting | 5.5”-6.0” | Rotating thumb for neutral wrist posture |
| Barber Sword | Classic barbering | 6.5”-7.5” | Long sword blades with offset handle |
Thinning shears cover 12 to 40 teeth, with ergonomic handles mirroring the cutting counterparts. Australian importers often bring in the Royal and Cobalt series; Swivel and Barber Sword models are available through special order or sharpening partners.
Professional Fit
- High-volume stylists: Royal series keeps a consistent feel through endless clients.
- Barbers: Barber Sword line offers length and rigidity for clean taper work.
- Stylists rehabbing wrist pain: Swivel handles drop elbow height and reduce forearm rotation.
- Salon owners: Cobalt series provides a durable, premium tool for senior staff without custom pricing.
If you seek ultra-soft glide for dry sculpting, consider pairing Yamato with Hikari. Yamato thrives on dependable action and ergonomic support.
Maintenance Requirements
Clean and dry the blades after each client. Lubricate the pivot daily—Yamato supplies oil with every pair. Their steels hold an edge 9-12 months in full-time service, but barbers performing scissor-over-comb on coarse hair may need sharpening closer to the nine-month mark. Use authorised Kouho technicians; incorrect hollow grinding changes the pressure point and ruins the Air Balanced effect. When transporting, lock blades closed with a protective wrap to avoid nicks, and log each service so the factory team can mirror the feel at the next tune-up.
Authenticity Verification
Authentic Yamato shears ship with a black presentation box, gold-stamped certificate, and a serial number etched under the handle. You should also receive a Kouho warranty card with Japanese and English text. Verify serials through Kouho’s Australian partner before buying from secondary markets. Red flags include plastic clamshell packaging, absence of a warranty card, and tension screws without the Kouho crest. Counterfeits are usually lighter and have rough inside ride lines.
Honest Assessment
Pros
- Ergonomic focus reduces fatigue for long cutting days.
- Edge stability suits both salon and barber environments.
- Reliable access to authorised servicing within Australia.
Cons
- Slightly heavier than Mizutani or Hikari — consider if you prefer featherlight blades.
- Limited customisation; colours and finishes stay conservative.
- Swivel models can feel unfamiliar; expect a learning curve.
Choose Yamato if your priority is dependable Japanese engineering that supports all-day cutting without flaring up your wrist. Pair with a lighter, ultra-fine shear if you do significant dry detailing.