The Best Hayashi Scissors
Hayashi Scissors Co., Ltd. was established in 1992 by Nobuaki Hayashi in Wakayama City. The brand is widely credited with pioneering the hamaguri blade — the convex clamshell edge profile that became the standard for premium Japanese shears. Three models are catalogued at US$800 to US$1,600 in HYS powder steel, up to HRC 67.
Updated
What are the best Hayashi scissors?
The HYS-MAX67 Replica (US$800) is the entry point into Hayashi's flagship steel. The HYS-MAX67 Mark IV (US$1,600) and HYS-MAX67 Dry (US$1,600) are the full flagship variants, the Dry model tuned for dry cutting. Hayashi sells direct with its own sharpening and repair service, and takes custom orders by part.
Hayashi uses proprietary powder steel ground to HRC 67 on the MAX67 line — the 67 in the name denotes the Rockwell hardness. The hamaguri edge Hayashi pioneered produces smooth slicing with reduced friction compared to stepped European profiles. Hayashi serves around 3,000 clients in Japan with overseas sales in Korea, Taiwan, and Shanghai.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | Pick 1 Hayashi MAX67 Replica Cutting Scissors Hayashi | Pick 2 Hayashi HYS-MAX67 Mark IV Cutting Scissors Hayashi | Pick 3 Hayashi HYS-MAX67 Mark IV DRY Cutting Scissors Hayashi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price band | US$800Price band US$800+ · Luxury | US$1,600Price band US$800+ · Luxury | US$1,600Price band US$800+ · Luxury |
| Made in | Japan | Japan | Japan |
| Handle | Offset | Offset | Offset |
| Blade type | Hamaguri (clamshell) convex edge | Hamaguri (clamshell) convex edge | Hamaguri (clamshell) convex edge, dry-cut optimized |
| Sizes (in) | 5.5· 6.0 | 5.7· 6.2 | 5.7· 6.2 |
| Product links | View product | View product | View product |
3 Hayashi picks from US$800 to US$1,600
- 1Hayashi
Hayashi MAX67 Replica Cutting Scissors
- Cobalt Special Alloy
- Offset handle
- Hamaguri (clamshell) convex edge blade
Available through the Hayashi retailer network.
View Hayashi MAX67 Replica Cutting Scissors - 2Hayashi
Hayashi HYS-MAX67 Mark IV Cutting Scissors
- Powder High-Speed Steel (HRC 67)
- Offset handle
- Hamaguri (clamshell) convex edge blade
Available through the Hayashi retailer network.
View Hayashi HYS-MAX67 Mark IV Cutting Scissors - 3Hayashi
Hayashi HYS-MAX67 Mark IV DRY Cutting Scissors
- Powder High-Speed Steel (HRC 67)
- Offset handle
- Hamaguri (clamshell) convex edge, dry-cut optimized blade
Available through the Hayashi retailer network.
View Hayashi HYS-MAX67 Mark IV DRY Cutting Scissors
The Hayashi range
Hayashi Scissors Co., Ltd. was established in 1992 by Nobuaki Hayashi in Wakayama City. The brand is widely credited with pioneering the hamaguri blade — the convex clamshell edge profile that became the standard for premium Japanese shears. Three models are catalogued at US$800 to US$1,600 in HYS powder steel, up to HRC 67.
Hayashi uses proprietary powder steel ground to HRC 67 on the MAX67 line — the 67 in the name denotes the Rockwell hardness. The hamaguri edge Hayashi pioneered produces smooth slicing with reduced friction compared to stepped European profiles. Hayashi serves around 3,000 clients in Japan with overseas sales in Korea, Taiwan, and Shanghai.
How we chose
The HYS-MAX67 Replica (US$800) is the entry point into Hayashi’s flagship steel. The HYS-MAX67 Mark IV (US$1,600) and HYS-MAX67 Dry (US$1,600) are the full flagship variants, the Dry model tuned for dry cutting. Hayashi sells direct with its own sharpening and repair service, and takes custom orders by part. Hayashi uses proprietary powder steel ground to HRC 67 on the MAX67 line — the 67 in the name denotes the Rockwell hardness. The hamaguri edge Hayashi pioneered produces smooth slicing with reduced friction compared to stepped European profiles. Hayashi serves around 3,000 clients in Japan with overseas sales in Korea, Taiwan, and Shanghai. Guide prices are at time of writing; confirm current figures and availability directly with the brand or its authorised retailers. Sets and left-handed models where listed separately are not included here.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 answers you can open one at a timeWho pioneered the hamaguri convex edge?
Hayashi Scissors is widely credited with pioneering the hamaguri blade, the clamshell convex edge profile that became the standard for premium Japanese shears. See the hamaguri reference page for the full background.
What steel do Hayashi scissors use?
Hayashi uses proprietary HYS powder steel ground to up to HRC 67 on the MAX67 series, the hardness rating that appears in the model names.
How much do Hayashi scissors cost?
The Replica is US$800; the Mark IV and Dry variants of the MAX67 are both US$1,600.