The Best Hayashi 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 $800 to $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.

3 Hayashi picks from $800 to $1,600

1. Hayashi MAX67 Replica Cutting Scissors (guide price around $800). Available through the Hayashi retailer network.

2. Hayashi HYS-MAX67 Mark IV Cutting Scissors (guide price around $1600). Available through the Hayashi retailer network.

3. Hayashi HYS-MAX67 Mark IV DRY Cutting Scissors (guide price around $1600). Available through the Hayashi retailer network.

How we chose

The HYS-MAX67 Replica ($800) is the entry point into Hayashi’s flagship steel. The HYS-MAX67 Mark IV ($1,600) and HYS-MAX67 Dry ($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.