The Best OBU Scissors
OBU is an Australian scissor brand based in Port Melbourne. It divides its range into two lines: MINARAI for entry-level buyers and MASUTA for experienced professionals in Japanese steel. Three cutting models run US$140 to US$300 in 5.5 to 7.0 inch lengths.
Updated
What are the best OBU scissors?
The MINARAI Centurion (US$140) is the accessible entry model. The MASUTA Creator (US$300) and MASUTA Sage (US$300) are the professional-tier pair, both in Japanese steel at the same price. OBU sells direct at obuscissors.com with a 7-day exchange or refund window.
OBU positions its split naming system as a practical signal: MINARAI (Japanese for apprentice) marks the affordable range, MASUTA (master) marks the professional tier. The brand focuses on keeping the catalogue tight, which it describes as simplifying the buying decision for working stylists.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | Pick 1 OBU Minarai Centurion Apprentice Scissor OBU | Pick 2 OBU Masuta Creator Hairdressing Scissor OBU | Pick 3 OBU Masuta Sage Hairdressing Scissor OBU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price band | US$140Price band US$100–200 · Entry-level | US$300Price band US$200–400 · Mid-range | US$300Price band US$200–400 · Mid-range |
| Steel | Not listed | Japanese 440C (Silver Masuta) | Japanese 440C (Silver Masuta) |
| Made in | Japan | Japan | Japan |
| Handle | Offset | Offset | Offset |
| Blade type | Convex | Convex | Convex |
| Sizes (in) | 5.5 | 5.5· 6.0 | 5.5· 6.0· 7.0 |
| Product links | View product | View product | View product |
3 OBU picks from US$140 to US$300
- 1OBU
OBU Minarai Centurion Apprentice Scissor
- Silver Minarai Steel
- Offset handle
- Convex blade
Available through the OBU retailer network.
View OBU Minarai Centurion Apprentice Scissor - 2OBU
OBU Masuta Creator Hairdressing Scissor
- Japanese 440C (Silver Masuta)
- Offset handle
- Convex blade
Available through the OBU retailer network.
View OBU Masuta Creator Hairdressing Scissor - 3OBU
OBU Masuta Sage Hairdressing Scissor
- Japanese 440C (Silver Masuta)
- Offset handle
- Convex blade
Available through the OBU retailer network.
View OBU Masuta Sage Hairdressing Scissor
The OBU range
OBU is an Australian scissor brand based in Port Melbourne. It divides its range into two lines: MINARAI for entry-level buyers and MASUTA for experienced professionals in Japanese steel. Three cutting models run US$140 to US$300 in 5.5 to 7.0 inch lengths.
OBU positions its split naming system as a practical signal: MINARAI (Japanese for apprentice) marks the affordable range, MASUTA (master) marks the professional tier. The brand focuses on keeping the catalogue tight, which it describes as simplifying the buying decision for working stylists.
How we chose
The MINARAI Centurion (US$140) is the accessible entry model. The MASUTA Creator (US$300) and MASUTA Sage (US$300) are the professional-tier pair, both in Japanese steel at the same price. OBU sells direct at obuscissors.com with a 7-day exchange or refund window. OBU positions its split naming system as a practical signal: MINARAI (Japanese for apprentice) marks the affordable range, MASUTA (master) marks the professional tier. The brand focuses on keeping the catalogue tight, which it describes as simplifying the buying decision for working stylists. 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 timeWhere is OBU based?
OBU is based in Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and sells direct at obuscissors.com.
What is the difference between MINARAI and MASUTA?
MINARAI (Japanese for apprentice) is OBU’s entry-level range. MASUTA (master) is the professional tier using Japanese steel. The MINARAI Centurion is US$140; MASUTA models are US$300.
How much do OBU scissors cost?
The three OBU cutting picks run from around US$140 for the MINARAI Centurion to around US$300 for the MASUTA Creator and MASUTA Sage.