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 $140 to $300 in 5.5 to 7.0 inch lengths.
What are the best OBU scissors?
The MINARAI Centurion ($140) is the accessible entry model. The MASUTA Creator ($300) and MASUTA Sage ($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.
Verified Jun 2026
3 OBU picks from $140 to $300
| Attribute | OBU Minarai Centurion Apprentice Scissor OBU | OBU Masuta Creator Hairdressing Scissor OBU | OBU Masuta Sage Hairdressing Scissor OBU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price guide | US$140 | US$300 | US$300 |
| Price tier | Entry-level | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Steel | Unknown | 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 |
| View product | View product | View product |
OBU scissors ranked by guide price
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 $140 to $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.
3 OBU picks from $140 to $300
1. OBU Minarai Centurion Apprentice Scissor (guide price around $140). Available through the OBU retailer network.
2. OBU Masuta Creator Hairdressing Scissor (guide price around $300). Available through the OBU retailer network.
3. OBU Masuta Sage Hairdressing Scissor (guide price around $300). Available through the OBU retailer network.
How we chose
The MINARAI Centurion ($140) is the accessible entry model. The MASUTA Creator ($300) and MASUTA Sage ($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
OBU is based in Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and sells direct at obuscissors.com.
MINARAI (Japanese for apprentice) is OBU’s entry-level range. MASUTA (master) is the professional tier using Japanese steel. The MINARAI Centurion is $140; MASUTA models are $300.