The Best TSUBAME Scissors
TSUBAME's published history says the brand was founded in 2001 in Tsubame, Niigata Prefecture, by craftspeople from the region. Four picks here run from US$350 to US$500, covering two cutting models, a VG-1 thinning model, and a ceramic-blade model at the top of the range. Confirm current specifications and origin on the exact product page.
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What are the best TSUBAME scissors?
The Matsu Series, around US$350, is a VG-1 steel cutting scissor with a straight cutting edge, available in 5.5 and 6.0 inch. The Slim Series, also around US$350, is a slim and thin-bladed cutting scissor described for fine-detail work, in 5.5 and 6.0 inch. The Ray Series, around US$350, is TSUBAME's 6.0-inch VG-1 thinning model. The Ceramic 60M, around US$500, pairs a ceramic blade with a steel blade and is listed in 6.0 inch.
The Matsu and Slim are both cutting scissors in the US$350 tier, differing in blade form — the Matsu has a straight cutting edge, while the Slim uses a thinner blade profile. Both use offset handles and are available in 5.5 and 6.0 inch. The Ray Series is the thinning option at the same guide price and is listed in VG-1 steel. The Ceramic 60M is the Master Collection option with one ceramic blade, at 6.0 inch. These are catalogue descriptions, not comparative performance test results; confirm the current model and origin details before buying.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | Pick 1 Tsubame Matsu Series Cutting Scissors TSUBAME | Pick 2 Tsubame Slim Series Cutting Scissors TSUBAME | Pick 3 Tsubame Ray Series Thinning Scissors TSUBAME | Pick 4 Tsubame Ceramic 60M Series Cutting Scissors TSUBAME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price band | US$350Price band US$200–400 · Mid-range | US$350Price band US$200–400 · Mid-range | US$350Price band US$200–400 · Mid-range | US$500Price band US$400–800 · Premium |
| Steel | VG-1 Japanese Steel | Not listed | VG-1 Japanese Steel | Ceramic / Japanese Steel hybrid |
| Made in | Japan | Japan | Japan | Japan |
| Handle | Offset | Offset | Offset | Offset |
| Sizes (in) | 5.5· 6.0 | 5.5· 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Product links | View product | View product | View product | View product |
Four TSUBAME picks from US$350 to US$500
- 1TSUBAME
Tsubame Matsu Series Cutting Scissors
- VG-1 Japanese Steel
- Offset handle
- 5.5 · 6.0″
TSUBAME’s VG-1 Japanese steel cutting scissor with a straight cutting edge and offset handle. The Matsu’s straight blade geometry is suited to precise, clean-line cuts. Available in 5.5 and 6.0 inch. Available through TSUBAME Scissors and HIEN.
View Tsubame Matsu Series Cutting Scissors - 2TSUBAME
Tsubame Slim Series Cutting Scissors
- Japanese Steel
- Offset handle
- 5.5 · 6.0″
TSUBAME’s slim-profile cutting scissor with a thin, lightweight blade designed for fine-hair margin work. The reduced blade thickness and weight are intended to cut finger fatigue during extended sessions. Available in 5.5 and 6.0 inch. Available through TSUBAME Scissors and HIEN.
View Tsubame Slim Series Cutting Scissors - 3TSUBAME
Tsubame Ray Series Thinning Scissors
- VG-1 Japanese Steel
- Offset handle
- 6.0″
TSUBAME’s 6.0-inch VG-1 thinning scissor using a linear shear technique for rapid volume adjustment and texturizing. The Ray Series is the thinning model in the core TSUBAME range, at the same guide price as the Matsu and Slim cutting models. Available through TSUBAME Scissors and HIEN.
View Tsubame Ray Series Thinning Scissors - 4TSUBAME
Tsubame Ceramic 60M Series Cutting Scissors
- Ceramic / Japanese Steel hybrid
- Offset handle
- 6.0″
TSUBAME’s Master Collection cutting scissor with one ceramic blade and one steel blade. The brand describes the ceramic construction in terms of cutting feel and edge retention; no controlled comparison is stated here. Available in 6.0 inch only. Available through TSUBAME Scissors and HIEN.
View Tsubame Ceramic 60M Series Cutting Scissors
TSUBAME — Niigata metalworking tradition
TSUBAME was founded in 2001 by craftsmen from Tsubame, a city in Niigata Prefecture that the brand describes as having roughly 300 years of metalworking history. The Tsubame and Sanjo area of Niigata is a concentrated Japanese metalworking region, producing everything from kitchen knives to industrial tools. TSUBAME Scissors draws on that local expertise.
The brand covers cutting and thinning scissors, with specialties including weaving, slide cutting, and slice cutting. Four picks here span US$350 to US$500, in VG-1 and Japanese steel with a ceramic-hybrid top tier, all made in Japan.
How we chose
The four picks cover the qualifying TSUBAME catalogue. The Matsu and Slim are the two cutting options at US$350, each with a distinct blade form; the Ray Series is the US$350 thinning model; and the Ceramic 60M is the premium tier at US$500. The 420A 6-Piece set is excluded as it is a set product. Guide prices move; confirm current figures before buying.
The wider TSUBAME catalogue
TSUBAME also offers a 6-piece starter set (the 420A 6-Piece Set) for stylists building a first kit. For the full current range including specifications and availability, the TSUBAME brand page on ScissorPedia and the official website at tsubamescissors.com are the authoritative sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 answers you can open one at a timeWhere are TSUBAME scissors made?
TSUBAME scissors are made in Tsubame, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The brand was founded in 2001 by craftsmen from the city, which has roughly 300 years of metalworking tradition. TSUBAME also runs a US operation in El Monte, California for domestic ordering and support.
What steel does TSUBAME use?
The product pages list VG-1 for the Matsu Series and Ray Series, broader Japanese-steel wording for the Slim Series, and a ceramic-and-steel blade pairing for the Ceramic 60M. Confirm the exact material wording on the current page; the material label alone does not establish comparative edge life.
What is the Ceramic 60M?
The Ceramic 60M is listed in TSUBAME’s Master Collection with one ceramic blade and one steel blade. The brand markets the construction around cutting feel and edge retention, but this page has no controlled comparison with the all-steel models. It is listed in 6.0 inch at a guide price around US$500.
What is the difference between the Matsu and the Slim Series?
Both are VG-1 or Japanese steel cutting scissors in 5.5 and 6.0 inch at a US$350 guide price. The Matsu uses a straight cutting edge suited to precise, clean line cutting. The Slim uses a thinner, lighter blade profile designed for fine-hair margin work and reduced hand fatigue during extended sessions.
Where can I buy TSUBAME scissors?
Through the official TSUBAME Scissors website at tsubamescissors.com, and in Japan through HIEN and Hasami House. TSUBAME’s El Monte, California address provides a domestic US ordering option.