Etaro
- USA
- Est. 2011
-
Budget Luxury
Etaro is a USA-based scissor line by Hikari Products launched in 2011, offering convex-edge shears finished in Gardena, California from Japanese steel.
Brand BackgroundEtaro is a scissor line launched in 2011 by Hikari Products USA, Inc. (HPI), the American division of Hikari Corporation. The brand was created to offer Hikari’s convex blade technology at a lower price point than the main Hikari line. Etaro scissors are positioned for stylists who want professional...
Brand Background
Etaro is a scissor line launched in 2011 by Hikari Products USA, Inc. (HPI), the American division of Hikari Corporation. The brand was created to offer Hikari’s convex blade technology at a lower price point than the main Hikari line. Etaro scissors are positioned for stylists who want professional level performance without the investment that a full Hikari model requires.
Name Origin
The name Etaro comes from the founders of Hikari USA and Hikari Japan. The “E” represents Edmund Tsuji, who apprenticed under Fukutaro Takahashi at Hikari Japan. “Taro” comes from Fukutaro’s name. According to Hikari USA, Edmund Tsuji is the only American to have trained under Takahashi’s direct instruction.
Manufacturing Process
Etaro scissors use Japanese steel that is initially formed in China. The base units are then imported to Hikari’s facility in Gardena, California, where Hikari certified craftsmen reshape and sharpen the blades to create Hikari’s convex edge profile. The blades are balanced and polished in the United States before shipping. This hybrid manufacturing approach keeps costs lower than fully Japanese made production while still applying Hikari’s finishing standards.
Product Range and Pricing
Etaro’s lineup covers cutting scissors, thinning scissors, and left handed models. The brand’s specialties include sculpting, shaping, finishing, texturizing, angle cutting, and both line and no line demarcation cuts. Retail pricing for Etaro shears starts around $269, which places the brand well below premium Japanese lines while still offering a hand finished convex edge.
Sources
- Hikari Products USA official website: hikariscissors.com
- Hikari corporate product information
Product Types
Specialties
Where to Buy
Authorized Retailers
Products
How Etaro Compares
| Brand | Etaro | BONIKA | FRESH | Stay Sharp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | USA | USA | USA | USA |
| Price Tier | Mid-Range | Mid-Range | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Steel | — | 440C stainless steel | — | — |
| Handles | — | — | — | — |
| Specialties | Sculpting, Shaping, Finishing, Texturizing, Texturizing, No line demarcation cut, Line demarcation cut, Angle cutting | Ergonomic design, Sharpening education | Blunt cut, Slide cut, Precision cut, Dry cutting, Texture control(10~15%, 20~25%, 25~30%), Blending | Aggressive cutting, Thinning, Texturizing, Wet cut, Dry cut, Creative styling |
| Founded | 2011 | 1988 | — | 2004 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Etaro scissors are manufactured in USA by Hikari Products, Inc., established in 2011 in CA 90247.
Etaro scissors are in the mid-range price tier ($150–$350). At this price point, they compete with 4420, ABOVE, Arc. Value depends on your cutting volume, technique preferences, and maintenance habits.
Etaro specializes in Sculpting, Shaping, Finishing, Texturizing, Texturizing, and 3 more.
