Joewell

Tokosha has made cutting tools in Tokyo since 1917, and Joewell has been its professional scissor name since 1975. The 41 Joewell models catalogued here run 4.5 to 7.0 inches, from CBA-1 cobalt alloy flagships to supreme stainless workhorses, with guide prices between $227 and $800. Three left-handed pairs sit alongside the standard range.

History and Background

Joewell is the professional scissor brand of Tokosha Co., Ltd., founded in 1917 in Tokyo, Japan. With over 100 years of continuous operation, Joewell is one of the oldest dedicated hair scissor manufacturers still active today. The company headquarters remain in the Honkomagome district of Bunkyo ward, Tokyo.

Steel Tiers

Joewell organizes its scissors into three steel tiers. The top tier uses Powder Metal Alloy, produced through powder metallurgy for fine grain structure and edge retention. The middle tier uses Cobalt Base Alloy. The entry tier uses Special Stainless Steel.

The Cobalt series is notable for its hardness rating of 57 to 59 HRC. This is lower than Joewell’s standard stainless models, which reach 62 to 63 HRC. This may seem counterintuitive. However, Joewell states that the cobalt alloy wears differently than standard stainless steel. According to the company, the cobalt blade maintains its sharpness longer due to the specific way the edge erodes during use, even though the steel is technically softer on the Rockwell scale.

Manufacturing Process

Joewell’s production involves heating steel above 1000 degrees Celsius during forging, followed by ice hardening to minus 80 degrees Celsius. This extreme temperature range transforms the steel’s crystalline structure. The sub zero quench step is designed to convert retained austenite into martensite, which increases edge stability.

All Joewell models are ungezahnt, meaning non serrated with smooth blade edges. This is a deliberate design choice. Smooth blades enable slicing and slide cutting techniques that serrated edges cannot perform cleanly. Serrated blades grip hair and force a chopping action. Smooth convex blades allow hair to glide along the edge, giving the stylist more control over movement and texture.

Nickel Sensitivity and Titanium Options

Joewell specifies that the nickel content in its stainless steel models stays below 0.6%. This is relevant for stylists and clients with nickel allergies, as prolonged skin contact with higher nickel content metals can trigger contact dermatitis. See our Nickel Allergy Awareness guide for more on this topic.

For stylists with severe nickel sensitivity, Joewell offers titanium coated models. The titanium layer creates a barrier between the steel and the user’s skin, effectively eliminating direct nickel contact while preserving the blade properties of the underlying steel.

Design Philosophy

Joewell’s master craftsmen hand finish each scissor. The company positions itself as focused on diverse cutting needs, producing models for blunt cutting, slide cutting, volume control, texture control, and combined cut and thin techniques. The brand has maintained its Tokyo manufacturing base throughout its history, and its product line reflects a commitment to the smooth blade tradition that defines Japanese scissor making.

URUSHI Series

Joewell also produces an URUSHI series. Urushi (漆) is traditional Japanese lacquer, and these models feature lacquered handles that combine functional grip with a distinctive aesthetic. The URUSHI line sits at the top of Joewell’s range, reflecting the company’s willingness to blend craft traditions outside of metalwork into their shear design.

See Also

Best Joewell scissors →

Where to Buy

Chris & Sons → HairArt → Japan Scissors →