Kamisori
カミソリ
- Japan
- Est. 2005
-
Budget Luxury
Kamisori is a professional scissors brand founded in 2005, headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada, with manufacturing stated as Japan. The brand offers 36 models across cutting, thinning, left-handed, and razor...
OverviewKamisori is a professional scissors brand founded in 2005. The company operates as Kamisori Inc., headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada. The brand states Japan as the country of origin for its scissors, with manufacturing and blade craftsmanship attributed to Japanese artisans. Distribution, marketing, and customer service are handled through the...
Overview
Kamisori is a professional scissors brand founded in 2005. The company operates as Kamisori Inc., headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada. The brand states Japan as the country of origin for its scissors, with manufacturing and blade craftsmanship attributed to Japanese artisans. Distribution, marketing, and customer service are handled through the Canadian headquarters.
The brand name comes from the Japanese word for razor (剃刀, kamisori), reflecting a connection to Japanese blade making traditions. According to the company, each pair goes through 93 individual steps during manufacturing.
Manufacturing and Steel
Kamisori uses several steel grades across its 36-model product range:
ATS-314 Cobalt Steel — Used in premium models like the Champion, Diablo, and Jewel series. ATS-314 is a cobalt-bearing stainless steel that achieves approximately 62 HRC. It offers strong edge retention and wear resistance, positioning these models in the high-end to ultra-premium tier ($400-$1,624 USD).
VG-10 Japanese Steel — Found in select mid-range models. VG-10 provides the balance of hardness (60-62 HRC) and corrosion resistance that professionals expect from quality Japanese shears.
440C / SUS440C Japanese Stainless Steel — Used in entry and standard models. This steel provides reliable performance at accessible price points ($97-$300 USD), suitable for professionals building their first kit.
Handle configurations include offset (most common across the range), crane, swivel, and double swivel designs. Coatings available include black titanium on select premium models.
Product Range
Kamisori offers 36 models across cutting scissors, thinning scissors, left-handed scissors, razors, combs, and accessories. Their price range spans from approximately $97 USD for entry models to $1,624 USD for their top-tier Champion series, making it one of the widest price ranges among Japanese-origin scissor brands.
Notable collections include the Champion (ATS-314, flagship), Diablo (premium series), Jewel (mid-premium), and Revolver (swivel handle). The brand also produces dedicated left-handed models and a range of straight razors.
Availability
Kamisori has international distribution across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Retailers carrying the brand include Japan Scissors (Australia), Tricut, Scissor Hub (Australia and New Zealand), Scissor City (New Zealand), and Japan Scissors NZ. The brand also sells directly through kamisorishears.com.
Verification Note
Kamisori’s brand profile on ScissorPedia is currently pending independent verification. While product specifications have been documented from retailer listings and manufacturer statements, the manufacturing origin claims and “93 handcrafted steps” process have not been independently confirmed. Steel grades and hardness ratings listed here are sourced from product front matter provided by authorized retailers.
Sources
- Kamisori brand profile and manufacturer statements (kamisorishears.com)
- Product specifications from authorized retailer listings
- Steel and hardness data from individual product documentation
Considerations & Trade-offs
Steel & Edge Performance
Kamisori claims ATS-314 steel on their premium lines — a proprietary cobalt stainless manufactured exclusively by Proterial (formerly Hitachi Metals). The Sword blade design draws inspiration from katana geometry, and the 3D Convex Edge is a marketing term for their convex grind. The Black Diamond collection uses cobalt steel at a claimed HRC 62 with crane handles. ScissorPedia notes that steel claims should be verified through supply chain documentation, as ATS-314 is a restricted alloy.
Value Assessment
A Canadian brand with Japanese-influenced design, Kamisori positions in the mid-to-premium tier ($200-$600). They claim a 93-step manufacturing process. The Dragon Collection (Damascus) and Black Diamond (cobalt) represent their premium offerings. Value is competitive if steel claims are accurate, but buyers should verify through authorized dealers.
Service & Support
If the premium lines do use ATS-314 or cobalt alloys as claimed, they benefit from sharpeners experienced with harder steels. Standard lines use conventional stainless serviceable by any qualified sharpener. Kamisori has won American Salon Pro's Choice awards.
Best For
- Stylists attracted to katana-inspired blade design and aesthetics
- Those wanting Japanese-style performance from a North American brand with local support
- Barbers and stylists who value the Sword blade philosophy for scissor-over-comb work
Consider Alternatives If
- Buyers who require verified steel provenance — ask for supply chain documentation
- Those preferring established Japanese manufacturers with transparent factory processes
- Stylists who prioritize understated tool aesthetics over design-forward styling
Product Types
Specialties
Where to Buy
Official Brand Websites
Authorized Retailers
Products
Articles About Kamisori
How Kamisori Compares
| Brand | Kamisori | JATAI | Yagyu | Horizon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | Japan | Japan | Japan |
| Price Tier | Mid-Range | Mid-Range | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Steel | ATS-314, VG-10, 440C, SUS440C | — | — | — |
| Handles | Offset, Crane, Swivel, Double Swivel | — | — | — |
| Specialties | Blunt cut, Slide cut, Point cut, Precision cut, Texturizing, Scissor-over-comb, Layering, Slicing | Blunt cut, Texturizing, Weight removal, Volumizing, Layering, Shaping, Movement control, Texture control(30%), Classic cutting, Contemporary cutting | Blunt cut, Slide cut, Stroke cut, Chop cut, Volume control (5-40%), Texture control (10-32%), Thinning (12~15%), Dry cut, Treatment cut | — |
| Founded | 2005 | 1950 | 1990 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Kamisori scissors are manufactured in Japan by KAMISORI INC., established in 2005 in UNIT 1-201 Whitehall Dr Markham.
Kamisori uses ATS-314, VG-10, 440C, SUS440C in their scissor lines. See our [ATS-314 reference](/reference/steel-types/ats-314/) for technical details.
Kamisori scissors are in the mid-range price tier ($150–$350). At this price point, they compete with Alu-Coba, Axis, BMC. Value depends on your cutting volume, technique preferences, and maintenance habits.
Kamisori offers Offset, Crane, Swivel, Double Swivel handle designs.
Kamisori specializes in Blunt cut, Slide cut, Point cut, Precision cut, Texturizing, and 3 more. Their scissors use ATS-314 steel.
