Kikui
菊井シザース
About Kikui
In brief
Kikui scissors from Wakayama: cobalt-base and stainless models, catalog sizes, finish options, ordering history and factory service.
Cutting Scissors · Thinning Scissors 5.0–7.3 in
Profile updated Sep 2026 · 6 sources
Price
US$471–900Price band US$400–800 · PremiumTypical documented price, not a quoteWhere to buy
2 retailersBuying routes
Where to buy Kikui
Retailers ScissorPedia has cataloged. Prices and stock are on each store’s site.
US & Canada 6 retailers
Japan 2 retailers
Maker’s own dealer information: official site ↗
Catalog map
The Kikui range
9 models · 5.0–7.3 in
Cutting Scissors 6 models US$471–900Price band US$400–800 · Premium
- Kikui Cobalt Ergonomic Cutting Scissors US$790
- Kikui Cobalt Power Cutting Scissors US$900
- Kikui Cobalt Standard (Level-set) Cutting Scissors US$700
3 more models are listed in the full catalog below.
Thinning Scissors 3 models US$486–707Price band US$400–800 · Premium
Pictured models
All 9 Kikui model names
- Kikui Cobalt Ergonomic Cutting Scissors
- Kikui Cobalt Power Cutting Scissors
- Kikui Cobalt Standard (Level-set) Cutting Scissors
- Kikui Cobalt Standard (Offset) Cutting Scissors
- Kikui Cobalt Thinning (Level-set) Scissors
- Kikui Cobalt Thinning (Offset) Scissors
- Kikui Forged Stainless Cut (Level-set) Scissors
- Kikui Forged Stainless Cut (Offset) Scissors
- Kikui Forged Stainless Thinning (Level-set) Scissors
Kikui is a professional scissor maker based in Wakayama, Japan. Its catalog distinguishes cobalt-base blades from forged stainless steel and offers several handle and finish choices. This profile brings together the maker’s model information, ordering history and repair route so a buyer can identify a specific pair before comparing it.
About Kikui
The company’s material distinction matters when reading a retailer’s shorthand. A listing that says only “cobalt” does not identify which Kikui range it means. Ask for the model code and the maker’s corresponding material description. The cobalt-alloy reference explains the wider terminology; the Kikui workshop profile examines its history and claims. English catalog.
Product Range
The English catalog groups cobalt cutting scissors into level-set, offset, power and ergonomic designs. For an example of its measurement convention, Co60LS is listed as 6.0 inches with a 74 mm blade measured from screw to tip. These are different dimensions; converting the nominal inch size does not reproduce the listed blade length. Model specifications.
The Japanese site lists M, OS, K and F cobalt cutting families. Match the actual code with the supplying dealer: this profile does not assume a one-to-one correspondence between the two language catalogs. Cutting and thinning choices also need separate comparisons; a thinning percentage is a maker’s model specification, not a guaranteed result on every section. Japanese lineup.
| Finish option | Published starting surcharge | What the label identifies |
|---|---|---|
| Metallic black | ¥33,000 | DLC coating |
| Matte black | ¥39,600 | Fine-particle treatment followed by DLC |
| Gold titanium | ¥33,000 | TiN coating |
These Japanese option fees were checked on 30 September 2026. They are additional charges, not complete scissor prices or an export quote. Confirm model eligibility, delivery, shipping and the final payable amount before ordering. Maker’s options.
Availability
The retailer entries on this page are directory records. They do not establish live stock, current authorization or a delivery date. For a new purchase, obtain an exact model quotation and ask who handles later adjustment and sharpening in your market.
Kikui’s published factory-service route provides a useful point of comparison between offers. Ask whether the quoted service includes transport to Japan, inspection, adjustment and return shipping, and what happens if extra work is needed. The maker warns that inappropriate previous sharpening can limit restoration. Manufacturer repairs.
Heritage
Kikui’s history records a move to fully built-to-order production in 2001. That is a historical manufacturing milestone; a current order still needs its own confirmed lead time. The maker’s 2015 award statement is also supported by the prefectural industry profile. Neither establishes a guaranteed number of years of service for an individual pair. Company history, Wakayama profile.
Sources
The source cards below distinguish catalog specifications, historical statements and the repair policy. Prices and availability should be rechecked with the supplier; material and award claims remain attributed to their published sources.
See Also
How Kikui compares
Similar origin and adjacent price band. Brass rows differ; “—” means the field is not documented yet.
| Spec | KikuiKikui | AlphaAlpha | Alu-CobaAlu-Coba | AuroAuro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | Japan | Japan | Japan |
| Typical price | US$471–900Price band US$400–800 · Premium | US$514–1,207Price band US$400–800 · Premium | US$200Price band US$200–400 · Mid-range | US$424–499Price band US$400–800 · Premium |
| Steel | Cobalt Alloy, Stainless Steel | SG2 | Cobalt steel | Cobalt Alloy |
| Edge type | — | — | — | Straight |
| Handles | — | — | — | Offset, Straight, Crane |
| Left-handed | — | — | — | — |
| Thinning | 3 models | 1 models | — | 2 models |
| Specialties | Slide cut, Thinning | Volume control, Slide cut, Stroke cut, Blunt cut, Texture… | Base cut, Step cut, Volume control, Texture control | Cobalt alloy builds, Multi-tooth thinning options, Handle… |
| Founded | 1953 | 2006 | 1946 | — |
Articles about Kikui
Sources
- Kikui: History and corporate outline (manufacturer official)
- 🇯🇵 Kikui: Cobalt scissors and Co6.0 award identification (manufacturer official)
- 🇯🇵 Kikui: Japanese product lineup and finish options (manufacturer official)
- Kikui — Manufacturer repairs (manufacturer official)
- Kikui — Product range (manufacturer official)
- Wakayama Prefecture: Kikui company profile (government)
Frequently Asked Questions
6 answers you can open one at a timeIs Kikui a Japanese scissor brand?
Yes. Kikui is based in Wakayama, Japan. Its company history dates the business to Kiyoji Kikui in 1953.
What is Kikui best known for?
Kikui describes its 1973 cobalt-base styling scissors as a world first. Its Japanese site identifies Co6.0 as the model recognized by the 2015 Good Design Award.
What material do Kikui scissors use?
The maker distinguishes approximately 70% cobalt-base blades from its forged stainless range. The English catalog labels the stainless range with 5% cobalt. Keep the exact model and material together.
How much do Kikui scissors cost?
Prices depend on model, market and options. The Japanese catalog lists separate base prices and coating surcharges; the finish table below records the published starting option fees checked on 30 September 2026. Obtain a complete regional quote.
Where can I arrange Kikui factory service?
Kikui’s English repair page directs owners to sales partners for return to its Japanese factory. It lists Passion Beauty in the United States and Cadena International Taiwan. Confirm the route, price and timing for your location.
What sizes do Kikui scissors come in?
The English catalog includes cobalt cutting models from 5.0 to 7.5 inches across several handle families. Its stated blade lengths are measured from screw to tip. The Japanese catalog uses different family names, so verify the exact ordering code.
Ratings & reviews
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