Kouho
株式会社 光邦
About Kouho
In brief
Kouho is a Japanese scissor maker founded in 1964 in Osaka, producing professional cutting, thinning, and left-handed shears for salons.
Cutting Scissors · Thinning Scissors · Left-Handed Scissors 5.0–7.0 in
Profile updated Apr 2026
Price
US$649–1,749Price band US$400–800 · PremiumTypical documented price, not a quoteWhere to buy
2 retailersBuying routes
Where to buy Kouho
Retailers ScissorPedia has cataloged. Prices and stock are on each store’s site.
US & Canada 3 retailers
Japan 2 retailers
Maker’s own dealer information: official site ↗
Catalog map
The Kouho range
12 models · 5.0–7.0 in
Cutting Scissors 10 models US$649–1,749Price band US$800+ · Luxury
- Kouho ARB Cutting Scissors US$999
- Kouho ARX-DUR Cutting Scissors US$949
- Kouho ARX Cutting Scissors US$849
7 more models are listed in the full catalog below.
Thinning Scissors 2 models US$749–799Price band US$400–800 · Premium
- Kouho X-T28 Thinning Scissors US$749
- Kouho ZXT Thinning Scissors US$799
Pictured models
All 12 Kouho model names
- Kouho ARB Cutting Scissors
- Kouho ARX-DUR Cutting Scissors
- Kouho ARX Cutting Scissors
- Kouho E1 Cutting Scissors
- Kouho KX Cutting Scissors
- Kouho WZ Cutting Scissors
- Kouho X-T28 Thinning Scissors
- Kouho X Wing Cobalt DLC Cutting Scissors
- Kouho X Wing Cobalt Cutting Scissors
- Kouho X Cutting Scissors
- Kouho XK-AR Cutting Scissors
- Kouho ZXT Thinning Scissors
Sintered powder steel and cobalt alloy are the two materials Kouho works in, and the Osaka company has made professional scissors since 1969, five years after opening as a hair-cosmetics shop in 1964. The 12 Kouho models carry guide prices from US$649 to US$1,749 in sizes from 5.0 to 7.0 inches.
Overview
Kouho is a Japanese scissors brand founded in 1964. The company (株式会社 光邦) started as a small shop in Higashinari-ku, Osaka, selling hair cosmetics and hair growth products for the beauty industry. By 1969, Kouho had begun manufacturing and selling professional hair scissors for salons. The company incorporated in 1977 and also started running its own salon and developing proprietary beauty instruments.
Product Range
Kouho produces cutting scissors, thinning scissors, and left-handed scissors. The brand’s specialties include blunt cutting, point cutting, slide cutting, blend cutting, texture control, three-step thinning, graduated cutting, and freehand cutting. The breadth of the lineup reflects a focus on serving stylists who work across multiple techniques.
Distribution
Kouho is headquartered in Chuo-ku, Osaka, with a showroom at the same location. The company opened a Tokyo showroom in Shibuya in 2001 (relocated in 2013) and an Osaka sales headquarters in Shinsaibashi in 2002. Kouho scissors are carried by several international retailers, including Precision Shears, Shear World, tricut.com, and Scissors shop Hayashi. The brand also sells through its own online store at hasami-pro.com. Pricing sits at the upper end for professional Japanese scissors.
See Also
Product range overview
Twelve Kouho models carry guide prices from US$649 to US$1,749. The range occupies the premium and high-end tiers, with cutting and thinning builds in advanced Japanese steel grades and handcrafted finishes.
How Kouho compares
Similar origin and adjacent price band. Brass rows differ; “—” means the field is not documented yet.
| Spec | KouhoKouho | AlphaAlpha | Alu-CobaAlu-Coba | AuroAuro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | Japan | Japan | Japan |
| Typical price | US$649–1,749Price 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, Sintered Steel | SG2 | Cobalt steel | Cobalt Alloy |
| Edge type | — | — | — | Straight |
| Handles | — | — | — | Offset, Straight, Crane |
| Left-handed | — | — | — | — |
| Thinning | 2 models | 1 models | — | 2 models |
| Specialties | Blunt cut, Point cut, Slide cut, Blend cut, Texture contr… | 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 | 1964 | 2006 | 1946 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
7 answers you can open one at a timeIs Kouho a Japanese scissor brand?
Yes. Osaka is home to Kouho, in business since 1964 and trading as Kouho Co., Ltd. (株式会社光邦). Its shears are made in Japan.
When did Kouho start making scissors?
The company began in 1964 selling hair cosmetics for the salon trade, and started manufacturing professional hair scissors in 1969 before incorporating in 1977.
What kind of scissors does Kouho make?
Kouho produces cutting shears, thinning shears, and a left-handed line, with models built around techniques such as blunt cutting, point cutting, slide cutting, and three-step thinning.
Does Kouho make left-handed scissors?
Yes. Left-handed shears are a standing part of the Kouho range alongside the right-handed cutting and thinning models.
What steel does Kouho use?
Kouho works in cobalt alloy and sintered powder steel across its lines.
What sizes does Kouho make?
Half-inch steps from 5.0 to 7.0 inches cover the Kouho range, running from short precision blades up to long-blade cutting shears.
How much do Kouho scissors cost?
Kouho’s 12 models span US$649 to US$1,749 at guide price. The KX opens the line at US$649, most models sit between US$749 and US$999, and the two X Wing Cobalt models top the range at US$1,449 and US$1,749.
Ratings & reviews
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