Kyoto
Dowa International Co., Ltd.
About Kyoto
In brief
Kyoto is an economy-priced professional shear brand sold through US and UK retailers, offering cutting and thinning scissors from US$195.
5.5–7.0 in
Profile updated Sep 2026
Price
US$195–200Price band US$100–200 · Entry-levelTypical documented price, not a quoteWhere to buy
6 retailers- DIRECT HARIDRESSING SCISSORS (opens in a new tab)
- DOWA INTERNATIONAL (opens in a new tab)
- Dynamic SHARPENING LLC (opens in a new tab)
- SCISSOR Dude (opens in a new tab)
- SHEAR INTEGRITY (opens in a new tab)
- tricut.com (opens in a new tab)
Buying routes
Where to buy Kyoto
Retailers ScissorPedia has cataloged. Prices and stock are on each store’s site.
UK & Ireland 2 retailers
US & Canada 4 retailers
Catalog map
The Kyoto range
4 models · 5.5–7.0 in
Cutting Scissors 3 models US$195–200Price band US$100–200 · Entry-level
Thinning Scissors 1 model US$199Price band US$100–200 · Entry-level
Twice tempered, then hand-honed to a convex edge: that is how Kyoto builds its US-market GJ, GT, and GV series, forged from 440C stainless steel. The brand, owned by Dowa International, suits students, apprentices, and stylists wanting a backup pair; the four models run US$195 to US$200 at guide prices, 5.5 to 7.0 inches, with swivel handles in the GV line.
Brand Background
Kyoto is a professional hairdressing shear brand distributed through multiple US and UK retailers. The brand is carried by Dowa International, SHEAR INTEGRITY, Scissor Dude, Tricut, Dynamic Sharpening LLC, and Direct Hairdressing Scissors, among others. Kyoto is not to be confused with Kyoto Hasami Shokunin, which is a separate one-person Japanese shear workshop, founded in Kyoto and now based in Ogawa, Saitama Prefecture.
Product Range
Kyoto’s lineup includes several distinct series. The GJ, GM, GV, and GT series cover standard cutting shears in sizes from 5.0 to 8.0 inches. The GV line includes swivel and double swivel handle models. The brand also offers thinning shears and left handed options. Retailers describe the line as “economy priced,” with most models falling between US$195 and US$250 in the US market and between 60 and 130 GBP in the UK.
Market Position
Kyoto occupies the entry-level to mid-range segment of the professional shear market. The range is sold through established professional retailers to cosmetology students, apprentices, and working stylists.
Distribution
In the US, Kyoto shears are stocked by specialty shear retailers including SHEAR INTEGRITY, Scissor Dude, Tricut, and Dynamic Sharpening LLC. In the UK, Dowa International and Direct Hairdressing Scissors carry the line. This distribution pattern across both markets gives the brand broad accessibility for professional buyers on either side of the Atlantic.
Sources
- Retailer product listings: SHEAR INTEGRITY, Scissor Dude, Tricut, Dowa International
- Dynamic Sharpening LLC product catalog
See Also
How Kyoto compares
Similar origin and adjacent price band. Brass rows differ; “—” means the field is not documented yet.
| Spec | KyotoKyoto | Alu-CobaAlu-Coba | AtaliAtali | AxisAxis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | Japan | Japan | Japan |
| Typical price | US$195–200Price band US$100–200 · Entry-level | US$200Price band US$200–400 · Mid-range | US$70–100Price band Under US$100 · Budget | US$129–356Price band US$200–400 · Mid-range |
| Steel | 440C | Cobalt steel | Japanese Stainless Steel | Cobalt V10 |
| Edge type | — | — | — | Straight |
| Handles | — | — | Offset, Even | 3D Offset, Even |
| Left-handed | — | — | — | — |
| Thinning | 1 models | — | 1 models | 3 models |
| Specialties | — | Base cut, Step cut, Volume control, Texture control | — | Direct-to-stylist pricing, Cobalt alloy shears, Bearing p… |
| Founded | — | 1946 | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
6 answers you can open one at a timeIs Kyoto a Japanese scissor brand?
Yes. Kyoto is a Japan-based shear brand owned by Dowa International Co., Ltd., which positions the line around traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
What steel do Kyoto scissors use?
Kyoto’s US-market GJ, GT, and GV series are forged from 440C stainless steel, twice tempered with a hand-honed convex edge.
How much do Kyoto scissors cost?
Kyoto’s four models are tightly priced, US$195 to US$200 at guide prices, which keeps the line within reach for students, apprentices, and stylists wanting a dependable second pair.
Who are Kyoto scissors a good fit for?
They suit cosmetology students, apprentices, and working stylists who want a reliable economy-priced shear, with cutting, thinning, and swivel-handle options to choose from.
Are left-handed Kyoto scissors available?
Yes. The GJ cutting series is offered in a left-handed version alongside the right-handed model.
Where can I buy Kyoto scissors?
Kyoto is stocked by specialist shear retailers in the US and UK, including Shear Integrity, Scissor Dude, Tricut, and Dynamic Sharpening, as well as Dowa International directly.
Ratings & reviews
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