MATSUZAKI
マツザキ
- Japan
- Est. 1898
-
Budget Luxury
Matsuzaki is a Japanese scissor manufacturer founded in 1898 in Tokyo, with over 125 years of in-house production heritage.
Company BackgroundMatsuzaki is one of the oldest names in Japanese scissor manufacturing, with a founding year of 1898. The company operates as Matteck Matsuzaki Co., Ltd., headquartered in Nerima-ku, Tokyo. Over a century of continuous operation makes Matsuzaki one of a small number of shear makers that can claim genuine...
Company Background
Matsuzaki is one of the oldest names in Japanese scissor manufacturing, with a founding year of 1898. The company operates as Matteck Matsuzaki Co., Ltd., headquartered in Nerima-ku, Tokyo. Over a century of continuous operation makes Matsuzaki one of a small number of shear makers that can claim genuine multi-generational heritage in the industry.
Product Range
Matsuzaki produces cutting scissors, thinning scissors, and left-handed scissors. The brand’s specialty list is extensive: blunt cutting, slide cutting, point cutting, stroke cutting, volume control (10 to 50 percent), texture control, dry cutting, chop cutting, and combined cut and thinning work. That breadth of technique support reflects the kind of catalog you would expect from a manufacturer with more than 120 years of refinement.
Distribution
In the United States, Matsuzaki shears are available through Precision Shears, Stay Sharp, Shear World, and TriCut. These are established specialty retailers, and the presence of Matsuzaki in their catalogs places the brand alongside other well regarded Japanese manufacturers.
Manufacturing Heritage
Matsuzaki’s Tokyo headquarters includes both offices and factory space, meaning the company maintains direct control over production. For American stylists accustomed to brands that outsource manufacturing, this is a meaningful distinction. Shears that come from a maker’s own factory tend to have more consistent quality control from one batch to the next.
What We Know So Far
Despite being one of the oldest active shear manufacturers in Japan, detailed English language information about Matsuzaki’s specific steel types, heat treatment processes, and blade geometries is limited. The company’s website provides some information in English, but much of the deeper technical content is in Japanese. If you have direct experience with Matsuzaki shears or can share details about their construction, we welcome contributions through our contact page.
Sources
- Matsuzaki official website: matsuzaki.jp
Considerations & Trade-offs
Steel & Edge Performance
Matsuzaki is a traditional handmade scissors manufacturer based in Asakusa, Tokyo. Their scissors are produced in small batches with hand-finishing processes passed down through artisan tradition. Specific steel grades are not prominently marketed — Matsuzaki emphasizes the hand-finishing process over material specifications. The artisan approach means each pair has subtle individual characteristics.
Value Assessment
Matsuzaki occupies the premium-to-luxury tier, with pricing that reflects genuine artisan labor from Asakusa (one of Tokyo's historic craft districts). Production volumes are small. The value proposition is authentic handmade quality from a recognized Tokyo workshop — the opposite of mass-manufactured scissors. This appeals to stylists who value craft heritage, but the limited production means availability can be inconsistent.
Service & Support
Matsuzaki scissors can be serviced by qualified sharpeners. The hand-finished edges may benefit from sharpeners who appreciate artisan blade geometry rather than standardized machine profiles.
Best For
- Stylists who value authentic Japanese artisan craftsmanship from a Tokyo workshop
- Those who appreciate individual character in their tools over perfect uniformity
- Collectors and craft-oriented professionals
Consider Alternatives If
- Buyers who need consistent availability and quick replacement
- Those who prioritize published steel specifications and measurable performance data
- Budget-conscious buyers — artisan production is inherently expensive
Product Types
Specialties
Where to Buy
Authorized Retailers
Products
How MATSUZAKI Compares
| Brand | MATSUZAKI | OKAWA | Naruto | Omega |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | Japan | Japan | Japan |
| Price Tier | Mid-Range | Mid-Range | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Steel | — | — | — | — |
| Handles | — | — | — | — |
| Specialties | Blunt cut, Slide cut, Point cut, Stroke cut, Volume control(10~50%), Texture control, Cut & Thinning, Dry cut, Chop cut | Blunt cut, Slide cut, Point cut, Stroke cut, Chop cut, Volume control, Texture control, Cut & Thinning, Dry cut, Wet cut, Fade cut, Men's cut | Blunt cut, Slide cut, Point cut, Volume control(5~60%), Texture control, Cut & Thinning, Dress cutting, Deep cut, Layer cut | — |
| Founded | 1898 | — | 1963 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
MATSUZAKI scissors are manufactured in Japan by MATTECK MATSUZAKI Co.,ltd, established in 1898 in Matteck Matsuzaki Co..
MATSUZAKI 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.
MATSUZAKI specializes in Blunt cut, Slide cut, Point cut, Stroke cut, Volume control(10~50%), and 4 more.
