Mizutani
ミズタニシザーズ
- Japan
- Est. 1921
-
Budget Luxury
Mizutani is a Japanese scissor manufacturer founded in 1921, known for Nano Powder Metal steel and handcrafted professional shears.
Mizutani has been building scissors in Tokyo since 1921, and the family company still makes every pair individually at its factory in Chiba. ScissorPedia catalogues 114 Mizutani models, from 4.3 inch detail scissors to 7.0 inch shears, in steels from Nano Powder Metal to Stellite, with guide prices between $500...
Mizutani has been building scissors in Tokyo since 1921, and the family company still makes every pair individually at its factory in Chiba. ScissorPedia catalogues 114 Mizutani models, from 4.3 inch detail scissors to 7.0 inch shears, in steels from Nano Powder Metal to Stellite, with guide prices between $500 and $5,000.
History and Origins
Mizutani was founded in 1921 in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan. The company’s roots trace back to katana sword making. Its first craftsman carried over techniques from traditional Japanese blade forging into scissor production. Over the following century, Mizutani grew from a small Tokyo workshop into a globally distributed brand, now sold in more than 20 countries.
The company maintains its headquarters in Tokyo and operates showrooms in Asakusa and Omotesando (both in Tokyo) as well as in Osaka. These showrooms stock over 200 models available for hands on trial, allowing stylists to test scissors before purchasing.
Manufacturing Philosophy
Mizutani states that every scissor is individually handcrafted rather than mass produced. Each unit passes through a multi step process from raw steel cutting to final polish. The company’s craftsmen work in a dedicated factory in Chiba, Japan. This approach reflects a deliberate choice: Mizutani prioritizes individual attention over volume output.
The brand’s manufacturing heritage draws directly from katana forging traditions. Mizutani positions this lineage as central to its identity, and its marketing frequently references the connection between sword smithing and scissor craftsmanship.
Steel Technology
Mizutani offers scissors across several steel formulations. The company’s proprietary Nano Powder Metal steel is among its most recognized materials. According to Mizutani, this steel achieves surface smoothness below 0.0001mm, a claim the company attributes to research conducted with a physicist at the University of Tokyo. Mizutani states that this level of smoothness contributes to prolonged edge retention and reduced friction during cutting.
The Damascus series uses CMC micropowder metal (a patented formulation) with elevated molybdenum content for blade durability. The Acro Stellite line contains 50% or more cobalt, which Mizutani describes as producing a soft yet firm cutting sensation.
Mizutani employs Vickers hardness testing across its production line and references cross section hair analysis as part of its blade development process. These testing methods inform how the company matches steel formulations to specific cutting techniques.
Extramarise I vs Extramarise II
Mizutani’s two Extramarise cobalt alloys are optimized for different cutting techniques:
| Parameter | Extramarise I | Extramarise II |
|---|---|---|
| Higher ratio of | Molybdenum | Vanadium |
| Cobalt content | Same | Same |
| Sub-zero processing | Yes (differs due to composition) | Yes (differs due to composition) |
| Best for | Blunt cutting, all-round | Slide cutting, stroke cutting |
Both share the same cobalt base and undergo proprietary heat treatment including sub-zero processing. The distinction is that molybdenum (Extramarise I) provides toughness for blunt cutting impact, while vanadium (Extramarise II) refines carbides for the smoother edge needed in slide work. EZ Sharpening (an authorized Mizutani dealer) describes the heat treatment: “high temperature processing at over 1000°C” followed by “liquid nitrogen at -100°C for the time necessary to prevent later deformation.” Sources: Mizutani: About; Global Mizutani: Extramarise I.
Global Presence and Pricing
Mizutani scissors are distributed in over 20 countries through authorized dealers and official regional websites (including dedicated operations in the US, Canada, and Japan). Retail pricing typically falls between $800 and $3,000 or higher, depending on model and steel type.
Mizutani recommends that owners use authorized sharpeners to maintain blade performance. According to the brand, improper sharpening can alter the convex edge geometry.
Showroom Experience
Mizutani’s showrooms in Asakusa, Omotesando, and Osaka stock over 200 models for hands on trial. This try before you buy approach is uncommon in the professional shear industry, where most purchases happen through catalogs or traveling sales representatives. For American stylists visiting Japan, the Omotesando showroom is particularly accessible given its location in central Tokyo.
Sources
- Mizutani Scissors official website: mizutaniscissors.com
- Mizutani USA: mizutaniscissors.com/shop
See Also
Where to Buy
Mizutani at a glance
- Budget
- Luxury $800+
- Makes
- Cutting Scissors, Thinning Scissors, Left-Handed Scissors
- Based in
- Japan
- Catalogue
- 114 models listed
- Established
- 1921
Product Types
Specialties
Materials & Construction
The steel, edges, and handle styles Mizutani works in:
Where to Buy
Official Brand Websites
Authorized Retailers
Retailers stocking Mizutani
ScissorPedia catalogues 6 retailers carrying Mizutani.
- Kittemi — Japan
- Refun — Japan
- yoiscissors.co.uk — UK
- Begley Schmit — USA · ships to USA
- Precision Shears — USA · ships to USA
- SCISSOR Dude — USA · ships to USA
Products
Articles About Mizutani
How Mizutani Compares
| Brand | Mizutani | Butterfly | DOWA | Hayashi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | Japan | Japan | Japan |
| Typical price | US$500–US$5,000 | US$250–US$350 | US$250–US$350 | US$800–US$1,600 |
| Steel | Nano Powder Metal, Stellite, Damascus, Extramarise I, Extramarise II, Cobalt Alloy | Cobalt Alloy | ATS-314, Damascus | Powder high speed steel (HYS), Cobalt alloy |
| Blade types | Convex | Convex | Convex, Sword | Convex |
| Handles | Offset, Swivel | Classic, Offset | Offset | Offset |
| Specialties | Precision cut, Blunt cut, Back cutting, Scissor over comb, Texture control(10-15%), Texture control(20-30%), Inner texture, Outer texture, Blending, Thinning(15-25%), Texturizing(25-50%) | Blunt cut, Slide cut, Point cut, Volume control, Texture control, Continuous cut, Delicate cut, Hard hair cut, Men's hair cut | Blunt cut, Volume control, Texture control, Cut & Thinning | Blunt cut, Slide cut, Texture control, Volume control, Stroke cut, Thinning |
| Founded | 1921 | 1946 | 1980 | 1992 |
| Known for | Founded 1921; developed proprietary Nano Powder Metal steel | — | — | — |
Verified Sources
- Primary 🌐 Mizutani Scissors — Global (Japan HQ) (manufacturer official)
- Primary Mizutani Scissors — North America (steel types and HIP process)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Mizutani has built scissors since 1921 and is still run by the Mizutani family, with its factory in Matsudo, Chiba. Every pair is made in Japan.
It depends on the model. Mizutani works across premium alloys including Nano Powder Metal, Stellite (over 50% cobalt), Damascus, and its own Extramarise cobalt alloys.
The 114 Mizutani models catalogued here carry guide prices from about $500 up to $5,000 for the top Damascus and Nano Powder Metal pairs. The cost reflects the alloys involved and the individual hand-finishing each pair receives.
The catalogued range runs from 4.3 inches at the short end, unusual reach for detail work, up to 7.0 inch shears, with cutting and thinning models spread across the sizes between.
Experienced stylists who want top-tier Japanese precision for detailed work such as precision and blunt cutting, scissor-over-comb, and fine texture control.
Yes. Mizutani makes true left-handed models built for left-handed use rather than converted right-handed pairs; eight are catalogued on this page alongside the cutting and thinning ranges.
Through Mizutani’s official site and its authorised retailers. See the Where to Buy section on this page for the stockists we have on record.
Ratings & reviews
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