Mizutani

Mizutani has been building scissors in Tokyo since 1921, and the family company still makes every pair individually at its factory in Chiba. The 114 models run 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:

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

Best Mizutani scissors →