OKAWA
- Japan
- Est. 2011
-
Budget Luxury
OKAWA is a Japanese scissor brand from Saitama producing completely handmade professional shears with hand-ground hollow blades.
The hollow on the back of every OKAWA blade is ground by hand, work the brand says only a small number of artisans in Japan still do. Keisuke Okawa founded the company in 2011 in Niiza City, Saitama Prefecture, and says each pair passes through more than 40 hand-finished steps....
The hollow on the back of every OKAWA blade is ground by hand, work the brand says only a small number of artisans in Japan still do. Keisuke Okawa founded the company in 2011 in Niiza City, Saitama Prefecture, and says each pair passes through more than 40 hand-finished steps. The four catalogued models run $850 to $1,000 at guide prices, in powder high-speed metal, cobalt and Stellite, and high cobalt alloy.
Overview
OKAWA is a Japanese scissor brand based in Niiza City, Saitama Prefecture. The company operates under the name OKAWA pro-scissors and focuses on handmade professional shears. According to the brand, every pair goes through more than 40 individual steps, all finished by hand. OKAWA describes its manufacturing approach as “completely handmade,” a process the company says it has maintained since its founding.
A key part of OKAWA’s process is the hand ground hollow (the concave surface on the back of each blade). The brand states that only a small number of artisans in Japan still perform this work by hand. OKAWA also emphasizes precise blade hammering and edge angle adjustment to within 1 degree.
Product Range
OKAWA produces cutting scissors, thinning scissors, and left-handed scissors. The brand covers a wide range of techniques including blunt cut, slide cut, point cut, stroke cut, chop cut, dry cut, wet cut, and fade cut. All models use Japanese cutlery steel that has been tested for sharpness, durability, and corrosion resistance, according to the brand.
The handles feature a simple, undecorated design that OKAWA says was refined over years of working directly with stylists. The brand uses a compact screw system rather than bearing assemblies, which it describes as the most reliable pivot option available.
Distribution
OKAWA sells through its official website and through the Refun online store. The brand also maintains offices in South Korea (Seoul) and Taiwan (New Taipei City), indicating distribution across parts of East Asia. Maintenance is handled by the same craftsmen who build the scissors, which OKAWA describes as part of its long term ownership approach.
See Also
Where to Buy
OKAWA at a glance
- Budget
- Luxury $800+
- Makes
- Cutting Scissors, Thinning Scissors, Left-Handed Scissors
- Based in
- Japan
- Catalogue
- 4 models listed
- Established
- 2011
Product Types
Specialties
Materials & Construction
The steel, edges, and handle styles OKAWA works in:
Where to Buy
Official Brand Websites
Authorized Retailers
Products
How OKAWA Compares
| Brand | OKAWA | MICHIKO | SHARP LINE | Hikari |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | Japan | Japan | Japan |
| Typical price | US$850–US$1,000 | US$541–US$997 | US$600–US$900 | US$350–US$1,950 |
| Steel | Powder high-speed metal, Cobalt / Stellite, High cobalt alloy | ATS-314 | VG10, Cobalt, Powder steel | Cobalt Alloy |
| Blade types | Convex | Convex | Convex | Convex |
| Handles | Offset | Offset, Swivel | Offset, Ergonomic | Offset, Classic |
| Specialties | 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, Dry cut, Texturizing | Precision Point cutting, Point cutting, Slide cutting, Precision cutting, Barbering, Thinning(35%), Thinning(40%), Texture control | Blunt cut, Slide cut, Texture control (8%, 20%), Volume control, Precision cut, Graduation, Layer cut |
| Founded | 2011 | 1996 | 1989 | 1967 |
| Known for | — | — | — | Originated the Precision Convex Edge blade |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. OKAWA is a Japanese maker, established in July 2011 by Keisuke Okawa, based in Niiza City, Saitama Prefecture. Every pair is made in Japan.
Completely handmade shears with a hand-ground hollow back, finished by hand throughout the build.
Three material families across the range: powder high-speed metal, pure cobalt and Stellite, and a high cobalt alloy rated at HRC 60 and above.
OKAWA prices in the luxury band. The four catalogued models run between $850 and $1,000 at guide prices, in line with completely hand-finished Japanese shears.
Yes. Alongside its cutting and thinning ranges, OKAWA offers left-handed models.
Through the official OKAWA pro-scissors website and the Refun online store. The brand also runs sales offices in Seoul and New Taipei City.
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