OKAWA
OKAWA pro-scissors
About OKAWA
In brief
OKAWA is a Japanese scissor brand from Saitama producing completely handmade professional shears with hand-ground hollow blades.
Cutting Scissors · Thinning Scissors · Left-Handed Scissors 5.5–6.0 in
Profile updated Apr 2026
Price
US$850–1,000Price band US$800+ · LuxuryTypical documented price, not a quoteWhere to buy
2 retailersBuying routes
Where to buy OKAWA
Retailers ScissorPedia has cataloged. Prices and stock are on each store’s site.
Japan 2 retailers
Maker’s own dealer information: official site ↗
Catalog map
The OKAWA range
4 models · 5.5–6.0 in
Thinning Scissors 1 model US$850Price band US$800+ · Luxury
Cutting Scissors 3 models US$850–1,000Price band US$800+ · Luxury
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 models run US$850 to US$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
How OKAWA compares
Similar origin and adjacent price band. Brass rows differ; “—” means the field is not documented yet.
| Spec | OKAWAOKAWA | AlphaAlpha | AuroAuro | bmacbmac |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | Japan | Japan | Japan |
| Typical price | US$850–1,000Price band US$800+ · Luxury | US$514–1,207Price band US$400–800 · Premium | US$424–499Price band US$400–800 · Premium | US$390–3,200Price band US$800+ · Luxury |
| Steel | Powder high-speed metal, Cobalt / Stellite, High cobalt alloy | SG2 | Cobalt Alloy | VG-10, Super Gold II |
| Edge type | — | — | Straight | — |
| Handles | — | — | Offset, Straight, Crane | — |
| Left-handed | — | — | — | 2 models |
| Thinning | 1 models | 1 models | 2 models | 9 models |
| Specialties | Blunt cut, Slide cut, Point cut, Stroke cut, Chop cut, Vo… | Volume control, Slide cut, Stroke cut, Blunt cut, Texture… | Cobalt alloy builds, Multi-tooth thinning options, Handle… | Blunt cut, Slide cut, Dry cut, Texturizing, Blending, Cre… |
| Founded | 2011 | 2006 | — | 2002 |
Frequently Asked Questions
6 answers you can open one at a timeIs OKAWA a Japanese scissor brand?
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.
What is OKAWA known for?
Completely handmade shears with a hand-ground hollow back, finished by hand throughout the build.
What steel does OKAWA use?
Three material families across the range: powder high-speed metal, cobalt and Stellite, and a high cobalt alloy rated at HRC 60 and above.
How much do OKAWA scissors cost?
OKAWA prices in the luxury band. The four models run between US$850 and US$1,000 at guide prices, in line with completely hand-finished Japanese shears.
Does OKAWA make left-handed scissors?
Yes. Alongside its cutting and thinning ranges, OKAWA offers left-handed models.
Where can I buy OKAWA scissors?
Through the official OKAWA pro-scissors website and the Refun online store. The brand also runs sales offices in Seoul and New Taipei City.
Ratings & reviews
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