TRACKS

The Making of TRACKS Scissors This article introduces part of the scissors manufacturing process. Some work processes, equipment, and special tools used in manufacturing are not shown here. TRACKS Scissors are manufactured through the coordination of people, materials, time, money, and technical know-how. Starting with a single piece of carefully selected blade steel, it takes approximately 3 months of manufacturing processes to complete a pair of TRACKS Scissors. Computer-Controlled Precision Shaping Using CAD/CAM systems, blueprints are created. The steel is shaped with computer numerical control to a precision of 1/1000mm. Since the programs are stored as data, the same quality can be maintained regardless of when processing occurs, ensuring consistent quality. Base Formation (Back Thinning & Twisting) The precision of the scissor base, including back thinning and twisting, affects the cutting ease and durability. TRACKS Scissors has digitized the craftsman’s techniques through computer programming. Using NC precision machinery, they control accuracy to within 1/1000mm. The extremely high precision of this base formation results in exceptional accuracy and uniformity in the final blade sharpening and adjustment process. Welding Blade Material and Handle The blade material and handle are different metals, and the connection points are thin, requiring excellent welding technique. *Note: Due to the difference in materials, the connection points may occasionally discolor, but this does not affect the scissors’ quality. Grinding & Polishing After welding, the scissors gradually take shape through rough grinding, fine grinding, and polishing. Horizontal Level Check Any distortion that occurs during manufacturing is corrected through periodic horizontal level checks, maintaining high precision. Sharpening The blade angle is adjusted according to the steel type and intended use, and the blade shape is formed according to the cutting line. During “sharpening,” skilled craftsmen finish each blade by hand, communicating with the scissors through the sensations in their fingertips. Hammering Process Subtle blade distortions are corrected through “hammering.” This process of bending the blade with a hammer requires extreme skill and sensibility from the craftsman. Blade Finishing The scissor craftsman holds their breath and pulls the scissors horizontally across a whetstone without the slightest deviation, creating the back blade and completing the edge. Final Finishing All scissors that have completed the manufacturing process undergo a final check to ensure they provide the appropriate “cut” for their intended use. Completion The “TRACKS Scissors” are now complete. Why TRACKS Scissors Originated in Tokyo’s Aoyama & Omotesando Tokyo’s Aoyama and Omotesando areas are home to hairstylists and beauty salons with diverse personalities and characteristics. Here, there is a culture of quickly and flexibly responding to social and trend changes, trying new tools, methods, and ideas, and actively adopting good and excellent products. Testing and Evaluation in a World-Class Beauty District As a world-class beauty district, products and ideas related to beauty are brought in from Japan and around the world. Hairdressers’ scissors are tested and evaluated regardless of manufacturer reputation or size: Do they cut well? Is the blade durable? Are they easy to use? Are they convenient? Is the price reasonable? Aiming to Develop and Provide Japan’s Highest Quality Scissors For TRACKS Scissors, this environment was ideal for demonstrating their quality and cost-performance. The competition among manufacturers in Aoyama and Omotesando also provides constant hints and ideas for new scissor manufacturing. Most importantly, in their pursuit of creating Japan’s highest quality scissors, being surrounded by hairstylists who are sensitive to and demanding of scissor sharpness and texture quality is absolutely essential.