Washou
- Japan
- Est. 1963
-
Budget Luxury
Washou is a Japanese scissor brand by TOA Scissors, manufactured in Seki City with specialized thinning models for different cutting phases.
Thinning is where Washou goes deepest, with separate models tuned for general thinning, all-round work, and finishing. TOA Scissors has made the line in Seki City since 1963, working SUS440C and VG-10 through to ATS-314, Super Gold, and Damascus. The 34 catalogued models run $235 to $1,668, with four left-handed...
Thinning is where Washou goes deepest, with separate models tuned for general thinning, all-round work, and finishing. TOA Scissors has made the line in Seki City since 1963, working SUS440C and VG-10 through to ATS-314, Super Gold, and Damascus. The 34 catalogued models run $235 to $1,668, with four left-handed pairs.
Overview
Washou is a Japanese scissors brand manufactured by TOA Scissors Co., Ltd., based in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. Seki is one of Japan’s most well known centers for blade manufacturing, and Washou’s location there places the brand within a long regional tradition of edged tool production.
Product Range
Washou’s catalog includes cutting scissors, thinning scissors, and left-handed scissors. The specialty list is detailed: slide cutting, blunt cutting, base cutting, dry cutting, wet cutting, thinning (18 to 25%), all round thinning (20 to 25%), finish thinning (10 to 19%), volume control, and texture control. The distinction between standard thinning, all round thinning, and finish thinning suggests Washou offers multiple thinning models calibrated for different stages of a haircut.
That level of thinning specialization is characteristic of Japanese manufacturers who design specific tools for each phase of the cutting process rather than relying on one general purpose thinner.
Availability
Washou scissors are available through Shear Integrity, a third party online retailer. The brand’s own website is washouscissors.main.jp. Distribution appears to be limited, which is common for smaller Japanese manufacturers that prioritize craft production over wide retail reach.
Specifications & Availability
The Seki City manufacturing origin is a notable detail, as the region’s history in blade making goes back centuries. For current specifications and pricing, see Washou’s official site or authorised retailers. If you have firsthand experience with Washou scissors, feel free to reach out through our contact page.
See Also
Where to Buy
Washou at a glance
- Budget
- Premium $400–800
- Makes
- Cutting Scissors, Thinning Scissors, Left-Handed Scissors
- Based in
- Japan
- Catalogue
- 34 models listed
- Established
- 1963
Product Types
Specialties
Materials & Construction
The steel, edges, and handle styles Washou works in:
Where to Buy
Authorized Retailers
Retailers stocking Washou
ScissorPedia catalogues 1 retailer carrying Washou.
- SHEAR INTEGRITY — USA · ships to USA
Products
How Washou Compares
| Brand | Washou | Kamisori | Yasaka | Keiun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | Japan | Japan | Japan |
| Typical price | US$500–US$590 | US$97–US$1,624 | US$227–US$617 | US$400–US$950 |
| Steel | SUS440C, VG-10, ATS-314, Super Gold, Damascus | ATS-314, VG-10, VG-1, 440C, Takefu Cobalt, Damascus | 440C, ATS-314, VG-10 | ATS-314, 440C, Damascus |
| Blade types | — | Convex Edge | Convex | Convex |
| Handles | Offset | Offset, Crane, Swivel, Double Swivel | Offset, Classic, Semi-offset | Offset |
| Specialties | Slide cut, Blunt cut, Base cut, Dry cut, Wet cut, Thinning (18-25%), All-round thinning (20-25%), Finish thinning (10-19%), Volume control, Texture control | Blunt cut, Slide cut, Point cut, Precision cut, Texturizing, Scissor-over-comb, Layering, Slicing | — | Slide cut, Thinning(15-20%), Thinning(25-30%), Thinning(50-60%) |
| Founded | 1963 | 2005 | 1965 | 1948 |
| Known for | — | Signature KAMISORI ATS-314 Japanese cobalt steel blades | Clam-shaped convex-edge blades, handcrafted in Nara, Japan | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Washou is the hair-scissor line of TOA Scissors Co., Ltd., founded in 1963 and based in Seki City, Gifu, a region known for centuries of Japanese blade making. Every pair is made in Japan.
Steel varies by series. The Performance models run on SUS440C and VG-10, while higher-end ranges use cobalt ATS-314, powdered Super Gold, and Damascus.
Guide prices on the 34 catalogued Washou models run from $235 to $1,668, so the line starts under the premium band and runs well past it.
Cutting, thinning, and left-handed lines together cover 5.5 to 7.5 inches in the catalogue.
Yes. Washou makes a dedicated left-handed range to go with its cutting and thinning lines.
Washou is best known for its thinning shears, with separate models tuned for general thinning, all-round thinning, and finish work so you can match the tool to each stage of a cut.
Ratings & reviews
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