Washou

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.

What We Know So Far

Washou’s founding year is not confirmed in our records. Specific steel types, hardness ratings, and blade profiles are not published in publicly available materials. The Seki City manufacturing origin is a notable detail, as the region’s history in blade making goes back centuries. ScissorPedia will update this profile as more technical details become accessible. If you have firsthand experience with Washou scissors, feel free to reach out through our contact page.