Washou
TOA SCISSORS.CO.,LTD
Who it suits
Washou is a Japanese scissor brand by TOA Scissors, manufactured in Seki City with specialized thinning models for different cutting phases.
Price position
$235–1668 · tier 4 of 5
Profile completeness
8/9Profile coverage
- Models
- 34 catalogued
- Product types
- 3 documented
- Materials
- 5 documented
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 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 offers cutting scissors, thinning scissors, and left-handed scissors for slide, blunt, base, dry, and wet cutting. Its texture tools include standard thinning at 18 to 25 percent, all-round thinning at 20 to 25 percent, and finish thinning at 10 to 19 percent.
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 washouscissors.main.jp and online retailer Shear Integrity. These channels carry current model and ordering information.
Specifications & Availability
Washou makes its scissors in Seki City, a region with centuries of blade-making history. The official site and authorised retailers carry current specifications and prices.
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 Online store — USA · ships to USA
The range, at a glance
-
-
-
Product photos from the ScissorPedia catalogue; see each product page for provenance.
Products
Show 22 more Washou model names
- Washou NY Cutting Scissors
- Washou NYL Left-Handed Cutting Scissors
- Washou NYMA Cutting Scissors
- Washou NYMB Thinning Scissors
- Washou NYMBL Left-Handed Thinning Scissors
- Washou SGUDHK Cutting Scissors
- Washou Super Gold SGKUD Cutting Scissors
- Washou UD ATS314 Cobalt Cutting Scissors
- Washou UD1 Cutting Scissors
- Washou UD1T Thinning Scissors
- Washou UD7 Cutting Scissors
- Washou UDC Performance Series Cutting Scissors
- Washou UDHK Cutting Scissors
- Washou UDHKL Left-Handed Cutting Scissors
- Washou UDL Left-Handed Cutting Scissors
- Washou UDTL Left-Handed Thinning Scissors
- Washou YNC Cutting Scissors
- Washou YNT Thinning Scissors
- Washou YS ATS314 Cobalt Cutting Scissors
- Washou YSL Left-Handed Cutting Scissors
- Washou YSSC Cutting Scissors
- Washou YSTBL Left-Handed Thinning Scissors
How Washou compares
Same listed origin, adjacent price tier. Rows tinted brass differ; "—" means the field is not documented yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
6 answers you can open one at a timeWhere are Washou scissors made?
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.
What steel do Washou scissors use?
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.
How much do Washou scissors cost?
Guide prices on the 34 Washou models run from $235 to $1,668, so the line starts under the premium band and runs well past it.
What sizes do Washou scissors come in?
Cutting, thinning, and left-handed lines together cover 5.5 to 7.5 inches in the catalogue.
Are Washou scissors available for left-handed stylists?
Yes. Washou makes a dedicated left-handed range to go with its cutting and thinning lines.
What is Washou known for?
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
Used Washou scissors? Rate them and share your experience to help other professionals choose.