Manufacturing Regions

Professional scissors come from a handful of places in the world, and each region brings a distinct manufacturing philosophy to the craft.

Why region matters

The place a scissor is made tells you something about how it was made. Seki City in Japan and Solingen in Germany have centuries of bladesmithing history that shapes everything from steel selection to grinding technique. Knowing the region helps you understand what you’re actually buying.

The major centers

Three cities account for the vast majority of professional hair scissors sold worldwide. Seki produces an estimated 99% of Japan’s hairdressing scissors. Solingen holds a legally protected manufacturing designation in Germany. And Ono City, also in Japan, carries a 250 year tradition in blade work with a smaller but respected output.

Quick answers for stylists

• Japanese scissors (mostly Seki) tend toward harder steels, convex edges, and lighter weight.
• German scissors (mostly Solingen) favor slightly softer steels, beveled edges, and heavier builds.
• The sharpening method differs by region. Getting this wrong can permanently damage your scissors.