Anyone who enjoys sewing needs a set of dependable, sharp, and durable scissors.
There is nothing more frustrating than using a pair of scissors that won’t cut it.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks:
Japanese sewing scissors are ideal for cutting through thick and delicate textiles with razor-sharp edges.
Scissors made in Japan are known for their lightweight and sturdy ergonomic handles that reduce hand fatigue.
Additionally, Japanese scissors are built to last a long time due to their exceptional toughness.
Here are the top 5 Japanese-made sewing scissors:
Kai 7205 8 Inch Professional Shears (The Overall Winner)
The Kai 7205 are high carbon stainless steel blades and are great for cutting all fabric types.
They are 9 inches long, with a blade length of 4 inches, and weigh a little more than 5 ounces.
In addition, they are precise and feel comfortable in your hand. These scissors are also very durable and don’t immediately become dull.
Check Out The Current Prices Here!
Because they are not only built of high-quality materials but also perform well, these shears are the overall winner for the best Japanese-made sewing scissors.
They are versatile and reasonably priced because you can use them for various sewing tasks.
It eliminates the need to switch out scissors for different tasks, which is very convenient.
Pros
- They can cut fabric ranging from very lightweight to very heavyweight.
- The scissors do not dull quickly.
- They are extremely durable.
- The pricing is reasonable in comparison to the superior material and durability.
Cons
- The cover that comes with it is of low quality and easily breaks.
- The small size feels awkward to use when cutting very heavyweight fabric.
Kai 5210 8-inch Dressmaking Shears (The Budget Pick)
These Kai scissors are designed to help you hold your cloth firmly while cutting with a serrated blade.
Kai scissors have ergonomic handles that make cutting cloth with precision a breeze. They are 8 inches long and about 5.6 ounces in weight.
Check Out The Current Prices Here!
You get a lot of blade for your money at 8-inches long, which makes them seem like a bargain the more you use them. Of course, you can sharpen them yourself, but it won’t cost a fortune if you want a professional to do it.
These scissors win for the budget pick because, despite their low price, they have great quality craftsmanship and create high-quality results.
Furthermore, despite their modest price, these are sturdy scissors that will not break easily.
Pros
- They’re easy to use and lightweight.
- Great for novice to expert seamstresses
- They are very durable
Cons
- They have a fragile feel to them.
- The tab between the handles tends to pinch.
- The scissors are not as effective when cutting intricate designs such as applique motifs.
Clover Curved Scissors 140 mm
The Japanese Clover Scissors are curved stainless steel scissors that can cut intricate shapes from delicate fabrics such as lace and fine silk.
They are 140 mm or 5.5 inches long, with a blade length of 47 mm or almost 2 inches, and weigh a little more than 2 ounces.
Because the handle is symmetrical, you can use it with either your left or right hand.
However, it may take a while for novice sewists to get used to the curved shape.
Pros
- They cut intricate designs smoothly, such as appliqué motifs and patchwork.
- The symmetrical form of the handle makes it comfortable to grasp for both right- and left-handed people.
- The scissors come with an olefin-based bag for simple storage.
- The thick blades are perfect for cutting fabrics ranging from extremely lightweight to medium-heavy.
Cons
- They are difficult to get in the United States.
- There is a learning curve for newcomers to sewing for utilizing these curved scissors.
Jikko Shirohagane Tailor Shears 260 mm
White carbon steel is used to make the Jikko Shirohagane Tailor Shears.
The material has few impurities and a fine grain structure, resulting in an extremely fine edge that stays razor-sharp. Also, white carbon steel makes it easy to resharpen the scissors.
They are 260 mm or a little more than 10 inches long. These shears are available in two sizes: 240 mm and 260 mm.
In addition, these scissors are ideal for cutting fabric lengths and layers for quilting.
Pros
- The ergonomic design makes cutting fabric lengths painless.
- They are made of high-quality materials and can deliver high-quality results.
- The blades are very sharp and can be easily resharpened, which is extremely convenient.
Cons
- They are extremely difficult to find in the United States.
- They are expensive.
Shozaburo Tailor Shears 300 mm
Laminated and constructed from high-grade Japanese steel that is iron encased, the blades of the Shozaburo Tailor Shears have a very fine cutting edge and a lasting sharpness.
They measure 300 mm or 11.8 inches in length.
Check Out The Current Prices Here!
You should exclusively use this set of high-quality scissors for textiles.
The blades are crafted using carbon steel, and they must be kept dry and oiled periodically to avoid corrosion.
Pros
- They are of excellent quality and perform flawlessly.
- They cut cloth with ease and precision.
- You won’t feel any strain while cutting with scissors, which is ideal for weary or arthritic hands.
- They are made by one of Japan’s oldest and most well-respected scissor makers.
- Large size, which is uncommon for high-quality sewing scissors, is great for cutting large amounts of fabric.
Cons
- They are fairly expensive.
- You must take extra care and maintenance to maintain good quality.
- It is not recommended to use scissors for cutting anything other than fabric.
3 Best Sewing Scissor Brands from Japan:
Cutting through even the thickest and most delicate fabrics, such as embroidered silk or translucent glass, is a breeze with these Japanese sewing scissors, which feature razor-blade blades.
In addition, the lightweight and sturdy handles of the best Japanese-made scissors avoid hand fatigue.
Moreover, Japanese scissors are built to last a long time because of their high-quality craftsmanship.
Here are some of the three best Japanese sewing scissor brands:
Shozaburo:
Japanese craftsmanship is embodied in the Shozaburo scissors.
With a century-long history and reputation, Shozaburo scissors were founded by an apprentice to one of Japan’s earliest Western-style scissors masters, Miura Shozaburo.
In Japan, Shozaburo shears are regarded as one of the most respected names in the sewing tool industry.
Jikko:
Osaka-based Jikko Cutlery was founded in Sakai city in 1900.
Sakai region’s golden period began in the 12th century when Samurai sword-making became prominent.
To this day, Sakai forging workshops remain a major source of high-quality Japanese blades.
Jikko Cutlery has proudly kept on the history of producing high-quality blades for over a century, and its sewing scissors are proof of that craftsmanship.
KAI:
KAI is a household name in the cutlery industry and quite popular in the Western market.
All KAI sewing scissors and shears are hand-polished and adjusted for fatigue-free cutting on various textiles and materials.
The scissors combine soft ergonomic handle grips and hardened stainless steel blades that provide great cutting action.
They provide high-quality sewing scissors for normal hobbyists and higher-grade scissors for the more serious and professional sewist.
What Japanese Scissors Brand is Best for Cutting Fabric?
KAI scissors are the best Japanese-made brand for cutting fabric because of their versatility.
Scissors manufactured by the company can cut a wide range of materials, from very lightweight to very heavyweight.
To cut different types and sizes of fabric, you don’t need to switch through different scissors, which is a huge time saver.
In addition, although the scissors can easily cut through heavyweight fabric, it doesn’t dull or breaks easily.
What Japanese Scissors Brand is Best for Quilting?
Shozaburo makes the best Japanese-made quilting scissors, thanks to their extra-long blades.
When cutting very long strips of fabric for quilting, you’ll appreciate the lightweight and ergonomic design of the scissors they produce.
A pair of scissors that won’t dull easily is essential when quilting because you need scissors that can easily cut through a lot of fabric.
How Much Should You REALLY Pay for Japanese-made Sewing Scissors?
When selecting the specific scissors, you should purchase them for a suitable price, and there are various aspects to consider.
For example, you’ll want to think about the purpose of the scissors, your skill level as a seamstress, and how often you’ll be using them. These considerations will decide how much you should spend on scissors.
If you’re just getting started and learning to sew, you shouldn’t spend more than $50 on an excellent pair of Japanese-made scissors.
This is because you still don’t know what you’ll be focusing on when you start sewing.
You might find that you are more inclined to do quilting projects when sewing. It probably wouldn’t be good to spend more than $200 on the Shozaburo Tailor scissors if this is the case.
If you’re a sewing enthusiast seeking high-quality Japanese sewing scissors, expect to pay between $20 and $50.
However, most professional sewists will need to invest between $75 and $250 on the best pair of scissors for their cutting needs, especially when there’s a huge amount of cutting that needs to be done daily.