1. Hikari - www.hikariscissors.com
Hikari shears have been an innovator of hair-styling shears for over 40 years and set the standard for how other shears are measured. They invented the Precision Convex Edge that makes their shears some of the most accurate in the industry. Others have tried to duplicate this technology but "there is no shear like a Hikari." They are also created The Five Finger Ergonomic Positioning System that's a feature in their higher quality shears.
Hikari shears are hand-made in Japan from high-quality metal alloys like molybdenum, cobalt, and vanadium. Each shear is vacuum heat tempered ensuring durable blades and a long-cutting life. And to top it off, many top stylists and instructors swear by them. Angus Mitchell, co-owner of Paul Mitchell system says, "I would never touch anything less than Hikari shears. They are my favorite, favorite tool. They fit amazingly in your hand, the way they cut through hair is effortless. You don't get service from anyone else like you do here at Hikari.”
Hikari protects your investment by offering service and maintenance through their California based scissor-factory where shears are sharpened and repaired by factory-trained technicians. They stand by their work and offer a one-year warranty.
I'm definitely impressed. The Hikari Collection is divided into different groups based on price and grades of quality; "Good" ($299-$409), "Better" ($395-$525), "Best" ($695-$895) and "Ultimate" ($785-$1750). The "Ultimate" line is their dry-cut series.
2. Hattori Hanzo - www.hattorihanzoshears.com
Hattori Hanzo is another leader in hair-cutting shears. Many top platform artists are loyal to this brand. Hattori Hanzo boasts Japanese steel strength, great balance, and sharp blades.
Customer service and support seem to set Hattori Hanzo apart from its competitors. In addition to basic sharpening service, they offer StaySharp Inshearance to help you get a replacement pair if they ever become lost, damaged, or stolen, and a 15-day money back guarantee. If funding is an issue, you can trade in your used shears towards a new pair, or use their EasyPay program that allows you to make monthly installments.
Hanzo's commitment to social responsibility is unmatched. The Trade Foundation is a program that provides education and opportunity to women in developing nations to learn about the art and science behind hairdressing. This not only empowers women with a skill to make an income but it helps to curtail human trafficking and prostitution. If you want your dollars to work double-duty, purchasing a pair is a wise choice.
Hanzo shears range from $350 - $1673.
3. Kamisori - www.kamisorishears.com
Last but not least, I took a look at the Kamisori brand. Kamisori is dedicated to craftsmanship and use of high-quality metals. Their elegant and unique designs are their signature. They use steel grades like Damascus, ATS-314 Cobalt, V-10 Cobalt, and Hitachi. Damascus steel was used by Samurai swordsmen and is composed of 12 to 16 metals layered on top of one another. These layers create a unique cloud-like pattern on the shear surface. Many of their shears are hand-forged in Japan and go through a 93-step process to ensure "perfection.
Kamirsori offers the best warranty pro They offer an unconditional lifetime warranty to protect against manufacturer defects, a one-year accidental warranty in case you drop them, and a 30-day money back guarantee.
As far as affordability goes, they range from $95 - $1295. They even offer clearance and discounted shears which are new and NOT refurbished making it possible for anyone to own one of these finely-crafted gems.
Upon evaluating these three prestigious brands, I'm probably going to go with a Kamisori shear. The designs are beautiful, they excel in metal technology, flexible financing make them affordable, and they provide the best warranty in the industry. Once I find the exact Kamisori shear, I'll post an update on how well I like them.