Scissor FAQ Canada

At Japan Scissor Shop, we understand that professional tools are an investment. That's why we offer several flexible Buy Now, Pay Later options that allow you to order premium hair shears and spread the cost over time.

Available payment methods include:

• Afterpay - Split your purchase into 4 interest-free payments
• Zip Pay - Flexible payment plans with easy approval
• Laybuy - Pay in 6 weekly installments
• Sezzle - Interest-free installment plans

You can select your preferred payment option during checkout. All options are interest-free when paid on time, making it easier to invest in professional-quality tools without the upfront cost.

We offer free expedited shipping on all hairdressing scissor orders across Canada. Your order is carefully prepared and shipped quickly using premium carriers to ensure you receive your scissors within days, not weeks.

Shipping benefits include:

• Fast processing - most orders ship within 1-2 business days
• Full tracking included with every order
• Secure, insured delivery
• Estimated delivery: 2-4 business days across Canada

Some popular scissor models may occasionally be sold out due to high demand. When this happens, you have several options:

Email Pre-Order: Contact our customer care team at hello@japanscissorshop.com to pre-purchase and secure your order ahead of the next shipment.

Stock Notifications: On any product page, you can enter your email address to be automatically notified when the item is back in stock.

Priority Fulfillment: Pre-orders are fulfilled first when new stock arrives, ensuring you get your scissors as quickly as possible.

At Japan Scissor Shop, we prioritize fast, reliable delivery across Canada.

Average delivery timeframes:

• Processing: 1-2 business days
• Transit: 2-4 business days
• Total: Most orders arrive within 3-5 business days

All orders include tracking information so you can monitor your delivery every step of the way. Express options may be available for urgent orders - contact us for details.

We understand that ordering professional tools online can be challenging without physically handling them first. That's why we offer a straightforward 7-day return and exchange guarantee.

Our hassle-free process:

• 7 days from delivery to request a return or exchange
• Exchange for different size or model
• Full refund option available (minus restocking fee)
• Simple process - just email hello@japanscissorshop.com

Whether you need a different size, want to try a different model, or simply change your mind, we make it easy to ensure you get the perfect scissors for your needs.

Scissor handle ergonomics refers to the design and functionality of the handle that allows for comfortable, efficient cutting over extended periods. The right ergonomic design can significantly reduce hand strain, wrist fatigue, and the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

Key ergonomic features include:

• Handle angle: Offset handles reduce wrist bend and strain
• Thumb placement: Proper thumb ring positioning for natural movement
• Finger rest: Optional support for better control and reduced tension
• Weight distribution: Balanced scissors require less grip force

Choosing ergonomically designed scissors is especially important for professionals who cut hair daily, as proper ergonomics can extend your career by preventing injury.

The appropriate scissor size depends on your specific cutting techniques, hand size, and whether you're primarily styling or barbering.

For Hairstylists:

• 5.5" scissors - Most popular size for precision styling and detail work
• 5.0" scissors - Excellent for intricate work, around ears, and detailed cuts
• 6.0" scissors - Versatile for both precision and general cutting

For Barbers:

• 6.0" scissors - Most popular for scissor-over-comb techniques
• 6.5" scissors - Ideal for larger hands and bulk cutting
• 7.0" scissors - Best for scissor-over-comb and clipper-over-comb work

General rule: Shorter blades (5.0"-5.5") excel at detailed, precision work, while longer blades (6.0"-7.0") are better suited for bulkier cutting tasks and speed cutting.

The best hairdressing scissor brands combine high-quality Japanese or German steel, precision manufacturing, ultra-sharp blades, and reasonable pricing. At Japan Scissor Shop, we stock only premium brands trusted by professionals worldwide.

Top brands available:

• Jaguar (Germany) - Premium German engineering with lifetime warranties
• Joewell (Japan) - Traditional Japanese craftsmanship, industry standard
• Yasaka (Seiki) - High-performance Japanese steel and innovative designs
• Juntetsu (Japan) - Affordable quality with lifetime warranty
• Ichiro (Japan) - Premium hand-forged scissors with lifetime warranty
• Mina (Japan) - Modern designs with extended warranties
• Kasho (Japan) - Professional-grade precision tools
• Kamisori (Japan) - Cutting-edge designs and materials

Each brand offers different features, price points, and warranties to suit various needs and budgets.

Choosing scissors for home use requires balancing quality, comfort, and affordability. While professional stylists need premium tools for daily use, home users can achieve excellent results with mid-range quality scissors.

Key factors to consider:

• Material: Stainless steel is durable and easy to maintain
• Size: 5.5" or 6.0" works best for most home cutting tasks
• Handle: Offset handles are more comfortable for extended use
• Blade type: Beveled edges are more forgiving for beginners
• Sharpness: Sharp blades prevent hair damage and make cutting easier

Popular home haircutting kits include:

• Scissors with comfortable offset handles
• Sharp, durable blades that stay sharp longer
• Often include thinning scissors for blending
• Reasonably priced without sacrificing quality

Based on thousands of orders from Canadian stylists and barbers, here are the most popular configurations:

Most Common Sizes:

• 5.5" cutting scissors - #1 choice for hairstylists
• 6.0" cutting scissors - #1 choice for barbers
• 6.0" thinning scissors - Universal thinning/texturizing size

Most Popular Handle Types:

• Offset handle - Ergonomic design, reduces wrist strain (60% of orders)
• Classic/Straight handle - Traditional design, good control (35% of orders)
• Crane/Swivel handle - Advanced ergonomics (5% of orders)

Most Popular Blade Types:

• Convex edge - Sharpest, smoothest cutting (preferred by 70% of professionals)
• Beveled edge - Durable, easy to maintain (popular with 25% of users)
• Serrated/textured - Prevents hair slipping (5% specialty use)

Have questions about which configuration is right for you? Email us at hello@japanscissorshop.com for personalized recommendations.

Hair scissors come in four main handle designs, each offering different benefits for comfort and cutting efficiency:

1. Offset Handle (Most Popular)

• Thumb ring positioned lower than finger ring
• Reduces wrist bend and shoulder elevation
• Most ergonomic for all-day cutting
• Recommended for professionals to prevent RSI

2. Classic/Straight Handle

• Thumb and finger rings aligned
• Traditional design preferred by some stylists
• Good for precise, controlled cutting
• Requires more wrist flexibility

3. Crane Handle

• Extreme offset angle (beyond standard offset)
• Maximum ergonomic benefit
• Ideal for stylists with wrist or shoulder issues
• Allows for completely relaxed elbow position

4. Swivel Handle

• Rotating thumb ring for ultimate flexibility
• Allows cutting at any angle without wrist rotation
• Best for advanced stylists with wrist problems
• Requires practice to master

The blade edge type significantly affects cutting performance, sharpness, and maintenance requirements:

1. Convex Edge (Premium)

• Sharpest possible edge - like a samurai sword
• Smoothest, effortless cutting
• Ideal for slide cutting and precision work
• Requires professional sharpening
• Most expensive but longest-lasting sharpness

2. Beveled Edge (Standard)

• Durable, reliable edge
• Easier to sharpen and maintain
• Good for general cutting
• More forgiving of slight misalignment
• Best for beginners to intermediate users

3. Serrated/Micro-Serrated Edge

• Tiny teeth prevent hair from sliding
• Excellent for coarse or slippery hair
• Commonly found on one blade in thinning scissors
• Stays sharp longer but cutting feel is less smooth

4. Hollow Ground Concave

• Slight concave grind on blade face
• Reduces friction for smoother cutting
• Popular in Japanese scissors
• Balances sharpness with durability

The type of steel used in scissors dramatically affects sharpness retention, durability, and price. Here's what you need to know:

Japanese Stainless Steel Grades:

• VG-10 Steel - Premium steel with excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance
• 440C Steel - High-carbon stainless, good balance of sharpness and durability
• ATS-314 Cobalt Steel - Enhanced hardness, superior edge retention
• 9CR/10CR Steel - Quality stainless with good sharpness and moderate price
• 8CR Steel - Entry-level professional steel, affordable and reliable

Specialty Alloys:

• Cobalt Alloy - Increased hardness for longer-lasting sharpness
• Titanium Coated - Lightweight with enhanced surface durability
• Damascus Steel - Layered steel with beautiful patterns and superior performance

Steel Grade Impact:

• Higher-grade steels (VG-10, ATS-314) stay sharp 2-3x longer
• Better steel allows for sharper edge angles
• Premium steels justify higher prices through longevity
• Proper maintenance matters more than steel grade for most users

Thinning (texturizing) scissors remove bulk without significantly reducing length. The number of teeth determines how much hair is removed with each cut:

Tooth Count Guide:

• 16-25 teeth - Removes 40-50% of hair (chunky texturizing, heavy thinning)
• 28-35 teeth - Removes 25-35% of hair (moderate thinning, most versatile)
• 35-45 teeth - Removes 15-25% of hair (subtle blending, finishing work)

Most Popular: 30-35 teeth

• Versatile for most thinning and texturizing tasks
• Suitable for all hair types
• Good balance between hair removal and natural blending
• Recommended for stylists who use one thinning scissor for multiple purposes

Professional Tip: Many stylists own two thinning scissors - one with 30 teeth for general work, and either a low-tooth (20) for heavy removal or high-tooth (40) for fine finishing work.

Finger inserts (also called finger rings or rubber grips) are removable silicone or rubber rings that fit inside the scissor handles to improve comfort and safety.

Benefits of finger inserts:

• Better grip: Prevents fingers from slipping, especially with wet hands
• Comfort: Cushions fingers during extended cutting sessions
• Size adjustment: Makes larger rings fit smaller fingers
• Injury prevention: Reduces pressure points and friction
• Hygiene: Removable for cleaning and sanitizing

When to use finger inserts:

• Rings feel too large for your fingers
• You experience rubbing or pressure points
• Your hands sweat during cutting
• You want extra grip security
• Transitioning between different sized scissors

Most professional scissors include finger inserts, and replacement inserts are inexpensive and readily available.

While left-handed stylists can technically use right-handed scissors, it's not recommended and can lead to significant problems:

Why left-handed scissors matter:

• Blade orientation: Right-handed scissors have the blade edge optimized for right-hand cutting motion
• Visibility: Can't see the cutting line when using opposite-handed scissors
• Pressure direction: Blades may push apart instead of shearing together properly
• Ergonomics: Handle design works against natural hand position
• Injury risk: Unnatural hand positions increase RSI and carpal tunnel risk

Effects of using wrong-handed scissors:

• Increased hand and wrist fatigue
• Less precise cuts
• Hair bending/folding instead of cutting cleanly
• Higher risk of repetitive strain injuries
• Slower cutting speed and reduced efficiency

Solution: Invest in proper left-handed scissors. While they may cost slightly more and have fewer model options, the improvement in cutting performance and comfort is worth it. Most major brands (Jaguar, Joewell, Yasaka) offer left-handed versions of their popular models.

All hair scissors eventually need sharpening, but the frequency depends on several factors:

Signs your scissors need sharpening:

• Pushing or folding hair instead of cutting cleanly
• Hair sliding off the blades
• Requiring more force to close the scissors
• Uneven cutting or pulling
• Visible nicks or damage on the blade edge

Sharpness longevity factors:

• Steel quality: VG-10 and high-grade Japanese steel stays sharp 2-3x longer than lower grades
• Blade edge type: Convex edges retain sharpness longer but require professional sharpening
• Cutting frequency: Daily professional use vs. occasional home use
• Maintenance: Regular cleaning, oiling, and proper storage extends sharpness
• Cutting material: Dry vs. wet hair, clean vs. product-laden hair

Typical sharpening schedules:

• Heavy use (20+ cuts/day): Every 3-6 months
• Moderate use (5-15 cuts/day): Every 6-9 months
• Light use (occasional home use): Every 12-18 months

While home sharpening is possible, it requires the right tools, techniques, and understanding of your scissor's blade edge type. Improper sharpening can permanently damage expensive scissors.

Home sharpening options:

• Sharpening stones (whetstones): Can work for beveled edge scissors with practice
• Diamond sharpeners: More aggressive, requires careful technique
• Scissor-specific sharpeners: Limited effectiveness, mainly for minor touch-ups

Risks of DIY sharpening:

• Incorrect angle can ruin the blade edge permanently
• Uneven sharpening creates blade alignment issues
• Too aggressive sharpening removes excessive metal
• Convex edges require specialized equipment - don't attempt at home
• Can void warranties on premium scissors

Our recommendation: For expensive professional scissors (especially convex edge), always use professional sharpening services. For entry-level beveled edge scissors, you can attempt careful home sharpening with proper research and tools, but professional sharpening typically costs $15-30 and ensures perfect results.

Professional scissor sharpening services specialize in restoring and maintaining professional cutting tools using specialized equipment and expertise.

Services typically include:

• Blade sharpening: Precision grinding to restore factory-sharp edges
• Tension adjustment: Proper blade alignment and screw tension
• Deep cleaning: Removal of product buildup and residue
• Minor repairs: Fixing small nicks, bent blades, or damaged tips
• Honing: Final polish for ultra-smooth cutting
• Testing: Performance verification before return

Advantages of professional services:

• Specialized equipment for convex and beveled edges
• Maintains proper blade geometry and angles
• Extends scissor lifespan significantly
• Customization to your cutting style and hand
• Typically includes 30-90 day sharpness guarantee

Cost and timeframe:

• Standard sharpening: $15-30 per scissor
• Convex edge sharpening: $25-40 per scissor
• Turnaround time: 3-7 days locally, 1-2 weeks by mail

Many Canadian cities have local sharpening services, or you can use mail-in services. Some tool suppliers also offer sharpening programs.

Sharpening frequency depends on usage intensity, scissor quality, and maintenance practices. Here are industry-standard guidelines:

Professional Stylists & Barbers:

• Full-time (20+ clients/day): Every 3-6 months
• Part-time (10-15 clients/day): Every 6-9 months
• Weekend/Occasional: Every 9-12 months

Home Users:

• Regular family cuts (weekly): Every 12-18 months
• Occasional use (monthly): Every 18-24 months

Factors that increase sharpening frequency:

• Cutting wet hair more than dry hair
• Cutting hair with heavy product buildup
• Using scissors on extension hair or synthetic fibers
• Dropping or damaging scissors
• Lower quality steel grades

Factors that extend time between sharpenings:

• Premium Japanese steel (VG-10, ATS-314)
• Convex edge blades
• Regular cleaning and oiling after each use
• Proper storage in protective case
• Using cutting scissors only for hair (not paper, packaging, etc.)

Pro tip: Don't wait until scissors are completely dull. Sharpen when you first notice performance degradation to maintain optimal cutting quality and extend blade life.

Proper tension adjustment is crucial for optimal cutting performance and is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can do yourself.

Tools needed:

• Tension key (usually included with scissors)
• Small screwdriver (if your scissors use a screw instead of adjustable tension)

Step-by-step adjustment process:

1. Test current tension: Hold scissors by one handle and let them hang. The blades should open slowly under their own weight, not fall open quickly or stay closed.
2. Too loose? Tighten tension screw clockwise (righty-tighty) in small increments
3. Too tight? Loosen tension screw counter-clockwise in small increments
4. Test cut: After each adjustment, test on hair to ensure smooth cutting
5. Apply oil: Add a drop of scissor oil to the pivot point after adjustment

Perfect tension feels like:

• Blades open slowly under their own weight (not stay closed, not fall open quickly)
• Smooth closing action without grinding or catching
• Clean cuts without pushing or folding hair
• No wobble or looseness when cutting

⚠️ Important warnings:

• Don't over-tighten! This can damage the blade edges and pivot point
• Make small adjustments (1/8 turn at a time)
• If you can't achieve proper tension, the scissors may need professional service
• Some scissors have set screws and shouldn't be adjusted without professional guidance

For detailed visual instructions, check out our complete tension adjustment guide.