Our shears are always 100% Japanese steel; typically favoring special, exotic forged alloys for the sharpest, longest- lasting edges. Here’s something that is often overlooked or even covered up with branding and clever features and why Roger puts steel first, tooling & ergonomics a close second, and (as much as he -also loves- stylish design) cool factor last:

Steel is what powers your scissors. It is the difference between a razor-like cutting feel every time you touch it to hair and a meh-feeling. Impure or cast steel makes for a pair of scissors that are easily damaged and dull quickly, demanding frequent sharpenings and thus replacement with an expensive new pair. But more importantly, a pair of mediocre scissors that never let you do your best work. We all know that Japan makes the purest, highest quality steel. It’s not just marketing; it is really true - I feel it every time I sharpen a quality scissor or an expensive sushi knife.

Sometimes we see really expensive scissors, nicely shaped but made of a really low-quality steel. It is impossible to spot this by simply looking at the scissor. Steel needs to be super pure, which is why we favor the Japanese foundries. One also needs to be able to trust his or her manufacturer to not swap out to a lower grade after that scissor model becomes popular.

Not very well known, but it is the purity and treatment of steel that determines the keenness of the cutting edge which in turn means much better haircuts and a razor-like sense of control in your hand, literally gliding through hair. And a longer lasting level of sharpness. Fewer sharpenings means that shear will last a lifetime, when properly cared for.