Maker stories
Meet the makers first.
Each maker has its own idea of what a shear should be. These stories describe the steels, edges, handles and shapes each one chooses, so you can find the character that suits your hand before comparing models.
- Juntetsu
Handmade in Japan. Cutting shears, thinners and sets in VG10, cobalt and 440C steels, with convex edges and offset, crane and swivel handles.
59 modelsRead the story: JuntetsuOpen the collection: Juntetsu - Yasaka
Made in Japan. A compact range of cutting shears with clam-shaped convex edges, distinct handles for distinct hands, and thinners by tooth count.
21 modelsRead the story: YasakaOpen the collection: Yasaka - Joewell
Level-handled classics, cobalt and powder-metal Supreme models, offset designs, thinners listed by cut ratio, and true left-handed shears.
27 modelsRead the story: JoewellOpen the collection: Joewell - Ichiro
Working shears, thinners and matched sets in 440C and VG-10, mostly offset, in finishes from mirror polish to matte black, rose gold and pastel.
45 modelsRead the story: IchiroOpen the collection: Ichiro
How to use the stories
Read the story of the maker whose shears you already own, then one you haven't tried. Note the handle style and edge each prefers. When a detail in a story matters to you, open the maker's collection and compare the product pages, which list the steel, edge, handle, lengths and box contents for every model.
Origin is stated only where it is confirmed: Juntetsu shears are handmade in Japan, and Yasaka shears are made in Japan.
Two makers, side by side
When two makers both suit you, a comparison helps more than another story. Each one sets the makers against each other on edge, handle, length, steel and thinners, and ends with who each suits.
- Juntetsu and Yasaka compared: Two makers of convex-edged shears: Juntetsu, handmade in Japan, and Yasaka, made in Japan. How their edges, handles, steels and thinners differ.
- Joewell and Ichiro compared: Joewell's level-handled classics and cut-ratio thinners beside Ichiro's offset working shears, finishes and matched sets, and who each one suits.