Q: Why is a $500 shear better than a $50 shear?
A: Superior quality and finish means a much sharper cutting angle. This makes the haircut better because the hair will have been sliced (not crush cut) and stays round, hangs straighter and won't split at the ends. Truer cutting and greater comfort mean less work so the stylist is less tired at the end of the day.
Q: Can shears be sharpened as sharp as they were when they were new?
A: The short answer is yes. Shears that have been maintained properly can always be kept like new. But, a pair of shears that has been damaged due to being dropped or by improper sharpening can almost always be sharpened to cut hair as well or better than it did when it was new. Restoring the cutting edge to the proper angle, correcting the blade profile and set, restoring the ride and tips will restore the shear and save the cost of a new shear.
Q: My shears were ruined by a bad sharpener. Can they be fixed?
A. Yes, we can almost always fix a damaged shear. However, please note that poor sharpening removes quite a bit of steel from your shear unnecessarily, there by reducing its cutting life. This is why having your shears properly sharpened is so important.
Q: I recently bought a premium shear it only cuts very rough at best.
A: This happens often. Sadly, many high dollar shears have cutting angles appropriate for a $50 to $100 shear. After thorough research we have found only 2 manufacturers that consistently make $400 to $1,000 shears with extremely fine cutting angles.
Q: So what do I do with this expensive but useless premium shear, then?
A: If you can return it, do so and try a Mizutani. Our research has shown that Mizutani consistently makes the finest shears on the market today. If you can not return it, let us sharpen it. We guarantee it will cut better than when you bought it.
A: If you can return it, do so and try a Mizutani. Our research has shown that Mizutani consistently makes the finest shears on the market today. If you can not return it, let us sharpen it. We guarantee it will cut better than when you bought it.
Q: What is the shear cutting angle and why is it important?
A: The edge of the shear that cuts the hair is sharpened to an angle. In general, the sharper the angle the smoother the shear will cut. Shears that cost $50 to $100 have very blunt cutting edges like a butter knife so, as they cut, the hair is crushed and flattened at the ends and will produce split ends readily. A $150 shear usually has an edge like a dinner knife and cuts a little better.
A $200 to $300 shear should be sharp like a steak knife. This is the level were the hair begins to be sliced instead of crush cut. Many stylists who upgrade to this level have had their customers come back 1-3 months later and relate that their hair grew out better and more evenly and that the style held up better and longer and just looked much nicer all around.
A $400 to $2000 shear should be sharp like a razor blade. This should be the best cutting shear you have ever used. The greater the quality of the steel and blade design, the sharper the edge, cut and durability of the shears, and the more expensive they become.
A $200 to $300 shear should be sharp like a steak knife. This is the level were the hair begins to be sliced instead of crush cut. Many stylists who upgrade to this level have had their customers come back 1-3 months later and relate that their hair grew out better and more evenly and that the style held up better and longer and just looked much nicer all around.
A $400 to $2000 shear should be sharp like a razor blade. This should be the best cutting shear you have ever used. The greater the quality of the steel and blade design, the sharper the edge, cut and durability of the shears, and the more expensive they become.