THE MIZUTANI STORY
History of Mizutani
The tradition of Mizutani began in 1921 in Asakusa, Tokyo where the first of the Mizutani metal-working lineage decided to produce the best quality hair styling scissors. His passion was to make scissors that are razor-sharp and durable yet easy-to-handle at the same time. Over the years we have continued to focus on improving our craftsmanship to produce the highest quality scissors in the industry. Our very first worker was a Samurai Sword maker.
100% Handcrafted
Mizutani Scissors have been one of the most popular hair styling scissors among the top professional hair stylists throughout the world for their impeccable quality and superb usability. All Mizutani Scissors are 100% handcrafted by a team of highly skilled craftsmen at the factory in Chiba, Japan. From cutting steel to polishing for the finish, each shear receives the closest attention throughout the 30 step process to ensure the highest quality.
Nano Powder Metal
One of the Mizutani factories biggest accomplishments is the creation of a powdered metal on the nano level. This type of metal is free of impurities when looked at under a microscope and is used for precision manufacturing using a processing method called Hot Isostatic Pressing also knows as HIP. With a sharpness never before seen, Nano Powder Metal has a tendency to “grab” the hair before it cuts it making for a “crisp” cutting sensation.
Stellite Alloy
A revolutionary steel that never rusts. This material is made of a 50% cobalt based alloy and is used exclusively for our Stellite series within the collection. Stellite is a rare premium material that is known to be selected for the assembly of engine parts for large cargo ships and planes for its durability against any wear and tear. You can expect a dense, and very powerful cutting experience with our Stellite series.
Molybdenum Alloy
Shears created with this building material are known for its density and heavy weight. Molybdenum is corrosion resistant, and is very widely used in the production of high strength steel alloys. The Sword D-19, and Acro Knife are a couple of shears that have been made with this alloy.
Damascus
You may be familiar with Damascus material through hunting or restaurant kitchen knives. Mizutani patented, Dama is CMC micro powdered steel that when layered through a complex manufacturing method passed on through the ages, creates the watermark patterns of that of a flowing stream. Outstanding both as a work of art, and for practical use, this type of metal is extremely tough, yet has an incredibly soft and smooth cutting edge.
Extramarise I Cobalt Alloy
A signature Mizutani creation, a cobalt alloy that has been processed through a process called “Extramarise” which is a heat treatment technology. This alloy is comprised of molybdenum, cobalt, and vanadium. The “Extramarise” technology uses “sub zero processing”, which results in a sharp and lasting cutting edge even after years of use. Shears created with Extramarise processing are the gold standard for Mizutani Scissors.
The difference between Extramarise l and Extramarise ll is in the ratio of Cobalt, Molybdenum, and Vanadium and the “sub-zero” processing that differs as a result of the ratio of materials.
Cobalt Alloy Extramarise l has the higher ratio of Molybdenum within Alloy, and Extramarise ll has the higher amount of Vanadium between the two. The amount of Cobalt for both are the same.
Extramarise II Cobalt Alloy
A signature Mizutani creation, a cobalt alloy that has been processed through a process called “Extramarise” which is a heat treatment technology. This alloy is comprised of molybdenum, cobalt, and vanadium. The “Extramarise” technology uses “sub zero processing”, which results in a sharp and lasting cutting edge even after years of use. Shears created with Extramarise processing are the gold standard for Mizutani Scissors.
The difference between Extramarise l and Extramarise ll is in the ratio of Cobalt, Molybdenum, and Vanadium and the “sub-zero” processing that differs as a result of the ratio of materials.
Cobalt Alloy Extramarise ll has the higher ratio of Vanadium within Alloy, and Extramarise l has the higher amount of Molybdenum between the two. The amount of Cobalt for both are the same.
Types of Steel
One key landmark difference, the largest defining factor of Mizutani that separates us from the rest is in the materials that we use for creating our masterpieces. At Mizutani, we take the science and technology concerned with the properties of metals and their production and purification seriously (Also known as “Metallurgy”). When conceptualizing a shear for creation, our research and development team considers many types of metals (ie. cobalt, molybdenum and vanadium) and their appropriate ratio to establish the highest class of steel according to their purpose. Each shear has its own unique function and our goal is to create the best scissors for each purpose by choosing the proper steel to begin with. For example, Acro Stellite contains 50% or more of cobalt which gives you a soft yet firm cutting sensation, as well as a sharp and lasting cutting edge. The Damascus series uses CMC micropowder metal (patented) and contains more molybdenum to make the blade durable and last even longer.*Nano Powder Metal®, one of the signature metals widely accepted as having the longest lasting cutting edge is used in several scissors within the Mizutani collection. This metal has an extraordinary resistance to abrasion as demonstrated by a lead physicist at the University of Tokyo. Our research and development team alongside our top ambassadors and educators are continuously working on building on our tradition, innovating our products, and pushing our limits which results in our consistently setting and reestablishing the industry standard.