Frequently asked questions.

Every Katana Edge shear is handcrafted in Seki, Japan — the world's blade capital and home to centuries of professional cutting tool craftsmanship. Seki is the same city that produces Japan's finest swords, knives, and surgical instruments. Our shears are made by specialist craftspeople who focus exclusively on haircutting blades.

Each shear uses a steel matched to its role. The Micro Slit and Micro Slit XL use SG2 powdered steel (approximately HRC 62) — one of the hardest and most refined steels in Japanese shear manufacturing. The Fujisan and Karakuri use 440C micro-particle steel, prized for toughness and consistent hardness across the blade. The Bamboo line, Thunder, and Kaze use V10 steel (approximately HRC 58), a strong performer for daily salon use. Older Bamboo versions used 440C. Every steel is sourced and calibrated specifically for haircutting blades.

Yes. All Katana Edge shears are ergonomically designed to promote comfortable hand positioning and healthy cutting habits from day one. They are built to work with your hand — not against it — reducing the tension and compensation that poor-quality tools force onto newer stylists. Our convex edge glides through hair rather than fighting it, which means less pressure, less fatigue, and more control as you develop your technique. Many stylists find that starting with a well-made shear actually accelerates their growth.

A convex edge is the defining characteristic of authentic Japanese shear craftsmanship. The blade curves outward toward the cutting line — reducing friction as it moves through hair, allowing the hair to part rather than be pushed. The result is a cleaner cut, less hand pressure required, and an edge that stays sharp significantly longer than a bevel-ground alternative. Every Katana Edge shear ships with a hand-finished convex edge.

Available sizes vary by model. Most cutting shears are offered in 5.5 inch and 6.0 inch lengths, with many models also available in 5.0 inch, 6.5 inch, and 7.0 inch. Check each product page for available sizes. If you're unsure which size is right for you, use our Find Your Shear quiz or contact us directly.

Yes — all left-handed shears are custom order. The Micro Slit and Fujisan are the most popular choices for left-handed professionals, offering the widest range of techniques. Email kai@katanaedge.com to discuss your needs and get a recommendation.

Depending on the model, Katana Edge shears are available in offset (the most common professional configuration), crane (a deeper offset that reduces arm elevation), and swivel (full 360-degree thumb rotation). See individual product pages for available handle configurations.

Yes. Katana Edge ships worldwide. International orders are shipped securely with appropriate packaging to ensure your shears arrive in perfect condition. Shipping times and rates vary by destination — these are calculated at checkout.

Domestic US orders typically arrive within 3–7 business days. International shipping timelines vary by destination. Express shipping options may be available at checkout.

You will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information as soon as your order is dispatched.

The Katana Edge Lifetime Warranty covers manufacturing defects in steel, blade, handle, and pivot components. It does not cover damage from misuse, dropping, or sharpening by an unqualified third party that alters the blade's original edge geometry. See the full Warranty page for details.

Email kai@katanaedge.com with your order number, a description of the issue, and photographs of the defect. We review all warranty claims within 1–2 business days and will guide you through the resolution process.

We want you to be completely satisfied with your Katana Edge shear. Please review our Shipping & Returns policy for details on return eligibility, timeframes, and how to initiate a return.

This depends on your cutting volume and hair types. A professional cutting 5–10 clients per day should typically have their shears sharpened every 3–6 months. Signs your shears need attention: they feel like they're folding or pushing hair, require more pressure to close, or the cut no longer feels clean and effortless.

No. Most western sharpeners use belt or stone grinding that converts a convex edge to a bevel edge in the process of sharpening — often without realising or disclosing the change. Once converted to a bevel edge, the shear loses much of its original performance. Katana Edge sharpening preserves or restores the convex edge using Japanese technique.

In most cases, yes. We can restore a convex edge to shears that have been converted to a bevel edge. The degree of restoration depends on how much material has been removed in previous sharpenings. Contact us at kai@katanaedge.com to discuss your specific shears.

We offer on-site sharpening in Washington, Oregon, and California. Mail-in service is available for professionals throughout the United States, Canada, and internationally. Contact us to arrange service.