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Kitchen scissors or shears are often considered more convenient and practical than using a kitchen knife for cutting many types of food, from strips of meat to herbs and even pizza, and saves the need to use a chopping board in most cases.
It’s a well-known fact that Japanese steel is one of the best materials when it comes to making knives and scissors, which is why it’s loved by professional chefs around the world. Japanese stainless steel is durable, high-quality, easy to handle, and resistant to corrosion and damage. In this article, we’ll compare the best Japanese kitchen scissors and important things to bear in mind when you buy them.
Essential Features to Consider When Buying Japanese Kitchen Scissors
Kitchen scissors or shears can be a cook’s best friend – with a variety of uses including cutting up vegetables, herbs, and meat, trimming pastry, and even for slicing delicate cake layers. They can often be used to create a more precise cut than using a kitchen knife alone.
However, a good pair of kitchen scissors can be hard to select if you don’t know what you’re looking for, so to make sure that you end up with the best pair of kitchen scissors for your needs, you should consider the following features before making a purchase:
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Length – the length of the blades will determine how much you can cut at a time, and you should also consider what purpose you will use the scissors for. For example, if you are planning to use the scissors to cut through tougher materials such as cartilage then you’ll want the scissors’ blade length to be long enough to use them easily without struggling to control them. The ideal minimum length should be around 20-23cm.
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Style – there are two styles of kitchen scissors - straight edge and serrated edge (also called scalloped). Straight edge is perfect for cutting through tough materials like raw meat while scalloped edges are better suited to softer foods like bread and tomatoes.
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Grip – the grip on your kitchen scissors or shears will have a significant role in how easy and comfortable the scissors are to use. For example, scissors with padded handles are easier to grip, whilst scissors with flat surface handles put less pressure on the fingers so your hand doesn’t get tired as easily.
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Material – because kitchen scissors or shears need to be washed often to keep them sanitary, it’s important to find scissors made from a material which is not prone to rust or corrosion. Stainless steel is a good option because it has a layer to protect against rust.
Best Japanese Kitchen Scissors
How we decided
- LengthAround 20–23cm for better control
- Blade StyleStraight for meat, serrated for soft foods
- GripComfortable handle that reduces hand fatigue
- MaterialRust-resistant stainless steel for durability
Here are some of our top recommended Japanese kitchen scissors available to order online via the Japanese Taste website.
Kaneshika Mimatsu Detachable Kitchen Scissors Shears
These multi-purpose Japanese kitchen scissors are made from high quality stainless steel and have detachable sheers so they can easily be taken apart for washing and sanitizing. These all-purpose scissors are perfect for cutting vegetables, meat, fish, and plastic packaging. The clever design of these scissors also includes a bottle opener and can opener too.
Kaneshika are a specialist in manufacturing metal scissors based in Niigata Prefecture and have a long history having been founded almost 100 years ago in 1929.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel for long-term use
- Detachable for easy cleaning and sanitizing
- Multi-purpose: cuts food and opens bottles/caps
Cons
- Slightly heavier than basic kitchen scissors
- No non-slip grip or soft-touch padding
Shimomura Murato Forged Stainless Detachable Dishwasher Safe
The attractive yet highly functional Shimomura Murato Kitchen Scissors are made entirely from stainless steel following the most advanced forging techniques in Japan. These Japanese kitchen scissors are highly rated for their sharpness, user-friendliness, and authenticity.
Shimomura is one of Japan’s leading knife producers and their Murato series is known for producing sharp-edged and convenient tools. The Murato series of products are suitable for multiple cooking purposes and can be used by home cooks as well as professional chefs.
The way that these scissors have been made means that consumers can use them easily according to whatever they are cutting. For tough foods use the backside of the edge, whilst the front side can be used to precisely chop or mince food.
These lightweight scissors are also detachable to allow for easy cleaning, are easy to handle, and have a flat surface handle to evenly distribute pressure on fingers resulting in less fatigue.
Pros
- Fully stainless steel, durable, rust resistant
- Blades detach for thorough, sanitary cleaning
- Dishwasher-safe for easy everyday maintenance
Cons
- All-metal handles may feel slippery when wet
- No added grip padding for comfort during long use
Kiya Edelweiss Steel Japanese Kitchen Scissors BLY09
These kitchen scissors by Kiya have a wide range of functions and can be used not only as kitchen shears, but also as a bottle or can opener. The base material for these scissors is a type of Austrian stainless steel called Edelweiss, known for its excellent durability.
These scissors are manufactured by Kiya, a Japanese company that began as a traditional cutlery store in 1792 and are made using traditional techniques dating back to Japan’s Edo period.
Pros
- Forged blades with exceptional sharpness
- Edelweiss stainless steel offers high toughness
- With bottle opener, cap twister, can opener
Cons
- ABS resin handles may feel less premium
- Not detachable, so cleaning requires more care
Toribe Scissors Kitchen Shears KS-203
The Toribe Kitchen Shears are made entirely from stainless steel by craftsmen in Japan and can be used to cut food products such as herbs, salad leaves, and fish bones in addition to other materials such as paper, cardboard, and leather.
The scissors’ sharp edge creates a precise cut whilst the serrated blade cuts through even tough ingredients without slipping. The design of the scissors also allows for all parts to be detachable so that you can easily clean them. All parts are designed to be detached so you can wash each component better.
Pros
- Fully stainless steel & fully detachable
- Precise, smooth cut adjusted by craftsmen
- Lightweight with satisfying cutting action
Cons
- All-metal handles can feel slippery
- No extra functions like openers
Nikken All Stainless Kitchen Shears Detachable Dishwasher Safe 216mm
These all-stainless Nikken kitchen shears are crafted in Seki, Japan, and designed to replace multiple tools in your kitchen. Their unique triple-blade system — straight, gouging, and serrated lets you cut herbs, slice meat, snip vegetables, open packaging, and handle tougher textures with precision.
The one-piece stainless steel body is polished for smooth, hygienic use, and the detachable structure makes cleaning fast and thorough. They’re also dishwasher safe, adding extra convenience to daily cooking. With an ergonomic handle and durable build, these shears offer reliable versatility for anyone who wants a single, long-lasting kitchen tool.
Pros
- 3-blade design (straight, gouging, serrated)
- Made in Seki renowned blade-making quality
- Fully stainless one-piece body
Cons
- Premium craftsmanship means a higher price point
- All-metal handle may feel firm
How to care for and maintain Japanese kitchen scissors
To keep your Japanese scissors in the best condition for as long as possible, be sure to thoroughly wash and dry them after each use and store them in a safe and dry place where you are not likely to easily cut yourself.
If your scissors start to become blunt, then consider investing in a Japanese sharpening stone. The King Super Finish Sharpening Stone sits on a plastic base to avoid slippage during use and is ideal for sharpening kitchen scissors and shears.
Looking for other Japanese kitchenware? Check out our selection of Japanese kitchen knives, cookware, utensils, and gadgets here!
