Japanese Carbon Steel Scissors - Umeki Shoji

These carbon steel scissors embody a rich heritage. They are hand-forged by a single blacksmith, Umeki Shoji, on the island of Tanegashima.
 
Good scissors cut effortlessly and precisely and give you an electric feel of satisfaction. These pairs do more - two blades are made slightly curving to an artisanal adjustment so that they sharpen each other when they meet. The curvature also make its precision cutting light and smooth, without requiring strong hand movements. You will notice that the blades meet with a swishing sound!
 
Basic fact is that Umeki is the only blacksmith who still makes scissors in the same way of forge-welding as the Japanese swords used to be made.  
 
The cutting edge of the blade is made of high-carbon steel, which is welded on to a milder carbon steel body to ensure its functionality and durability.  
  
Tanegashima's traditional scissor-making craft is listed as a Significant Folk Cultural Asset in Japan, afforded state protection. Read more about the maker.
 
The handles of the scissors are blackened with boiled rapeseed and camellia oil - in a similar process to the staining of matchlock guns from the 16th century.
 
Each pair of scissors bears the maker's mark carved onto the body and comes in a box. They are perfect as a gift or for yourself to treasure, for life.
 
Measurements:
 
15cm / 5.9 inches    60g      For small craft projects 
 
18cm / 7.1 inches     80g     All-rounder for general household use
 
21cm / 8.3 inches    110g     For large surfaces such as wrapping paper  
 
24cm / 9.4 inches    180g     Fabric shears
 
Material:
Carbon steel
Wood 
Rapeseed and camellia oil