Yasaka vs Juntetsu: Which Barber Scissors to Buy
Quick answer
Buy Yasaka for a premium convex main cutter: the Yasaka Offset in ATS314 cobalt with a clam-shaped convex edge. Buy Juntetsu for value and range: the Juntetsu VG10 Offset gives you 60 to 62 HRC for less, and the Ergo Barber and Sword cover long scissor over comb with a sword profile. Both are Japanese.
Our verdict
Yasaka wins for a premium convex main cutter and a thinner with four tooth counts. Juntetsu wins on value: VG10 at 60 HRC and up for less, sword-profile long cutters, and a wider choice of lengths and handles.
Top picks
Buy Yasaka for a premium convex main cutter in ATS314 cobalt. Buy Juntetsu for VG10 value, sword-profile long cutters and a wider choice of lengths. Both are Japanese, both make proper barber scissors, and the right one depends on the job.
How we compared: job by job (main cutter, classic handle, long cutter, thinner), on length, edge, steel, handle and price. Specs come from the product files.
Yasaka vs Juntetsu at a glance
Scroll sideways to compare all columns.
| Feature | Yasaka | Juntetsu |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Japanese maker | Independent Japanese brand |
| Steel | ATS314 cobalt stainless on most cutters; 440C on the left-handed | VG10 at 60 to 63 HRC on most; ATS314 cobalt at 62 to 63 on Sword, Kenshi, Mastersmith and Black Cobalt |
| Edge and profile | Clam-shaped convex edge | Convex and sword-profile blades |
| Handles | Mostly offset; classic on the Traditional and SSS, crane on the Dry Cutting | Mostly offset; classic and swivel options |
| Lengths | 4.5 to 7.0″ | 4.5 to 7.0″ |
| Price | Premium | Mid to premium |
Choose Yasaka if, choose Juntetsu if
Choose Yasaka if you want a premium convex main cutter in ATS314 cobalt, a thinner where you choose 16, 20, 30 or 40 teeth, or a true left-handed premium cutter.
Choose Juntetsu if you want VG10 at 60 HRC and up for less, a sword-profile long cutter for scissor over comb, or more lengths and handle styles to choose from.
Main cutter: Yasaka Offset vs Juntetsu VG10 Offset
The Yasaka Offset is ATS314 cobalt stainless with a clam-shaped convex edge, from 4.5 to 6.0″. The Juntetsu VG10 Offset is VG10 at 60 to 62 HRC, also from 4.5 to 6.0″, for noticeably less money. For outlines and point work, Juntetsu’s Cobalt Apex is a tip-focused detail cutter in VG10 cobalt at 5.5 or 6.0″.
Winner: Yasaka if you want the convex edge and cobalt steel; Juntetsu if you want VG10 hardness at a lower price.
Classic handle: Yasaka Traditional vs Juntetsu VG Black
Both keep the rings level. The Yasaka Traditional is ATS314 cobalt with a clam convex edge in 4.5 to 6.0″. The Juntetsu VG Black is matte-black VG10 at 60 to 61 HRC with a convex edge, at 6.0″.
Winner: Yasaka, for the wider choice of lengths. Pick the VG Black if you want a black finish at 6.0″.
Long cutter: Yasaka 7.0″ Barber vs Juntetsu Ergo Barber and Sword
The Yasaka 7.0″ Barber is ATS314 cobalt with a clam convex edge and an offset handle that lowers the thumb ring. The Juntetsu Ergo Barber is a 7.0″ VG10 sword-profile cutter at 60 to 62 HRC, the lowest-priced VG10 7.0″ we stock. The Juntetsu Sword steps up to ATS314 cobalt at 62 to 63 HRC with a sword profile, in 6.0, 6.5 or 7.0″. Yasaka’s other long option is the SK Long, also ATS314 with a clam convex edge, at 7.0″.
Winner: Juntetsu Ergo Barber on value; Yasaka if you want a convex long cutter; Juntetsu Sword if you want a sword profile in cobalt.
Yasaka long cutter
Thinner: Yasaka YS vs Juntetsu Tsunami Elite
The Yasaka YS is a 6.0″ ATS314 cobalt thinner in 16, 20, 30 or 40 teeth: 16 for strong texture, 40 for the finest blend. The Juntetsu Tsunami Elite is a 6.0″ VG10 30-tooth blender at 62 to 63 HRC with the Tsunami wave engraving. For texture, Juntetsu’s Chomper 16 does the job of the Yasaka 16-tooth in VG10 at 60 to 62 HRC.
Winner: Yasaka for choice of teeth; Juntetsu if you only need a 30-tooth blender and want to spend less.
Yasaka thinner
Yasaka YS 6.0 Inch Hair Thinning Scissors
In stock: 16 Teeth, 20 Teeth, 30 Teeth, 40 Teeth
Juntetsu thinner
Before you buy either
- Length: match the pair you cut with now. Both brands cover 4.5 to 7.0″, so there’s no need to change length to change brand. The size guide shows each length to scale.
- Hand: every pick here is right-handed. For a premium lefty, the Yasaka Left-Handed is in the left-handed list.
- Sharpening: convex edges need a sharpener who works on convex. Book one before the edge starts folding hair; the sharpening guide covers how to find one.
- Warranty: terms are on our warranty page.
Which one for you
- Apprentice: neither yet. Start with the Mina Sakura II from the apprentice list, then come back here.
- Working barber: the Juntetsu VG10 Offset for a main cutter and the Ergo Barber 7.0″ for over comb.
- Upgrade: the Yasaka Offset at your length, with the Yasaka YS at 30 teeth.
For full brand verdicts, read are Yasaka scissors good and are Juntetsu scissors good. Browse Yasaka and Juntetsu, and read the complete buying guide for length, edge and steel.
Questions
Is Yasaka better than Juntetsu?
Not across the board. Yasaka is the pick for a premium convex main cutter in ATS314 cobalt. Juntetsu gives you VG10 at 60 HRC and up for less, more lengths and sword-profile long cutters. Choose by the job.
Are Yasaka and Juntetsu both Japanese?
Yes. Yasaka is a Japanese maker. Juntetsu is an independent Japanese brand.
Which is harder steel, Yasaka or Juntetsu?
Juntetsu lists HRC on most models: VG10 at 60 to 63 and ATS314 cobalt at 62 to 63. Most Yasaka cutters are ATS314 cobalt stainless; the Yasaka barber set lists 62 to 63 HRC. At the top end the two are level.
Which is better for scissor over comb?
Juntetsu has more long options: the Ergo Barber at 7.0″ in VG10 and the Sword in 6.0 to 7.0″ ATS314. Yasaka's 7.0″ Barber and SK Long are the convex alternatives.
Do Yasaka and Juntetsu make left-handed scissors?
Yasaka does: the Yasaka Left-Handed comes in 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0″ with a convex edge. See our left-handed list for every true lefty we stock.