Takano is a Japanese-style shear brand distributed in Canada by Capilex, and ProHair carries the current Takano range — from affordable student shears to cobalt professional models. The choice comes down to five things: length, handle shape, finger rest, the hand you cut with, and the blade steel. This guide walks through each one and points to the exact Takano models that fit.
1. Blade length
Short shears (4.5 to 5 inches) give the most control for point cutting, fringes, detail around the ears and precision work. The Takano Kikui Cobalt Even-Handle Haircutting Shears (4.5 in), the Takano Yasaka Haircutting Shears (4.5 or 5 in) and the Takano Trophy TY-50 Haircutting Shears (5 in) sit here. The 5.5-inch length is the everyday all-rounder — the Takano Atali KZ Haircutting Shears and the Takano Cutman CD Haircutting Shears are good examples. Longer shears (6 to 7 inches) cover more hair per close and suit scissor-over-comb, barbering and slide cutting on long hair: look at the Takano Mikado QX Haircutting Shears (up to 7 in) and the Takano Alu-Coba AC Haircutting Shears (up to 7 in).
2. Handle shape
Straight or even handles put both rings level, a classic grip that works for either finger position — see the Takano Concept CP-50 Haircutting Shears. Offset handles set the thumb ring lower, which keeps the wrist and elbow more relaxed through long days; most of the range, including the Takano New Magna MG-60 Haircutting Shears and Takano Cobalt 155 Haircutting Shears, is offset. Ergonomic offset handles with a finger-support bump go further: the Takano Mikado QX Haircutting Shears and Takano Alu-Coba AC Haircutting Shears have a camel bump that supports the fingers. And the Takano Fitz SC Haircutting Shears has a swivel thumb ring that turns with the thumb as you change angles.
3. Finger rest: permanent, detachable or none
A finger rest gives the little finger somewhere to sit, which steadies the shear. Permanent rests (the Takano Atali KZ Haircutting Shears) cannot be lost. Detachable rests (the Takano Atali SR-55 Haircutting Shears, Takano Cutman CD Haircutting Shears, Takano Mikado QX Haircutting Shears) let you choose. If standard rings feel loose, the Takano Fitz HT Haircutting Shears is made in Small, Medium and Large finger-ring openings.
4. Left-handed stylists
A right-handed shear used in the left hand pushes hair out from between the blades and hides the cutting line. Takano makes genuine left-handed models: the Takano Atali SR-55 Left-Handed Haircutting Shears, the Takano Fitz AZ-55 Left-Handed Haircutting Shears and the Takano Links LS-60 Haircutting Shears, plus left-handed thinners (Takano Atali SR Left-Handed Thinning Shears, Takano Fitz LO-35 Thinning Shears, Takano Fitz LX-35 Thinning Shears).
5. Blade steel and edge
Entry models such as the Takano Atali KZ Haircutting Shears and Takano Hair Kiss HC-101 Haircutting Shears keep the price accessible. The Fitz range uses Hitachi 440C stainless steel from Japan (Takano Fitz AZ Haircutting Shears, Takano Fitz SC Haircutting Shears). Cobalt and cobalt-alloy blades — Kikui, Kimari, Links, Cobalt 155 and Alu-Coba — are the premium end. Convex blades (Takano Cutman CD Haircutting Shears, Takano Mikado QX Haircutting Shears, Takano Cobalt 155 Haircutting Shears) have a very keen edge for slide cutting. Models with interchangeable blades (Takano Kimari Haircutting Shears, Takano Concept CP-50 Haircutting Shears, Takano Atali SR-50 Haircutting Shears) can be refreshed instead of replaced.
Quick picks
- Student or back-up pair → Takano Atali KZ Haircutting Shears or Takano Hair Kiss HC-101 Haircutting Shears
- Everyday professional shear → Takano Fitz AZ Haircutting Shears or Takano Cutman CD Haircutting Shears
- Lightest possible shear → Takano Alu-Coba AC Haircutting Shears
- Premium cobalt → Takano Kimari Haircutting Shears or Takano Kikui Cobalt KC-50 Haircutting Shears
- Left-handed → Takano Fitz AZ-55 Left-Handed Haircutting Shears or Takano Links LS-60 Haircutting Shears
- Small fingers → Takano Fitz HT Haircutting Shears
Looking after your shears
Wipe hair and product off the blades after every client, oil the pivot, store the shear closed in a pouch such as the Takano Uno Scissor Pouch or the four-pair Takano Fitz Scissor Holster, and never use a cutting shear on foils or paper.
FAQ
What length should a beginner buy?
A 5.5-inch shear is the most versatile first shear. Add a shorter or longer shear once you know how you cut.
Do I need a thinning shear too?
Most stylists keep one cutting shear and one thinning shear. Our thinning shear guide explains tooth counts.
Compare every model on the Takano collection.