In the middle of the 1880's, many of Japan's old customs began to give way to the strong influence of Western culture. This trend was apparent in every part of Japanese life from politics to society and culture. Clothing was no exception, as many Western style clothing stores began to open in major cities and the Japanese populace began trying these new fabrics and fashions. This trends towards Western fashions was further accelerated when the government introduced laws prohibiting the samurai class from carrying swords and wearing their hair in certain styles.
Along with this increased demand for Western fabrics and fashions, the tools used by Western tailors were also introduced to Japan for the first time. Before this time, the only tailor's tools used in Japan were those similar to knives used for cutting straight lines, and small hand-held shears used for more detailed cutting.
With the introduction of these Western style shears, Japanese people became much more aware of the possibilities in cutting cloth. Now curved patterns and even thick fabrics could be cut with ease, and Western style shears became a must for tailors and seamstresses.
However, Japanese people had long been accustomed to using cutlery that, like the traditional Japanese swords, were light yet had an excellent cut. For this reason, many Japanese people felt that while the Western style shears were functionally sound, they were too heavy and cumbersome. This inspired the renowned sword forger Master Yakichi (1860-1901) to begin researching the development of unique Japanese shears which would employ the same technology used in forging Japanese swords. As a result, Master Yakichi was able to create shears similar to the Western shears, but with the lightness and excellent cut of traditional Japanese cutlery. This was the origin of the modern day Japanese shears.
How to Use
 |
The edges of the shears are very sharp. The blades may become damaged if they are first used on very thick or stiff cloth. First cut very soft cloth several times before using. |
| |
|
Before shipping, the shears were treated with oil to avoid rusting. Before using, wipe away this oil so that it does not stain the cloth. To avoid staining the material to be cut, wipe away the oil that was applied to the shears. Be very careful when wiping the edges of the shears. |
| |
|
When cutting thread, or when cutting small areas of very thin material, use the tips of the shears. |
| |
|
When cutting very thick material, cut by opening and clothing the shears just at the point near the screw. |
| |
|
When cutting hard material like a cloth made of modern synthetic fibers, the dust of the cloth or piece of the thread may adhere to the blades. This may result in poor meshing of the blades. Occasionally wipe away this dust and fibers, being careful not to cut yourself on the edges of the shears. |
| |
|
After use, wipe away any dirt or dust with a dry soft cloth. Then apply some sewing machine oil to a cloth and wipe the inside portion of the blades. Afterwards, store the shears in their case. |
| |
|
Do not tighten the screw on the shears. This could cause poor meshing of the blades, and may damage the blades. And do not drop or apply a sever shock to the shears. |
| |
|
Do not use the shears in areas where they may become wet, or come into contact with chemicals or electricity. |
| |
|
In order to maintain excellent cutting performance, we recommend using the appropriate type of shears for the different materials to be cut. |
Maintenance
There shears have the same characteristics of cutlery and as such, are subject to metallic wear.
Therefore, excellent cutting performance can not be maintained indefinitely.
When the performance of the shears decreases but can be improved by repairs,
we can repair the shears for a fee, upon request.
