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In the 1940s, Tsuneichi Okano, who started his blacksmithing career as an apprentice in 1925, founded the Okatsune company in Hiroshima, Japan. He derived the word Okatsune from his name. In the beginning, Okano forged a small range of top-quality scissors, using traditional methods and a unique process. Over the years, he gradually expanded the range, always striving for perfection. He made the handles red/white, a combination that stands out and symbolises good luck in Japan.
Today, Okatsune is the undisputed number one in Japan and his scissors are used with pleasure all over the world. The range has been expanded with various secateurs, snips, hedge shears, Bonsai scissors and Ikebana scissors. In Europe, Okatsune is exclusively represented by De Wild BV from the Netherlands.
Okatsune shears are uniquely forged from the best Izumo Yasugi steel, which is traditionally being used for the Katana swords used by the Samurai. This steel is characterized by a high carbon content and is forged by the best master blacksmiths of Japan, using an age-old technology. This process only takes place in the Izumo region, solely using Izumo iron sand.
Tsuneichi Okano has managed to industrially produce superior shears that have a very high Rockwell hardness of 60.0 to 61.0 – unrivalled by other brands, through an innovative tempering process. Soft metal in the core preserves flexibility, so the cutting blade always aligns with the counter blade. This perfection, and unique quality can be recognized by the “singing” of the shears.
What do all these technical terms say? In summary, it comes down to three key points:
Although Okatsune shears are made from the finest steel, they can rust if not properly maintained. We recommend to clean the blades after use. After cleaning, it is wise to oil the shears, and store moisture-free with the cutting blades closed. If you notice that the shear, is cutting less well, you can grind it with the Okatsune whetstone.
If you treat your Okatsune shear, with love, you will have a lifelong pleasure!
