Interview

Kasho International Educator Ryan Cromer for Marshall’s Chair

March 7, 2017

In the early 90’s, while most teenagers were dreaming about having their own Rolex watches, Gucci suits, and Bally shoes, I had one more item on my list; the Kasho shears. Kasho shears were, and continue to be, the premier brand of salon quality scissors.

Looking back at my days as an assistant, I remember observing all the hairstylists who looked sharp, dressed to the nines, exuded charm behind their chairs, and wielded their magical scissors. The majority of these hairstylists were using the legendary Kasho shears. Back in the day, scissors alone cost a whopping $600-$700 per pair. Fast forward from the 90’s, when I can now afford my own magical scissors; and my first choice is always Kasho. Just holding a pair of Kasho shears in my hand makes me feel like a superstar. The high quality and unparallel performance are almost just an added bonus.

From the ancient craft of samurai sword making to the highest quality of steel, Kasho International Educator Ryan Cromer, talked to me about the history of Kasho shears and how such top quality scissors are a driving force behind an impeccable haircut.

Ryan Cromer- Kasho National Educator

What is the story behind the founding of Kasho?
The history of Kasho lies in the city of Seki Japan. This city has been the central hub for Japanese Samurai Sword making for the last 700 years and have been the finest craftsmen of Japanese steel since then. That history and spirit of the craftsman has been passed down in a direct line to Kasho through Kai, Kasho’s parent company. Kai is one of the finest steel makers in the world, with such prestigious companies like Kershaw Hunting Knives, Shun Cutlery, as well as Kasho Shears.

Marshall Lin’s Scissor- Limited edition Black millennium series

–How do Kasho shear relate to hairstylist?
Kasho shears relate directly to hairstylists through the steel and craftsmanship that go into every single shear. For instance, a cheaper shear is made with very poor materials and steel which will only stay sharp for a hairstylists maybe 2-4 months. Kasho shears are made with a very high end steel, VG-10, which will stay incredibly sharp for up to a year if properly maintained, and even longer for some of the higher end models, like the Kasho Millennium. This saves time and money in the long run, and provides an incredible shear to work with throughout the lifetime of the shear.

–There are so many scissor brands on the market, what is so special about Kasho?
The biggest difference lies in the high quality of our steel, which keeps a sharp edge longer than many scissors on the market. This is a huge advantage to a stylist because they can cut more accurately much, much longer and saves about $30 a quarter on sharpening. If properly oiled and tensioned regularly, they will keep their edge for up to a year. We use 100% Japanese steel that is hand crafted in Japan with an edge that is much sharper than most on the market.
–What is your advice to new hairstylist when it comes to choosing a good pair of scissors?
Do your research! Find out from the companies not only what kind of steel they use, but where they are made. Japanese steel is regarded to be some of the best steel in the world, but there also different grades of steel, just like there are different grades of meat. Make sure you get something that will last you a lifetime, because form and functionality will serve you more than a scissor with jewels in it. But more than anything, buy nice things. It might take time for a new stylist, but it will serve you greatly in the long run.