Shozaburo Thread Snips with Iga Silk Braid by Cohana

I absolutely love these gorgeous snips. They are super sharp, easy to handle, and have a very pleasing weight. They also sound really 'snippy' when you cut with them.  So satisfying.  

Shozaburo scissors are crafted in Tokyo with the utmost care, one pair at a time, by artisans with a commitment to excellence. These scissors are beloved by craft enthusiasts throughout the world as being of the highest quality, cutting thread and fabric with ease. With proper maintenance, they are a treasure that lasts a lifetime.

The methods of forging Japanese Samurai swords were adapted in the Edo period (1603-1868) to craft Japanese scissors, and our maker Shozaburo & Co., Ltd. still uses these time-honoured techniques as part of a long lineage of excellent craftsmanship.
The handles of Shozaburo snips are wrapped with Iga silk braids. These braids, also known as kumihimo, have been manufactured in the Iga region for over 1300 years and were traditionally used in samurai armour. The master craftsman at Matsushima Kumihimo-ten in Iga winds the silk threads by hand and weaves them into braids, bringing out their unique luster. The braids are dyed with rich colors and wound around the steel handles of the scissors.

Shozaburo Thread Snips are aesthetically pleasing and gentle on the hands, making for a delightful sewing experience.