Maker's Voices

SUIZAN began with the Japanese hand saw and now offers a wide range of gardening tools. Among them, hedge shears and loppers are produced by Igarashi Cutlery Co., Ltd., a company devoted to fine edged-tool craftsmanship in Tsubame-Sanjō, Niigata, Japan.

Over 80 Years of Heritage and Craftsmanship

Founded in 1943, Igarashi Cutlery Co., Ltd. has carried on a legacy of over 80 years of skill and tradition in Sanjō, Niigata Prefecture.

President Igarashi explains:
"My father founded this company, and I entered the business at 18 after graduating high school. On the factory floor I learned the basics of blade-making — grinding, sharpening, adjusting — through hands-on experience. I became president in 1996 and have led the company ever since while staying closely connected to the craft itself.
From the beginning, our mission has been to balance sharpness with ease of use. We want tools made by craftsmen for craftsmen to be used and loved by many. Each piece is made with genuine care and dedication."

How a Craftsman Found His Way into the World of Blades

With its long history of reliable craftsmanship, Igarashi Cutlery continues to produce tools of exceptional quality.The person responsible for overseeing that manufacturing today is Mr. Tanabe, the company's Head of Production.

Production Manager, Mr. Tanabe, Igarashi Cutlery Co., Ltd.

Tanabe entered the world of blade-making more than 20years ago, changing careers from a completely different field.However, He recalls growing up surrounded by the rhythmic sounds of the local industry: hammers and anvils — his neighborhood filled with forges and small workshops that made up the everyday scenery of Sanjō.

"I was captivated by the coolness of a carpenter's tool my father once showed me," says Tanabe. "I remember thinking, 'How can a blade look so sharp and sleek?' That moment sparked my fascination with blades."

The Skill Honed Through Years of Experience

Today, Tanabe focuses mainly on the final adjustment stage of each product.One of the most delicate tasks is aligning the blades of hedge shears — a process known as aiba — where every fraction of a millimeter determines the quality of the finish.

The Making of SUIZAN Hedge Shears

Here is a look at how SUIZAN's hedge shears are brought to life, step by step.

1. Forging
A heated metal is hammered into shape while glowing red-hot. This traditional blacksmithing process, guided by the craftsman's expertise, forms the foundation of a high-quality blade.

2. Hardening & Tempering
Through precise heat treatment, hardness and resilience are drawn out from the steel. Each material requires its own carefully controlled temperature and cooling speed.

3. Polishing
The blade is sharpened and polished to a keen edge — an essential step that defines the cutting performance.

4. Edge Setting & Adjustment
The two blades are precisely aligned to glide together smoothly, ensuring an accurate, effortless cut.This is a skill no machine can yet replicate — it relies entirely on the artisan's touch.

5. Finishing
Each blade's surface is refined to perfection, enhancing both its aesthetic beauty and long-term durability.

6. Cleaning & Packaging
The completed shears are carefully cleaned, lightly oiled for protection, and wrapped for shipment.

"We also use machines, but much of the process still depends on skilled hands and senses," Tanabe explains. "There are aspects you can only master through experience. It takes years of practice to truly understand."

It is generally said that it takes roughly 5 years to grasp the basics and about 10 years to be recognized as a fully skilled craftsman.Tanabe himself recalls many mistakes — and even injuries — in his early days, hard lessons that shaped his steady hands today.

The Handcraftsmanship Learned in Sanjō

Sanjō has long been known as a town of blacksmiths.It is home to the Sanjō Blacksmith Training Hall, a facility where traditional techniques are passed down.
Tanabe trained there for four years, learning the art of handling iron and the fundamentals of traditional forging directly from master craftsmen.

"I learned mostly by watching at the company, but it was invaluable to be taught the basics from the ground up at the training hall," says Tanabe."That's the fundamental technique of forging a blade using nothing but tongs and a hammer."

The skills he gained there now play a vital role in creating new products and prototypes.
Where machines fall short, Tanabe’s hands take over — refining the details to meet customers’ requests with precision and care.

Tsubame-Sanjō, Niigata, Japan

Devotion in Every Detail
— Tools Made for Everyone to Love and Use

"I believe a good tool is one that brings joy to the user," says Tanabe. "It shouldn't end with the maker's self-satisfaction. Sharpness is essential, but the beauty of its appearance matters too. I aim for a finish that makes anyone look at it and think, 'That is beautiful.'

"I also handle repairs, and to be told, 'I want to keep using this even if it needs fixing,' is truly the most gratifying thing for a craftsman."

Just recently, he received another a handwritten letter of thanks from a customer whose tool he had repaired — a reminder of how deeply these tools connect people.

"Our philosophy is creating tools that people can grow attached to," says Igarashi. "Once a tool fits in someone's hand, I want them to use it until it grows old — until its very last day. Some of the tools we made decades ago are still in use today. We will continue pursuing products that can serve their purpose fully, right until the end."

Preserving Tradition While Embracing Change

While honoring long-standing traditions, the company also adapts to the changing times.

"In the past, it was rare to even see women enter a forge, but there are tasks that suit them well," says Tanabe. "My belief is simple: whoever can do the job should do it."

He adds,"I also try to let younger apprentices gain hands-on experience as early as possible. When I was starting out, I was often told, 'You're not ready yet,' and wasn't allowed to try. But you can't learn without doing. That's why I want the younger generation to take on challenges without fear of failure."

"We are dedicated to maintaining the tradition of producing reliable, high-quality products, while also focusing on crafting products that meet the needs of the current era," says Igarashi."We want to listen to users' voices, expand our knowledge, and utilize that in developing new products."

The Meaning of Manufacturing in Tsubame-Sanjō

Sanjō is a unique region where manufacturing and sales are in close proximity, creating a hub where knowledge and technology converge.

"Even if we can't make something on our own," says Igarashi,"we can create it together as a community.When you think of Tsubame-Sanjō as a whole, there's nothing this region can't make."

"Taking advantage of this environment," says Tanabe, "I hope to move beyond hatchets and pruning shears, and one day challenge myself with knives and kitchen blades.The Japanese sword has always been an aspiration, and realizing that dream is one of my goals for the future."

A Message to Future Users

"There are many types of shears — for trimming leaves, cutting thick branches, or working in tight spaces — each designed for a specific purpose," explains Igarashi. "If sharpness is what you value most, choosing a tool made with traditional Japanese steel bonding and maintaining it over time is a great option. There are also many different designs, such as blades crafted to prevent damage to the wood you cut. I hope users will select the right tool to suit their needs."

"When people think of Japanese blades, they imagine swords or kitchen knives," says Tanabe."But I hope they also come to appreciate how remarkably sharp Japanese shears can be."

A Craftsman's Philosophy

When asked, "What does it mean to be a craftsman?" Tanabe reflects: "It is to always rate yourself at 80 points. If you ever reach 100, there's nowhere left to go. That's why I tell myself I'm only at 80 — so I can keep chasing for 100 points for the rest of my life."

"Our strength lies in the balance between skilled technique and flexible thinking," says Igarashi."We'll continue listening to the voices from the workshop,finding joy in our daily work, and creating new products and new value along the way."

True to their words, every SUIZAN blade carries the passion of craftsmen who never stop pursuing excellence.As part of the SUIZAN brand, they will continue to deliver genuine Japanese sharpness to users all around the world.

From the heart of Japan's Tsubame-Sanjō, SUIZAN connects the legacy of its artisans with the hands of people across the globe — one cut, one creation, one story at a time.