> I think that in life the small things matter a lot.
+1 to this, especially small, durable things that you use often. I currently regret buying certain kitchen instruments for function over form. I've known since I bought them that they kind of looked bland, but they did the job, functionally and at a good price. Now that I've had to use them for more than 10 years, I sometimes wish that they'd break down so that I could justify to myself a new purchase.
I can definitely understand the attraction of a luxury version of regular nail clippers. But my problem with nail clippers isn't generally the quality, it's just the overall design. In my mind, "flush cutters" made for electronics are a much better design for nail cutting than traditional nail clippers.
If you really want to go extreme, you can buy a little stone or diamond lap and hit the edges from time to time to keep them super sharp.
I agree, I never use the normal style. Check out Tweezerman cuticle nippers. They're more versatile, and they work better for nails IMO. These are the real "luxury" nail clippers.
Of course, nails generally want to have a curved shape, so a straight blade isn't the ideal match for that. I bevel corners two or three times to "round" them.
I can take the standard $0.89 "GEM" clipper to my nails, squeeze them until the handles touch, and they won't go through my nails. Mentioned this to a friend at work, who showed me his "Seki" (now I know where they got the name!) ones, got one, and WOW, so sharp, instantly go through my nails with no problem. Totally Worth It(TM).
Anyone have experience with these nail clippers? I generally buy into the philosophy that it's better to spend more money on a nice object with a superior design and a longer lifespan. But I only see two differentiating features for these clippers:
1. A rounded file that matches natural nail shape.
2. "The highly polished blades cut nails with minimal force, even on thick nails."
I don't file my nails (should I start?). I've never had issues cutting through nails with anything but the smallest travel nail clippers. So what exactly differentiates these nail clippers from the $5-10 pairs you see at drugstores?
I have a simple pair of Japanese nail clippers [2] that I bought at Narita 20+ years ago (less nice than OP), but still sharp and they cut through nails so much smoother and with less pressure than any American clippers I have seen or used.
Sure, you can you a $2 knife for cooking, but it’s just nicer and easier using a quality instrument. Even if you don’t go for top of the line just doubling the quality from bottom of the barrel is a big improvement.
I just ordered a pair of these clippers. I’d say these aren’t luxury by any means, just quality middle of the road clippers.
I got an award a few years ago and used my points to pick up a Wusthof manicure set [1]. That’s what a luxury set of tools looks like and it cost around $300.
That said I still start by trimming my nails with the Japanese nail clippers I bought all those years ago.
I'd like to know that as well. Lot's of seemingly Japanese artisan things are actually cheap chinese manufactured goods with online marketing.
That said, living in Taiwan and having been to Tokyu Hands a few times I can say that there are walls of nailclippers with some more fancy than others.
Looking at the Green Bell website it looks like your "average" japanese brand that would find it's way to the Tokyu Hands shelf. The average brand there seems much better than the average American brand though.
> I generally buy into the philosophy that it's better to spend more money on a nice object with a superior design and a longer lifespan.
Not the Japanese ones in particular, but a few years ago when I needed a new clipper I purchased a No-Mes clipper and I've been quite satisfied with it. It's just starting to get a bit dull, and I'm going to send it back for a new one because of their guarantee.
I’ve had a pair of them for a decade or so, sold in the US under the “Swki Edge” brand but made by Green Bell (not sure if it’s their top-of-the-line variant, though). Very sharp and effective (they cut your nails rather than crush or shatter them), definitely recommended.
For travel, the compact Zwilling ones (made in Japan, not Germany, probably also by Green Bell) fold and lock down into a tiny package and are also great.
Sounds like you might not need it. My fingernails seem to be unusually tough, so this intrigues me. The no-brand clippers often have trouble with them, and the one time I had an in-grown toenail the doctor had to get a stronger pair of cutters.
Filing-wise, I find it helps even any minor issues out after cutting them, but it's not essential.
I own and use one of those nail clippers and I would say it is worth the money. The ergonomics are really exceptional, all those rounded areas have a purpose + it is fairly heavy, which combined give you great control while clipping.
Then it is just as sharp as on the first day (using it for more than 6 yeas), which sets it apart to my previous clippers which got blunt after a year or two.
The blade also seems to have just the right curvature so that you reach a really nice round shape with 3-5 clips.
Last I love that it looks a little like a Shinkansen.
In scissors the blades do not touch each other (what in my opinion is a problem when cutting nails), but there is a feeling of more control than when using nail clippers.
But in order to cut the right hand I need left handed scissors.. which seem to be so rare.
Not the same pair, but 20 years ago I visited Japan and I still own and use the nail clippers that I purchased when I was there. The brand are called ten star. I was 15 when bought those 20 years ago. I have tried to find other nail clippers, and nothing has ever beat this 20+year old cheap pair. They are strong and sharp and collect the debris perfectly. Never thought I'd still have these nail clippers and beyond photos, its all thats left from that trip to Japan..
Funny, I'm still using the nail clipper that I bought in Japan almost 30 years ago and they're the best I've ever owned. They're also not the brand mentioned in the article; I just picked them up in a convenience store (asking in my broken Japanese, "Have you tool to cut fingernails?")
I've never like the cute little cartoon house and sun design printed on the of them, but they're definitely of high quality, and I worry I'll never find as good a pair again.
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+1 to this, especially small, durable things that you use often. I currently regret buying certain kitchen instruments for function over form. I've known since I bought them that they kind of looked bland, but they did the job, functionally and at a good price. Now that I've had to use them for more than 10 years, I sometimes wish that they'd break down so that I could justify to myself a new purchase.
If you really want to go extreme, you can buy a little stone or diamond lap and hit the edges from time to time to keep them super sharp.
Of course, nails generally want to have a curved shape, so a straight blade isn't the ideal match for that. I bevel corners two or three times to "round" them.
https://www.amazon.com/Wusthof-Stainless-Steel-Piece-Manicur...
Am I the crazy one?
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1. A rounded file that matches natural nail shape.
2. "The highly polished blades cut nails with minimal force, even on thick nails."
I don't file my nails (should I start?). I've never had issues cutting through nails with anything but the smallest travel nail clippers. So what exactly differentiates these nail clippers from the $5-10 pairs you see at drugstores?
Sure, you can you a $2 knife for cooking, but it’s just nicer and easier using a quality instrument. Even if you don’t go for top of the line just doubling the quality from bottom of the barrel is a big improvement.
I just ordered a pair of these clippers. I’d say these aren’t luxury by any means, just quality middle of the road clippers.
I got an award a few years ago and used my points to pick up a Wusthof manicure set [1]. That’s what a luxury set of tools looks like and it cost around $300.
That said I still start by trimming my nails with the Japanese nail clippers I bought all those years ago.
[1] https://www.amazon.com/Wusthof-Stainless-Steel-Piece-Manicur...
[2] Similar simple design to these. https://www.amazon.com/JapanBargain-2697-Japanese-Clipper-Cu...
That said, living in Taiwan and having been to Tokyu Hands a few times I can say that there are walls of nailclippers with some more fancy than others.
Looking at the Green Bell website it looks like your "average" japanese brand that would find it's way to the Tokyu Hands shelf. The average brand there seems much better than the average American brand though.
Not the Japanese ones in particular, but a few years ago when I needed a new clipper I purchased a No-Mes clipper and I've been quite satisfied with it. It's just starting to get a bit dull, and I'm going to send it back for a new one because of their guarantee.
[1] https://nomesnailclipper.com/
For travel, the compact Zwilling ones (made in Japan, not Germany, probably also by Green Bell) fold and lock down into a tiny package and are also great.
Filing-wise, I find it helps even any minor issues out after cutting them, but it's not essential.
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In scissors the blades do not touch each other (what in my opinion is a problem when cutting nails), but there is a feeling of more control than when using nail clippers.
But in order to cut the right hand I need left handed scissors.. which seem to be so rare.
The article about Kitkats in Japan is also interesting https://one-from-nippon.ghost.io/an-unusual-lucky-charm/
I've never like the cute little cartoon house and sun design printed on the of them, but they're definitely of high quality, and I worry I'll never find as good a pair again.