Kasho - Design Master 4.5" Straight

Take a Step Up with Beautiful Blue

• Spend more time being creative, less time sharpening—with blades made of premium Japanese VG-10W stainless steel, Blue series forged shears stay sharper for longer, so you can style without worry
• The sharpest cutting edge for effortless styling—Blue offers fully convex/hollow-ground blades for ultra-precise cutting
• Find the right handle style for you—choose classic straight handles (point-cutting perfect!) or ergonomic offset handles
• Beautiful, easy-care finish—Blue’s mirror-polished finish looks great, but also helps protect your shears from corrosion (like rust); regular cleaning and oiling keep your shears performing beautifully
• Maintain your perfect tension longer—a slight split in the T-screw of the tension system holds in place with precision, so you need to adjust less; the T-screw won’t interfere with combing, either
• Tang or no tang, your choice—Blue shears have an easy-to-remove, easy-to-reinstall tang

FAQ - Kasho Design Master 5.5" Straight Shear

Q: What is the Kasho Design Master 5.5" Straight Shear used for?
A: The Kasho Design Master 5.5" Straight Shear is a professional hairdressing cutting shear designed as KASHO's introductory model . The 5.5-inch length and straight handle design offer an ideal balance between handling and precision, making it suitable for a wide range of cutting techniques including precision cutting, detail work, and classic haircutting methods .

Q: What steel is used in the Design Master 5.5" Straight Shear?
A: The shear is forged from premium Japanese VG-10W stainless steel, the most advanced version of this Japanese "super steel" . This high-carbon stainless steel alloy has superior resistance to corrosion and wear. Kasho's advanced heat treatment and sub-zero quench techniques assure long-term blade sharpness and durability .

Q: What is the blade design of the Design Master 5.5" Straight Shear?
A: The shear features semi-convex, hollow-ground blades with a satin finish . The semi-convex grind, also known as the classic Japanese hollow grind, ensures precise cutting guidance and is suitable for all hair types . The convex edge provides an exceptionally durable cutting edge, while the hollow interior reduces cutting resistance and hand fatigue.

Q: What is the straight handle design and what are its benefits?
A: The straight handle design features both finger rings aligned in a straight line with the blades. This classic, symmetrical design provides a familiar, intuitive feel that many stylists prefer for traditional cutting techniques . The weight is ideally balanced for minimal fatigue during use .

Q: What pivot system does the Design Master 5.5" Straight Shear use?
A: The shear features a ratchet screw system (also known as a click-dial or ratchet flat head screw) that allows for variable, stepless tension settings . Stylists can fine-tune cutting tension in moments with no tools required—simply turn the dial until the desired tension is achieved .

Q: Is there a removable finger rest?
A: Yes. The Design Master 5.5" Straight Shear features a removable finger rest/tang that can be easily taken off when not desired or reinstalled as preferred . This allows stylists to customize the shear to their comfort preference.

Q: Is the Design Master 5.5" Straight Shear right-handed or left-handed?
A: The standard Design Master 5.5" Straight Shear is designed for right-handed use. However, Kasho also offers left-handed versions of the Design Master series, including a 5.5" straight model for left-handed stylists .

Q: What is the finish of the Design Master 5.5" Straight Shear?
A: The shear features a satin finish that is sleek, professional, and resistant to corrosion .

Q: What is the length of the Design Master 5.5" Straight Shear?
A: The shear has a length of 5.5 inches (13.97 cm) .

Q: What sizes are available in the Design Master Straight series?
A: The Design Master Straight series is available in sizes 4.5 inches, 5.0 inches, 5.5 inches, and 6.0 inches .

Q: Is this shear suitable for beginners or entry-level stylists?
A: Yes. The Design Master Series is regarded as KASHO's introductory model and is described as the perfect place for professional stylists to start with Kasho Scissors . It is specifically designed for young stylists  and provides KASHO's "Ultimate Edge" in a form that is simplicity itself to use .

Q: What is included with the purchase of the Design Master 5.5" Straight Shear?
A: The shear typically includes professional packaging and is backed by Kasho's manufacturer warranty.

Q: What is the warranty for the Design Master 5.5" Straight Shear?
A: Kasho shears are backed by a manufacturer's warranty. Crucially, only Kasho technicians should sharpen or repair your tools—precision engineering requires precision servicing .

Q: Where are Kasho Design Master shears manufactured?
A: Kasho shears are handcrafted in Japan . Kasho is the professional beauty division of Kai Corporation (est. 1908), a Tokyo-based company with over 115 years of blade-making expertise, following the tradition of Japanese Samurai swordsmiths.

Q: What is the model number for the Kasho Design Master 5.5" Straight Shear?
A: The model number is KDM-55S . Some retailers list it under item codes such as SSH-DWA-KDM55S  or KAKDM55S