The GENTEY Type A Tailor’s Shears 280 mm are professional shears hand-forged in Japan with a 12 cm cutting length – the large professional length for long, steady cuts.
The GENTEY Type A is the classic Japanese tailor’s shears for bespoke tailoring, workrooms and garment production. In Japan it is listed as 上作 (Jōsaku) – the maker’s proven quality grade. It has black handles and the typical Japanese tailor’s shape: the thumb and finger bows are raised, so the lower blade rests flat on the table and the fabric is hardly lifted while cutting. The result is precise, steady cuts along the line – even through several layers.
The edges are extremely sharp and the shears run exceptionally smoothly. They can be resharpened and, with good care, will serve professionals for many years.
The successor to the "golden" High Class shears (Peltex): since these legendary Japanese tailor’s shears are no longer made, we searched long for a worthy successor. After extensive testing we are convinced: GENTEY is at least their equal – hand-forged in the same Japanese forging tradition, with an exceptionally smooth action.
Features at a glance
- Traditionally hand-forged in a Japanese workshop – every pair unique
- Hard Japanese Hitachi steel joined with softer steel – on the principle of Japanese swords
- Extremely sharp edges, exceptionally smooth action
- Satin finish: polished steel, black handles
- Japanese tailor’s shape: the lower blade lies flat on the table
- Four lengths from 220 to 280 mm
- Resharpenable – on request via our sharpening service
Sizes at a glance
| Model |
Overall length |
Cutting length |
Weight |
Item |
| Type A 220 mm |
22 cm |
9 cm |
181 g |
10152-220 |
| Type A 240 mm |
25 cm |
10 cm |
230 g |
10152-240 |
| Type A 260 mm |
26 cm |
11 cm |
250 g |
10152-260 |
|
Type A 280 mm (this item) |
27.5 cm |
12 cm |
305 g |
10152-280 |
| Type G 220 mm – discontinued |
22 cm |
9 cm |
181 g |
10158-220 |
| Type G 240 mm |
25 cm |
10 cm |
230 g |
10158-240 |
| Type G 260 mm |
26 cm |
11 cm |
250 g |
10158-260 |
Type A and Type G have the same dimensions and weight. As every pair is handmade in a workshop, dimensions and weight may vary slightly.
Applications
- Cutting fabric in bespoke tailoring and workrooms
- Wool, cloth, cotton, linen, silk and lining
- Garment production, pattern making and costume making
- Training, master school and demanding hobby
Technical data
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Item number: 10152-280
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Brand: GENTEY (源貞之作)
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Product type: Tailor’s Shears
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Model: Type A
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Quality grade (Japan): 上作 (Jōsaku)
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Size: 280 mm
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Overall length: 27.5 cm
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Cutting length: 12 cm
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Weight: 305 g
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Material: hard Japanese Hitachi steel joined with softer steel; uncoated surface (polished steel)
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Manufacture: traditionally hand-forged in Japan
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Finish: satin finish (polished steel), black handles
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Handedness: right-handed
About GENTEY
GENTEY – in Japanese 源貞之作, "made by Gentei" – stands for scissors hand-forged in a Japanese workshop using traditional methods. As in the making of ancient Japanese swords, a very hard cutting steel is forged together with softer steel. Hitachi steel is used, which is regarded as particularly well suited to scissors: the edge becomes extremely sharp and stays sharp for a long time, while the body remains tough and resilient. Every pair is carefully handmade by craftsmen – individually forged, ground and adjusted. Each one is unique.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between GENTEY Type A and Type G?
Both are hand-forged in the same Japanese workshop. The Type A (上作, Jōsaku) is the classic professional tailor’s shears. The Type G (特上作, Tokujōsaku) is the higher grade with premium finishing: ground several times and polished to a mirror finish, with a brass screw Dimensions and weight are the same for both types. The Type A has a satin finish.
Is GENTEY the successor to the High Class shears (Peltex)?
Yes. The golden High Class shears are no longer made. After extensive testing we are convinced that GENTEY is a successor at least their equal – hand-forged in Japan with an exceptionally smooth action.
Which length is right for me?
220 mm is handy for alterations and smaller cuts, 240 mm is the all-round size for workrooms and tailoring. 260 and 280 mm suit large cutting jobs, long cuts and several layers.
How do I care for Japanese tailor’s shears?
Cut fabric only – no paper, pins, plastics or wire. Very firm materials and thick folded edges can damage the hard edge. The surface of GENTEY shears is not chrome- or nickel-plated but pure polished steel. So wipe the blades dry after use, oil them very lightly, give the joint a drop of oil now and then and do not drop the shears. A GENTEY is a tool for life: when the edge wears, our professionals resharpen it in our paid sharpening service – and it cuts like on the first day again.
Are the shears suitable for left-handers?
The GENTEY Type A and Type G tailor’s shears are right-handed.
Scissor sharpening – go to the sharpening service