RazorCUTz Product Insert

RazorCUTz Owner’s Guide & Product Insert

RazorCUTz–AT (orthotic)
RazorCUTz–M (prescription only)
RazorCUTz–S

―STOP―

READ BEFORE OPENING
OR
USING SHEAR

The following instructions are important to assure proper initialization and
performance of your RazorCUTz (AT, M & S) Shear
―AND TO PRESERVE YOUR WARRANTY―

DISASSEMBLING SHEAR OR ADJUSTMENT OF BLADE PRESSURE SCREW CAN VOID WARRANTY.

READ FOLLOWING SECTIONS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE YOUR RazorCUTz SHEAR:

Welcome To The RazorCUTz Experience
Learning To Use Your New RazorCUTz Shear
Palming And Speed Techniques

Models covered:

RazorCUTz–AT (Advanced Technology)
–AT Models (Freedom, Courage, Venture) are available to all hair care professionals and others routinely using hair shears. All AT Models are FDA registered, approved and clinically certified to be free of all 10 biomechanical flaws and the injuries they are proven to cause.

RazorCUTz–M (Medical Device, Prescription Required)
–M Models (Freedom, Courage, Venture) require a physician’s prescription for dispensing. These models are identical to AT models, but require more extensive fitting and documentation. These models are FDA registered, approved and clinically certified to be free of all 10 biomechanical flaws and the injuries they are proven to cause.

RazorCUTz–S (Standard)
–S Models (Justice, Liberty), like all other shears on the market, have 1 or more of the 10 biomechanical flaws proven to cause permanent and often career ending injuries to those using them.

Note: Those choosing to use known injurious shears (RazorCUTz –S Models and all other shears on the market) are doing so against medical advice, accepting responsibility for exposure to permanent and often career ending injuries proven to now be affecting an estimated 40% or more of all professional users and are doing so at their own risk. Stylists, and others, are encouraged to choose one of the –AT models.

Manufacturing

Main Manufacturing Plant Location
(RazorCUTz Shears & DiamondHONE Sharpening Systems):
3605 Swiftwater Park Dr.
Suwanee, Georgia 30024

Plant tours are available to all well intentioned hair care professionals and other professional users of the products, technologies and services designed, developed, manufactured and offered to the market through BladeLAB. A Non-disclosure agreement may be required and may include a statement that visitor is neither a competitor nor attempting to obtain information sensitive to Kagawa or its affiliates. Persons under 16 are not allowed in manufacturing plant and other restrictions may apply. Those visiting the plant can shop for shears, sharpening systems and other products available at Factory Store prices.

Definitions Used:

(a) Kagawa:
Kagawa is the market’s largest and most advanced full-line manufacturer of shears, sharpening systems and many other products. Staffed by a team of researcher(s), engineer(s), scientist(s), technician(s) and others Kagawa invents, develops, manufactures and commercializes the products and services it sells. Kagawa owns, operates and staffs BladeLABTM as well as authors and administrates the information presented in the BladeLAB training programs. With headquarters, manufacturing and BladeLAB located just north of Atlanta, Georgia, Kagawa is the market’s only factory source for shears and sharpening systems Made In America.

Kagawa conducts active and on-going research, on a daily basis. Equipped with the most advanced manufacturing, imaging, microscopy, testing and research capabilities Kagawa’s technologists are developing new and innovative salon products that will advance the quality of hair care and safety of hair care professionals for decades to come.

This research has enabled Kagawa to bring to market the first meaningful advances in shear and sharpening technologies in over 40+ years. Many of these advances have forever changed market dynamics. With DiamondHONE and EdgeDART, sharpening needs are slashed by over 75% and shears will no longer require replacement due to sharpening related damage. Stylists and salons in areas serviced by DiamondHONE Technician(s) are capturing significant savings in sharpening costs.

(b) Biomechanical Design Flaws:
Since the early 1970’s an alarming number of hair care professionals and others using hair shears (greater than 40%) have consistently reported symptoms related to their shear side hand, wrist and arm. With an additional 15% or more requiring carpal tunnel release surgery and being forced from the profession each year, shear usage presented a clear and undeniable association to these alarming injury levels. A team of researches including orthopedic hand surgeon(s), scientist(s), engineer(s), nurse(s) and other medical and technical experts conducted detailed studies on the design & ergonomics of shears, confirming this link.

This study, and others since, resulted in the discovery and documentation of 11 biomechanical (biomechanical refers to functional compatibility between tissues and tools) flaws in the design(s) of all shears ever sold. These 11 flaws were further linked to specific tissue injuries (systems, joints, etc) and ranked as to the significance of damage each causes. It was determined every professional user of hair shears is exposed to conditions proven to cause permanent and often career ending injuries. Researchers determined exposure to injury begins with first use, it is progressive and damage is accumulative ― the longer injurious shears are used (month-to-month, year-to-year) the more damage (and seriousness) is done. These studies have each concluded by recommending shears having even I of the 11 flaws should be removed from the market.

Full information about the Biomechanical studies is available in our Technology Section

(c) Shear Related Injuries:
Refers to those injuries directly related to 1 or more of the 11 biomechanical flaws referenced in the above section.

(d) Common Treatments For Symptoms Resulting From Biomechanical Flaws(b):
These treatments, reported in public domain sources, are common to carpal tunnel syndrome and other conditions resulting from the cited symptoms that occur as a result (directly and/or indirectly) of the biomechanical flaws. Those suffering symptoms should seek the advice of a board certified orthopedic hand surgeon as 15% or more are suffering same or similar symptoms that can develop from causes unrelated to the 10 biomechanical flaws, symptoms that could be serious and require immediate medical attention. These causes can include hormonal changes, pregnancy, spinal condition(s), heart condition(s), trauma, obesity and more.

RazorCUTz–AT/M Models were tested to assure the absence of all 11 biomechanical flaws and to guarantee they will not cause injuries related to these flaws or other known injuries outside those caused by the biomechanical flaws. Physicians are safe to recommend/prescribe AT/M Models to those engaged in the routine professional use of shears and who are capable of tolerating their use. AT Models are recommended for all professional users as a safe preventative measure to protect against the injuries known to result from the use of injurious shears (all shears ever sold, excluding RazorCUTz–AT/M Models).

During testing (field and clinical), and other testing since, there has not been a single reported case of shear related injury occurring while using RazorCUTz–AT/M Models, exclusively. Measured against the fact over 50% of the general population of professionals using injurious shears are suffering some level of symptoms confirms the efficacy of RazorCUTz–AT/M Models is at or near 100%.

Typical Cause, Effect and Treatment Regiment For Those Reporting Symptoms

Professional users will typically notice symptoms of mild to moderate fatigue in and around the shear side hand, wrist and/or arm. Pain and/or numbness will often be associated with middle, ring and pinky finger (Ulna 3) use and/or thumb (pollicis system) use. Pain associated with the base of the thumb (MCP) joint is common in greater than 40% of all patients. Pain reported on the outside area of the arm, just below the elbow area and that is elevated with use of middle, ring and pinky fingers indicates the possibility of FDP/FDS system issues and FDP distal bifibrication tendonitis.

These symptoms and ones similar are consistent with those most often cited by users and that are known to be the direct result of the 10 biomechanical flaws. Treating physicians will often choose to offer patients steroid injections in the lower arm, below the elbow region, when symptoms indicate this to be appropriate. Treating physicians may also prescribe a course of oral anti-inflammatory medication as an initial or ongoing treatment.

Note: In greater than 95% of cases being treated in this manner, and at this phase of treatment, switching to the exclusive use of a RazorCUTz–AT/M Model shear resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. In greater than 98% of these cases symptoms did not return at any time during the period cases were being tracked (5+ years, typical). These same cases, without the exclusive use of a RazorCUTz–AT/M Model shear, would typically result in greater than 89% of patients being forced to undergo various levels of multiple rounds of injections, braces and eventually carpal tunnel release surgery. These clinical results confirm efficacy of RazorCUTz-AT/M Model shears as a critical element in treatment regiments as well as for post-operative recovery.

(e) ABIO (Alliance for Beauty Industry Oversight) Project
In 1994 a group of beauty industry professionals (ABIO), determined to identify why so many stylists were suffering shear related injuries, commissioned a study on shears. Additionally, the ABIO project targeted upgrading shear and sharpening technologies to the limits technology allowed.

The ABIO group, along with engineers, scientists, researchers and technologists from STA (one of the world’s most recognized sources of new product development and advanced manufacturing technologies) formed Kagawa. The goal: design, develop, manufacture and commercialize the original project advances, and those yet to come.

A line of shears was designed and tested to assure all biomechanical flaws were eliminated and that no additional injuries were caused by their use ― RazorCUTz-AT/M Models. Advances in blade and edge technologies were developed ― EdgeDART. A new, more advanced, sharpening technology was developed ― DiamondHONE. New manufacturing technologies were developed allowing shears to be made in individual sizes ― L-ROG (Laser and Robotic Grinding).

Note: These technologies, and others, are covered by one or more issued and/or pending patents. All Kagawa technologies are available for licensing.

Over $6 million dollars and 10+ years were required to bring these technologies to market, with more than 5+ years of research & development alone. Over 3+ years of salon trials and 2+ years of clinical testing were conducted to assure RazorCUTz-AT/M Models will not cause the shear related injuries all other shears are proven to cause, or new ones. This testing also proved their performance exceeded that of all other shears by more than 850%. FDA registered, approved and clinically certified, RazorCUTz-AT/M shears are the safest, highest performance and most advanced shears ever brought to market. Plus, they are now the fastest selling and most popular shears in beauty industry history. In addition, DiamondHONE sharpening equipment is now the fastest selling sharpening technology ever offered.

(f) Shearing Vs Cutting Edges (applies to hair shears only):

Shearing Process

Shearing is a process where two blades are mounted together and pivoted closed. These blades are shaped in such a way (set) that they make contact in only two places (bow shape, blades bow inward toward each other), the pivot area and the point where the blades cross (shear zone). From the shear zone out to the blade tips, an angle is formed (mouth). As the blades close, the shear zone moves down the blades to the tips. Depending on the shape of the top section of each blade (shearing edge side), curved or straight (barber scissors), the mouth may open more, close more or remain the same. If the mouth closes more, hair has less force trying to “push” it along the blades and out the tips. If the mouth opens more, the hair is more likely to be “pushed” along and not sheared.

If the edge of one or both blades lacks the sharpness, or another way (serration), to “grab or bite” into the cuticle sheath of the hair, the hair will be “pushed” along the blades lengths until it is ejected out the tips or is forced into the shear point (crossing point) and severed by the mouth closing more. The shape of each blade’s top section has a significant impact on shear performance.

The bow formed by the “set” of each blade causes them to actually cross at a slight angle to the other, not parallel to each other (shearing edge to spine, not pivot to tip). This angular contact causes blade pressure force to be concentrated on the thin shearing edge, not the ride line as many have believed. Placing all the blade pressure on this narrow shear zone (football shaped contact area) leads to point flexing of the blade edge (like sliding your finger down the edge of a rubber wiper). Metal fatigue resulting from this work hardening and other damage leads to edge damage and other unpreventable failures.
Shearing edge design has a number of additional significant and unavoidable design failures. First, forming the shearing edges (shear) requires both blades be in direct contact and under high concentrated pressure ― it takes two shearing edges to form a single shear, one edge shears against the other. A nick in either blade renders that area of the shear ineffective and a nick in one blade will transfer to the other as the blades cross over the cavity or nick. Hair caught in a nick area is mauled, not sheared (causes another type of damage). Second, the wedging process required for shearing is actually a “squeezing” process. This squeezing forces the hair’s two sheaths, cuticle & cortex, to collapse onto the core (pith or medulla).

Note: Hair is constructed of two sheaths (tubes), cuticle and cortex. Inside the inner most sheath (cortex) is the soft core (medulla or pith). As a hair is squeezed by the shearing edges the sheaths collapse onto the pith, forcing it out of the shearing zone and making it form pockets of high pressure (inside the cortex) on each side of the shearing zone. This pressure causes the sheaths to balloon (expand) which leads to sensitive peptide bonds being permanently damaged (frizz and brittleness). The flattening of cuticle/cortex sheaths, immediately prior to being severed, causes tight bending radiuses on the walls of each sheath, this causes fracturing of the walls and leads to split ends or frizz. Once the hair severs, the pockets of high pressure release and the sheaths snap back, creating two shockwaves (electrical, from change-state energy and heat) that radiate outward from the point of shear and along the sheaths a distance of ~5 times the hair’s diameter (damage zone). The electrical wave damages hydrogen (magnetic) bonds, the heat damages sulfur (chemical) bonds.

The result is damage (split ends, frizz and more) that can only be eliminated by using EdgeDART “cutting” Edges.

Cutting Process

Cutting is what a knife or razor does. A single blade, having a sharp edge traveling the length of the blade, forms the knife’s and/or razor’s edge. Sharpening the edge of a knife or razor involves angling the two sides of the blade so they contact forming a common angle (cutting edge). The difference between a knife and razor is blade size and cross section. Consider knife blades mounted in a shear arrangement (sides together, edges facing each other, pressure forcing them together and pivoting along a common center). As the blades pivot closed each edge would cut each hair, thus by definition each hair would be cut twice. The angles forming each knife’s edge would also present a gap so wide the hair would simply fold between the blades.

Kagawa researchers designed just such an arrangement, but without the folding or other negative issues ― EdgeDART (DART = Dual Action Razor Technology). Using the same blades found on all shear brands and styles they developed a way to reduce the gap between the cutting edges to less than 1/5th the diameter of a hair (adjustable). Next they developed HydraGLIDE slides, a small flat surface that runs the length of each blade (replacing what was once “ride lines” on shearing style blades). HydraGLIDE’s allow the blades to slide on a thin-film of atoms, resulting in virtually no resistance. HydraGLIDE’s also maintain the blades at a precise separation; preventing the actual cutting edges from ever making direct contact. Because of this, the self dulling and nicking common to the shearing process is eliminated.

EdgeDART’s dual cutting edges never make direct contact preventing a nick in one blade from transferring to the other, typically. It also means the hair is being cut from both sides simultaneously, improving efficiency and lowering the pressure needed to sever the hair. Finally, EdgeDART eliminates compression on the hair which eliminates the pressure pockets and shockwaves when the hair is severed … eliminating damage to peptide, hydrogen and sulfur bonds … combining to eliminate 100% of all hair damage!

All brands and styles of shears can be easily upgraded to EdgeDART cutting edges simply by having them DiamondHONE Sharpened. This allows stylists to capture the many advantages EdgeDART cutting edges offer without being forced to purchase a RazorCUTz shear (EdgeDART is standard on all RazorCUTz shears). EdgeDART edges remain sharp much longer (sharpen annually, saving the costs of 2 or more sharpenings each year), resist over 99.3% of nicks (save on the frequent resharpening costs due to nicks) and eliminate 100% of hair damage (priceless, just ask your client).

Note: Following a period of non-use, EdgeDART’s HydraGLIDE slides will require cycling to recharge. Simply cycling your shear (air cutting, once or twice) or lightly wiping the inside of each blade with a soft cloth will recharge the slides. HydraGLIDE’s will never wear out or suffer deterioration. HydraGLIDE’s and EdgeDART reduce cutting forces by over 500% of that required by shearing edges.

(g) DiamondHONE Sharpening
DiamondHONE is a new advanced sharpening technology developed to correct the failures of Grind & Buff equipment (all other equipment) and to deliver the precision needed to apply EdgeDART Cutting Edges as well as improving the accuracy, finish and performance of traditional edges (bevel, clamshell, convex and Japanese style). DiamondHONE’s flexibility allows sharpening of clipper & trimmer blade sets, surgical instruments and other items. DiamondHONE is more than sharpening equipment; it is a patent pending technology.

Because DiamondHONE is 100% manual, there is no spinning disk to propel blades, metal debris or other contaminates into the eyes or other bodily areas of salon staff or clients, or contaminate sensitive surfaces such as wax or treatments like the motorized Grind and Buff systems are proven to do. Unlike Grind & Buff equipment, DiamondHONE is the only sharpening system(s) ever brought to market meeting or exceeding OSHA 21 CFR 1910 and all other safety codes, regulations and laws and that will not result in property owners suffering judgments arising from the aforementioned failures resident in all other equipment. DiamondHONE uses diamond abrasives (diamond cuts with 1200% less heat) to remove less than 2% of the steel all other methods remove and to assure shear blades are never softened or damaged from heat.

Shear edges (bevel, convex, clamshell & Japanese style) sharpened using DiamondHONE have an improvement in performance of over 500% or more. DiamondHONE calibrates the pivot bearing to blade edge, eliminating the upward bending that results from all other sharpening processes. DiamondHONE also guarantees a mirror polished surface on the critical inside area (ride line) and outside edge, as well as eliminating even the smallest nicks and imperfections Grind & Buff systems create.

DiamondHONE is the only system(s) having the needed precision, accuracy, flexibility and adjustability (DiamondHONE can apply multiple facets of precise angle and size to both sides of a cutting or shearing edge) to apply EdgeDART Cutting Edges and to improve performance of shear edges. DiamondHONE sharpening systems are available for purchase through BladeLAB. Training is available FREE online, for those wishing to become a sharpening technician, or to learn about how shears are sharpened.

Note: Prior to the middle 1970’s, hair shears were made by German scissor makers and all used bevel edges (still common on barber scissors today). The design of these hair scissors originated in the 1920’s, remaining largely unchanged even today. A national push by Japanese heavy industry in the 1970’s led to introduction of the Japanese style shear. These shears have a clamshell shaped top section on each blade as well as a change in bumper location, radius on top of blade (shearing edge side) and other largely insignificant changes. These clamshell shaped blades carried the top curve directly to the cutting edge, a design shortfall that continues to undermine the performance of shears even today. With these shears came the need to sharpen a curved surface. This has led to a number of sharpening systems being made, all of which operate on a failed “Grind and Buff” process, introducing more challenges than they solve. Since the introduction of Japanese style shears and their clamshell blades, shear technology has remained largely unchanged. At no time, from the 1920’s on, has a handle design succeeded in eliminating the hand, wrist and arm injuries they are proven to cause. In addition, the inability to maintain sharpness and resist nicks has actually taken a significant step backwards. This is largely due to the poor performance and inaccuracy of Grind and Buff sharpening systems, and the lack of understanding by those providing sharpening services about how shears, blades and edges actually function.

(h) BladeLAB
Owned, operated and staffed by Kagawa specialists, BladeLAB offers the industries’ only “factory certified” training program(s) for providers of sharpening services as well as the world’s largest sharpening center (stylists, worldwide, send their shears to BladeLAB’s sharpening center for the finest in sharpening services).

BladeLAB is also Kagawa’s factory direct Web hub, offering the network of DiamondHONE Technicians dealer level purchasing of RazorCUTz shears and other products as well as selling RazorCUTz shears to stylists, schools and others. Those wishing to brand label shears or other products designed and made by Kagawa, or one of our member companies, can do so through BladeLAB.

(j) DiamondHONE Technicians
Stylists have long suffered the results of sharpening services providers who lacked the training, knowledge, equipment and ability to correctly sharpen and service shears. While many of these individuals are capable dedicated technicians, the sharpening equipment available to them could not deliver acceptable results. In addition, quality training was not available. DiamondHONE sharpening equipment has advanced the ability of these technicians to deliver high quality, consistent and reliable results … 100% of the time.

Those wishing to become a DiamondHONE Technician can do so through BladeLAB. All DiamondHONE training is free, and available to anyone wishing to become a sharpening provider or learn about how shears are sharpened. Technicians using the DiamondHONE equipment, and having completed the training programs through BladeLAB, will be able to provide the finest sharpening available. While Kagawa can not guarantee results from a technician, stylists can rest assured that DiamondHONE equipped technicians have the same equipment and knowledge nessecarry to provide the same “Factory level” results.

FDA Required Patient Information

RazorCUTz-M Models ONLY
The following is information required by the FDA for those considering the use of a RazorCUTz-M Model shear.

What Are RazorCUTz-M Shears?
RazorCUTz-M (medical) shears are models within the RazorCUTz line of shears often prescribed or recommended (AT models) by orthopedic hand surgeons during the course of treatment for shear related repetitive motion injuries (RMI’s). RazorCUTz-M Models (and AT Models) are tested and proven to be absent all 10 biomechanical design flaws proven to cause injuries as detailed above. Physicians treating hair care professionals suffering symptoms from or related to these 10 flaws or recovering from carpal release surgery are often prescribed a RazorCUTz-M Model shear for exclusive use and as a preventative measure to prevent injury from reoccurring.

What Causes Shear Related RMI’s?
Over 40% of stylists are estimated to be suffering symptoms caused by 1 or more of the 10 biomechanical design flaws that are found in all other shears. These flaws are proven to cause damage, permanent injury and/or stress to tissues and joints in and around the shear side hand, wrist and arm. A number of these flaws are proven to cause permanent joint injury (arthritis, etc) in hair care professionals, and others, using shears. RazorCUTz-AT/M shears are recommended for all hair care professionals and others using shears as a preventative measure against developing shear related injuries.

Who Is Most Affected?
Hair care professionals are the most affected, however others who routinely use injurious shears (all other shears) are also affected. The longer the use of these injurious shears continues, the more damage accumulates. Arthritis is a serious and permanent condition resident to joints and is often found in the MP & IP joints of thumb and fingers of those regularly using injurious shears. Hair care professionals and even those training to become a hair care professional should switch to the exclusive use of a RazorCUTz–AT Model shear if they hope to avoid pain, fatigue and/or permanent injury to the affected area(s). It is a proven fact and supported by overwhelming statistics that injurious shears (all shears except RazorCUTz-AT/M Models) cause injuries that in most cases can be prevented by simply switching to the exclusive use of a RazorCUTz-AT/M Model shear.

Should I Stop Using My Regular Shear?
Yes! The evidence is overwhelming; the up to 10 biomechanical design flaws resident in these injurious shears are proven to cause injury in 85% of those using them. While not all injuries become symptomatic, progressive injury is unavoidable. Switching to the exclusive use of a RazorCUTz–AT/M Model shear will protect you from these 10 flaws and guarantee you will not develop shear related injuries because of them.

Are There Other Causes Of RMI’s?
Yes, and your physician can often determine what they are. It is estimated up to 15% of hair care professionals and others using injurious shears routinely suffer the same or similar symptoms due to causes beyond the 10 known biomechanical flaws. Conditions causing tissues in and around the carpal tunnel area to swell or become irritated are known to be causes.

Will The Exclusive Use Of RazorCUTz–AT/M Guarantee I Will Not Develop A RMI?
No, it will guarantee you will not develop a RMI from one of the 10 known biomechanical design flaws proven to cause an estimated 85%, or greater, of all hair care professionals to develop these injuries.

RazorCUTz Warranties:

Material & Workmanship
All RazorCUTz shears are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the original purchaser. Should a RazorCUTz shear be determined to have a failure in materials and/or workmanship Kagawa and/or BladeLAB will repair or replace the product, at our discretion, with a current offering of equal or greater value.

Initial Purchase
RazorCUTz Shear(s) can be returned within 10 working days of purchase for a full refund, as long as they have not been removed from the original packaging. A 20% re-stocking fee will be applied to all returns having been removed from original packaging. RazorCUTz–M Models cannot be returned without the prior approval of the prescribing physician and/or party providing payment.

Size
Within the first 30 days (one month) you can exchange your RazorCUTz shear for a different size without penalty or re-stocking charges. Size changes between 30 and 90 days will be accessed a 20% re-stocking fee. RazorCUTz–M Models will require the prior approval of the prescribing physician prior to a size change.

Note: Warranties can be rendered null and void if blades have been sharpened by means other than DiamondHONE. Adjustment of blade pressure screw or disassembly of shear will void warranty. Failure to properly care for shear during storage or transportation or abuse or misuse will result in voiding warranty. Abuse and misuse is considered, but not limited to, failure to use shear as it is intended. For full details on warranty interested parties can request a complete warranty from Kagawa or BladeLAB.

Welcome To The RazorCUTz Experience!

Congratulations, you now own the most advanced and highest performance shear ever brought to market ― RazorCUTz. A highly skilled team of Kagawa researcher(s), scientist(s), surgeon(s), engineer(s), innovative stylist(s) and others worked over 5 years to develop RazorCUTz Shears, EdgeDART Edges, DiamondHONE Sharpening Systems and other technologies. Testing and guaranteeing RazorCUTz-AT/M performance required an additional 3+ years of salon trials and 2+ years of clinical testing. RazorCUTz, DiamondHONE Sharpening Systems, EdgeDART and more are the result of over $6 million dollars in research & development ― making these advances the largest development project in beauty industry history.

If you purchased one of the AT or M Models you also own the only shear ever brought to market that is FDA registered, approved and clinically certified to eliminate 100% of the shear related(c) causes of carpal tunnel, thumb injuries and other hand, wrist and arm injuries every other shear is proven to cause! Your RazorCUTz shear is also the only production shear ever equipped with EdgeDART cutting edges(f) ― guaranteeing elimination of 100% of the split ends, frizz and other hair damage all other shears are proven to cause. More than 5+ times sharper than any other shear, proven to remain sharp many times longer and able to resist more than 99.3% of nicks, RazorCUTz shears deliver performance never before thought possible. Keeping your RazorCUTz shear performing at its’ maximum level and preserving your warranty is as simple and easy as following these few simple rules:

Sharpening ― Always have your RazorCUTz shear DiamondHONE sharpened(g) by a DiamondHONE Technician(j) or BladeLAB(h). Sharpening or servicing by any other means or by unqualified providers will void warranty.
Blade Pressure Adjustment ― Blade pressure is set each time your RazorCUTz shear is DiamondHONE sharpened ― do not change pivot screw adjustment or disassemble your RazorCUTz shear, such actions will void warranty. Adjustment or disassembly by anyone other than the Kagawa factory, BladeLAB(h) or a DiamondHONE Technician(j) can void warranty.
Maintenance and Cleaning ― RazorCUTz shears come standard with advanced technology EdgeDART cutting edges(f) and are the only production shears equipped with ShortCORE pivot technology (RazorCUTz have a much shorter core pivot section than other shears, making them lighter, stronger and easier to maintain). Advanced steel ways (common to industrial machining equipment) are used in the pivot to eliminate the need for ball bearings (frequently fail due to rusting and corrosion) and polymer pivot bearings (frequently fail due to swelling or deterioration) that are proven to result in rapid dulling, easy nicking and other blade related failures. All shears equipped with or that are converted to EdgeDART edges (all brands and styles of shears can be upgraded to EdgeDART edges) “cut” not “shear”, preventing the actual cutting edges from ever making direct contact and yielding the superior performance stylists are demanding. EdgeDART blades slide on HydraGLIDE thin-film slides and require no maintenance beyond occasionally wiping away excess debris. Note: Following a period of non-use you will need to cycle EdgeDART equipped shears to recharge the HydraGLIDE slides (blade pressure may feel elevated until shear is cycled, NEVER adjust blade pressure, adjustment is made at time of DiamondHONE sharpening).
Transportation and Storage ― Shears should always be stored and transported in a way that prevents damage to the shear and that prevents shear from opening (partially or completely). Protection, such as the open web sheath RazorCUTz are supplied in, should provide adequate ventilation. Shears must be stored and maintained in a clean and dry manner. Long term storage should include coating shear in a manner that will prevent corrosion or other deterioration. Failure to maintain, protect, store or transport shear in a way that prevents damage can void warranty. Never use shear to cut items other than hair.

Learning To Use Your New RazorCUTz Shears

RazorCUTz shears, especially AT/M Models WILL HAVE a SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT FEEL than all other shears! The fact your RazorCUTz–AT/M model shear(s) yield such significant advances in biomechanical compatibility(b)(c)(d)(e) ― hyperflexion, extended ROM and end of ROM power zone of thumb is eliminated, elimination of wrist/finger/thumb joint locking, stress on Ulna 3 elements and FDP tendon distal bifibrication eliminated, elimination of conditions proven to cause arthritis and other injury to thumb and finger IP & MP joints, etc ― are clear and certain reasons a short adjustment period will be required.

Training with and routine use of injurious shears will have led to your shear side hand, wrist and arm developing various levels of injury. In many cases damage to joints and ligaments will have occurred. In an effort to minimize this damage, your body will have made what adjustments were possible. These adjustments or compromises will no longer be required with exclusive use of RazorCUTz–AT/M model shear(s). During the period required, typically 2 weeks or less, for your shear side hand, wrist and arm to return to its’ healthy and natural motions and use of tissues, you should expect some limited mild soreness and a difference in feel.

Exclusive use of RazorCUTz-AT/M’s will allow your hand, wrist and arm to begin healing from prior shear related damage.
Adjusting to your RazorCUTz–AT/M model shear(s) cannot be consciously controlled, in general. You may notice your speed; accuracy and efficiency initially drop as you begin using your AT/M’s. While this may be a distraction, it will typically pass within a few days to two weeks. AT/M’s will never “feel” like your obsolete injurious shear(s), they will always feel like a healthy shear that will not end your career or cause shear related injuries. Many AT/M users have developed efficient ways to optimize speed and accuracy by taking advantage of 4Dx and other unique features of RazorCUTz designs ― increases of over 400% and more are common.

Palming and Speed Techniques
Stylists often “palm” their shear ― palming allows a comb or other tool to be held and used while continuing to hold the shear. The palming technique improves overall efficiency and lowers workload. RazorCUTz researchers studying the palming technique(s) used by most stylists discovered they often must actually remove their shear and then hold it in the palm, adding work and leading to frequent drops and other issues. These researchers designed RazorCUTz so they could be “worn” while palming, significantly improving efficiency and virtually eliminating drops. Stylists making the switch to RazorCUTz occasionally find it necessary to adjust to this advance before being able to capture these advantages. Two common techniques have emerged for palming. Both take advantage of RazorCUTz’ four finger hold, allowing the middle and pinky fingers to “rotate” or “spin” the RazorCUTz shear on the ring finger.

Palming Technique 1: Upward Rotation
Disengage thumb while continuing to maintain finger engagement as AT/M is rotated slightly upward, allowing the thumb ring to rest just above and beyond the thumb web, and against the index finger base (directly adjacent to knuckle, but on palmer side). This technique is entered by first disengaging thumb, followed by relaxing grip of index and middle fingers and then tightening pull with pinky. This allows AT/M to rotate on ring finger and position in natural hold. Exiting hold is a matter of reversing finger technique process while bringing thumb around and into its ring (thumb ring is positioned for reengagement, naturally, by resting against base of index finger).

Palming Technique 2: Downward Rotation
Maintain finger engagement but disengage thumb while rotating the AT/M slightly downward, allowing the thumb ring to rest near the palm’s central pocket, just below and against base of thumb pad. Technique for entering hold is to first disengage thumb while relaxing pinky pressure and increasing pressure with index and middle fingers, forcing –AT/M to rotate on ring finger. Technique for exiting hold requires developing skewing methods to align thumb ring for reengagement as finger pressures are reversed.

A number of advanced techniques have been developed using 4Dx’s unique design to roll from either of the above two holds directly into a reverse downward slide cutting hold. These are only some techniques; let your creativity show you more! RazorCUTz’ 4Dx pivot technology offers a number of advantages found on no other shears, such as SoftSTOP cushion rings designed to absorb shock loading on the thumb’s IP & MP joints. 4Dx is also positioned and angled to permit pivoting along the hand/wrist’s neutral axis, eliminating finger/thumb/hand/wrist biasing.

Slide Cutting Technique (Reverse Downward Roll, Perpendicular Positioning)
One technique for achieving this speed maneuver is to exit either of the above palming holds by allowing the normal exit to progress through to thumb reengagement, then immediately curling fingers around handle. As the hand is curled into a fist position, the thumb ring will have rotated 180 degrees. Typically, the index finger must disengage during this technique and pinky rest will purchase in fold between base of pinky and entry to palm. Typically, only finger tip areas are engaged in and on shear (tip to first joint).

Technique for exiting requires coordinating thumb, fingers and hand web motion. Use thumb to apply closing pressure on shear, forcing shear against inside of fingers, slide thumb toward finger tips or rotate along the 4Dx pivot with slight pressure, as hand is opened (as though trying to grip a coin between thumb and index finger and force coin to slide forward), this will force thumb ring to rotate back 180 degrees to its’ original position.

Changes & Adjustments
RazorCUTz shears are high-performance products, intended to allow customization. Because RazorCUTz are available in more than 1200 size combinations and styles, assuring you are correctly fitted with a shear that will last the balance of your career requires special training ― stocking the many variations and sizes also requires a considerable commitment. DiamondHONE Technicians receive extensive training on all brands and styles of shears in addition to RazorCUTz, allowing them to make critical adjustments to RazorCUTz and all other shears. The following adjustment is common to RazorCUTz shears and well within the ability of DiamondHONE Technicians to make. You can also send your shear(s) directly to BladeLAB.

Tip Size
Tip size is often a matter of preference, and until development of RazorCUTz it could not be readily changed. RazorCUTz blades are designed to allow the tip to be adjusted. Certified DiamondHONE Blade & Edge Technicians are factory trained to make this modification or you can return your shear to BladeLAB for factory level modification. Once modified, however, the blades cannot be returned to their original shape. Stylists are encouraged to provide a shear having the preferred tip size, providing technicians a reference pattern.

Note: On special request BladeLAB (Kagawa factory engineers) can modify tips to “needle points”. Needle Points are the smallest tip size mechanically possible for the blades. Shears having “needle points” represent a potential safety hazard and require a release signed by the owner and acknowledging acceptance of responsibility of risk. BladeLAB has release agreements available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

My RazorCUTz shear feels “choppy” when I cut, why?

RazorCUTz shears are often much lighter in weight than most regular shears, and with Freedom your thumb is closer to the pivot point. This reduced weight, change in thumb distance from the pivot, thumb position relative to your palm and shift to healthy & natural use of tissues & joints all combine to change the way your hand, wrist and arm unite when cutting. These changes are needed in order to prevent injuries from occurring to your shear side hand, wrist and arm. Also, because your Freedom is equipped with the most advanced blade technology ever brought to market, EdgeDART “cutting” edges, the force needed to cut a hair is reduced by up to 500%, or more! If you observe how much your thumb must move from full open to full close on your old shear and then on your new Freedom, it is much less on your Freedom ― this is known as range of motion. Also, your thumb is in its neutral natural position when point cutting with Freedom, but must be hyperflexed to point cut with your other shear. These facts impact “feel”. The “choppy” feel will go away in a few weeks as your hand, wrist and arm adjust to all the beneficial advances. Freedom is the fastest selling shear in beauty industry history and our #1 seller.

When I first operate my RazorCUTz shear after a period of non-use (one day, or so) the blade tension seems to be too tight? Why?

You should never need to adjust blade pressure, ever. Blade pressure is set during DiamondHONE sharpening. What you are feeling is the HydraGLIDE slides energizing. Following a period of rest (several hours to a day) the thin-film of atoms that coat the HydraGLIDE surface and that give all RazorCUTz their near frictionless slide, dissipate. By simply opening and closing your RazorCUTz shear a few times (typically cycling once is all that is required) the atoms will recoat the slide and blade pressure will be normal. You can also lightly wipe the inside of each blade; this will charge the HydraGLIDEs, as well. If these measures do not correct the issue, notify BladeLAB or your local DiamondHONE Technician.

I have been using my Courage–AT for over a year, it seems to still be sharp and it cuts great. When should I have it sharpened?

The Kagawa factory recommends sharpening once a year; however, RazorCUTz shears will often remain sharp for well over two years … if properly transported, stored and used as intended (many remain sharp for much longer). Shears with EdgeDART edges (all brands and styles of shears are now being upgraded to EdgeDART) will not show the typical signs of dulling, so it is best to plan on annual sharpening by a DiamondHONE Technician or send your shears (all brands) to BladeLAB for factory sharpening and service. A “dull” RazorCUTz or shear having been upgraded to EdgeDART is still sharper than a standard “shear” edge having just been sharpened.

The person who has been doing our sharpening claims he can sharpen shears with EdgeDART edges. He sharpens in his truck and claims he is using DiamondHONE equipment. I thought only BladeLAB or a DiamondHONE Technician could do EdgeDART edges?

EdgeDART is a patent pending edge. It requires DiamondHONE Sharpening equipment to apply and it takes special training. A simple call to BladeLAB’s service desk will determine if he has the equipment necessary to apply EdgeDART.

I am being treated for carpal tunnel by an orthopedic hand surgeon; he has information on RazorCUTz and has prescribed them for many of his other patients. The Workers Comp case worker refuses to pay for my shear, what can I do?

This is a difficult issue since each case worker, in each State, has the option of paying for a physician’s recommendation, or not. If the case worker feels paying for a shear will get you working quickly and costs less than continued treatment, they should work with you. If not, the cost of a RazorCUTz shear is a small price to pay to help your condition, prevent additional shear related damage and to aid in healing prior damage from injurious shears. Plus, purchasing and using a RazorCUTz shear guarantees you are not damaging client’s hair and getting over 850% better performance than any other shear can deliver. RazorCUTz–M models are the only models that carry a “medical device” designation. Physicians’’ must prescribe RazorCUTz–M’s as “Volar Fixators”, the same class as soft and custom fitted braces, in order for insurers and others to provide reimbursements.

The distributor who sells Kasho and Hikari shears to our salon claims both are manufactures and that he has visited their factories, but your information states Kagawa is the world’s only full-line manufacturer of shears and sharpening systems. What is the truth?

Kasho, Hikari, Centrix and all other shear names you may know are only “brands”, not the manufacturer. These companies purchase shears from an actual manufacturer, like Kagawa. They will contract to have the manufacturer mark their brand name on the shear they made, or the purchaser (these companies) will mark the shear when it arrives at their facility.

There are only four known companies “making shears” (other than Kagawa), not one is a true manufacturer. Each purchases “green or basic” shears from a company having the molds or dies needed to actually forge or cast the green shear. They will then drill, tap, grind the hollow grind, polish the shear and then package it. A full-line manufacturer, like Kagawa, will design the shears they make as well as make the green shear. Kagawa is the only full-line manufacturer in the world!

Each of these brand marketers are simply small offices, most are in California, that take shears out of one box and put them in another. Many have only a few employees, but each employee will use different names to make the company look larger. Virtually all claim to be manufacturers and to design the shears they sell— they are not manufacturers and have never designed a single shear. This is the very reason virtually all shears look the same … they are! They are all made by one of only a few sources. Your distributor has not likely visited their “factory”, he is simply trying to make a sell, and it’s that simple.

Why does it matter who designs and makes the shear so long as it delivers the needed performance?

The difference is value! The shears made by these Asian shear plants are cheap, not one costs the brand marketer more than $80US and most cost under $50. That’s right the Hikari you paid several hundred dollars for typically costs Hikari less than $50. You paid Hikari hundreds of dollars for their name and a cheap injurious shear that is not even properly heat treated and can only be sharpened 10 times, or so. If you purchased your shear from a distributor, dealer or Website, that purchaser received a 50% discount from Hikari … again you are part of inflated pricing and poor quality product. The same facts apply to Kasho, Centrix and the other 150 or so brands.

You will pay close to $300 (basic steel) and up to $600 (best steel) for a RazorCUTz Freedom– AT/M model shear. You are getting the most advanced shear ever brought to market. Plus, Freedom will not end your career from the biomechanical flaws that are in all other shears. No other manufacturer can bring this value to the market, because no other manufacturer has the advanced technology robotic, laser and grinding systems needed to make shears in sizes. With Freedom you get a shear that fits YOUR hand, thumb and fingers … not one size fits all! Kagawa puts value in your money, not your money in some middleman’s pocket.

I have a friend who sharpens shears; he says DiamondHONE is nothing but a name. Is that true?

DiamondHONE is a name, that is true, but it is also much more than just a name. Unfortunately for your friend, he lacks the knowledge needed to understand the differences between shearing edges and cutting edges, and the value DiamondHONE delivers. We encourage your friend to visit BladeLAB to learn what DiamondHONE has to offer, before he learns from a DiamondHONE Technician in his area.

Sharpening service providers rely on the poor performance these obsolete Grind & Buff sharpening systems deliver. This poor performance leads to more sharpening, thus grinding shears down faster and leading to more shear sales. If you’re like most stylists, you find sharpening a sickening subject. Rapid dulling, easy nicking and unreliable results are standard. Once you try DiamondHONE you can help your friend understand the differences. Try upgrading your shear to EdgeDART, it will be much sharper, remain sharp for much longer (most remain sharp 12 months, or longer), resist more than 99.3% of nicks it got before being upgraded and it will no longer damage your client’s hair. Best of all though, you will have saved the costs of at least two, if not three sharpenings. That’s why your friend doesn’t like DiamondHONE, he looses sharpening revenue and the shear sales that grinding away your shear blades generates.

I see a number of shear companies claiming their shear eliminates carpal tunnel or “has been known to eliminate up to 100% of carpal tunnel”. If these shears are so injurious and causing so many of us to develop hand and thumb injuries, why doesn’t some government agency do something to stop them?

The FDA and Federal Trade Commission are working to halt the widespread misrepresentation, false and misleading advertising that is so common to this industry. The shear market is saturated with opportunist willing to trade your health and safety for a few dollars. If these shears delivered as promised they would have been clinically tested and certified as well as being FDA registered. They aren’t because not a single one provides any benefit.

RazorCUTz–AT/M Models are the only shears ever brought to market that are FDA registered, approved and clinically certified to eliminate the carpal tunnel, tendonitis, thumb damage and other shear related injuries every other shear ever sold are proven to cause. Until such time as these opportunist are prosecuted and their injurious shears expunged from the market you will need to do your homework and assure you are purchasing a shear that will not cause you injury. For now, this means you will be purchasing a RazorCUTz–AT/M model shear.

Kagawa, BladeLAB and the ABIO group are actively working with Federal agencies and congressional leaders to halt the importation and distribution of all injurious shears (shears having 1 or more of the 10 biomechanical flaws proven to be causing nearly half of the market’s stylists to suffer permanent and often career ending injuries). Until this occurs we will continue to assure that stylists and others using shears are made aware of those making false and misleading claims and distributing injurious shears.

All the stylists in our 12 station salon have converted to RazorCUTz-AT/M shears. Some of us like our tips more pointed, can RazorCUTz be modified. If so, how do we get this modification without voiding our warranties?

In general, 20% of stylists request tip modifications. BladeLAB, which is the Kagawa factory, can make this adjustment. Your local DiamondHONE Technician is also factory trained to make these adjustments, as well.

What exactly does “FDA registered, approved and clinically certified” mean?

In general, the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) is charged with protecting the health and safety of the public as it applies to food, drugs and devices. A detailed explanation of this can become quite involved, so we will keep this description on a high-level (general). Also, any company manufacturing devices, drugs or other items falling within FDA’s authority must be registered with FDA, inspected and issued a “manufacturer” licenses number … before releasing a single device to the market.

Kagawa holds one of these coveted “manufacturer” registration numbers, assuring our manufacturing facility is excellent, in the United States and that we are producing excellent quality products. In addition to the manufacturing facility, FDA requires each device falling under its authority to be registered.

Note: FDA does not ever “approve” treatments, devices, drugs or any other item. In fact, making such a claim is illegal. Anyone watching television broadcast can see the largest of companies claiming their product(s), drug(s) and/or treatments(s) are FDA “approved”, they’re not and the claim is illegal. Illegal, or not, FDA rarely if ever enforces this provision, leaving it to now be a standard and accepted practice.

RazorCUTz shears, in select circumstances, fall under FDA’s authority. In these circumstances the “M” Model is required. Insurers and Workers Compensation programs also will not provide reimbursement for devices not FDA registered. The process for having a device FDA registered can vary and can be lengthy, expensive and complex. In the case of RazorCUTz-AT/M model shears the “AT” and “M” models are identical is performance, the difference is in paperwork and tracking. “M” models require a physicians’ prescription where the “AT” models can be purchased by all stylists.

Kagawa’s use of “approved” aligns with that of all other manufacturers, only Kagawa has chosen to go a step farther, having a board that includes orthopedic hand surgeon(s) agree with testing results and the use of “approved”. “Clinically Certified” means RazorCUTz-AT/M Models were actually prescribed by Board Certified Orthopedic Hand Surgeon(s) in a clinical setting where patient results were tracked. Following a lengthy clinical testing period RazorCUTz-AT/M Models were proven to be free of all 10 biomechanical design flaws proven to be the cause of shear related injuries to stylists, and that no additional injuries or symptoms were caused.

So, to be exact, “FDA registered, approved and clinically certified” is your assurance RazorCUTz-AT/M models are 100% safe from all shear related biomechanical flaws and the injuries they are proven to cause. RazorCUTz-AT/M models are the only shears ever brought to market reaching this milestone. All other shears have between 8 and 10 flaws, with the exception of RazorCUTz-S models which have 5 or fewer.

In our salon we have RazorCUTz shears with multiple blade lengths. Some have different radiuses, why?

Depending on blade length, shape can affect performance. The larger the radius, in general, the better (larger radius will make blade look more straight) the shear will perform. Kagawa engineers determine the most efficient shape for each blade length, assuring your shear is delivering maximum efficiency.

Becoming A DiamondHONE Technician

Recent advances in materials, blade edge geometry, sharpening technologies, automated robotic & laser manufacturing, biomechanics, ergonomics and interconnectivity have sparked a renaissance in the design, manufacturing, sharpening and market delivery of cosmetology hair shears and other salon products. The unprecedented shift in global market technologies and dynamics having resulted from these advances has forever improved the way shears, sharpening services and hair care products are manufactured, distributed, serviced and supported.

Becoming a DiamondHONE Technician makes you an integral part of these exciting new opportunities. Kagawa’s engineers and researchers have succeeded in developing the most advanced shear and sharpening technologies ever brought to market, and even more exciting applied technologies are soon to come. BladeLAB, a Kagawa division, is now offering the market’s only progressive and comprehensive training programs specifically designed to assure you have the latest training and information on these new technologies, as well as legacy products… for FREE.

Becoming a DiamondHONE Technician does more than give you the latest training and information on these new advances it allows you take advantage of the best pricing on the markets highest performance and only shears ever to be FDA registered, approved and clinically certified ― RazorCUTz. To learn more about becoming a DiamondHONE Technician visit us on the web at BladeLAB.

BladeLAB offers FREE training and access to the Technology advancing the market. Don’t get left behind, visit us online or call BladeLAB at (678) 318 – 2360 today!

—Sharpening Instructions—

PRESERVING WARRANTY requires your RazorCUTz shears be sharpened by BladeLAB, or a DiamondHONE Technician. RazorCUTz shears are unlike all other shears and deliver over 750% better performance. Sharpening by means other than DiamondHONE will degrade performance and void warranty. Plus, having your RazorCUTz shear DiamondHONE sharpened involves more than simply sharpening the blades, it also includes calibrating blade pressure and more. We highly encourage stylists and others to follow these directions to keep your RazorCUTz performing optimally, now, and for the balance of your professional career.

In addition to RazorCUTz shears, BladeLAB sharpens and services all other brands and styles of shears. DiamondHONE Technicians are also factory trained to sharpen and service all brands and styles of shears.

Packaging & Shipment: Before shipping your shear(s) to BladeLAB they must be properly packaged. If more than one shear is included in the same container, mutual contact must be avoided. If you are unsure of proper packaging, ask a BladeLAB Representative when you call for your RGA#.

Please follow these directions to send your shears to BladeLAB:

Step 1:	Call the BladeLAB Service Center (678.318.2360) to receive an RGA#. This RGA# will tell BladeLAB’s technicians details necessary to speed your service. It will also include payment information and more. We're sorry, but packages not having a RGA# clearly marked on the label cannot be opened and must be returned to the sender!
Step 2:	Items damaged during shipment to BladeLAB are sender’s responsibility. Package your shear(s) and other items so shipping does not cause damage. Enclose your contact information (A business card works great!) and clearly write your RGA# on the address label so it can be read by our receiving department. Items damaged in shipment will be returned to sender as received.
Step 3:	Enclose Payment. The BladeLAB desk will give the total of your order when you receive your RGA# along with your expected return date. Most orders are processed within 2 business days after receipt.
Step 4:	Ship to: BladeLAB Sharpening Center RGA# __________________ 3605 Swiftwater Park Drive Suwanee, GA 30024

Copyright ©2009, Kagawa, LLC.com,;All Rights Reserved
Printing, copying or electronic transmitting by any means is not permitted without the express written permission of Kagawa,LLC.com; 3605 Swiftwater Park Drive, Suwanee, Georgia 30024.
BladeLAB, DiamondHONE, EdgeDART, ShortCORE, Kagawa, HydraGLIDE, RazorCUTz, DiamondHONE Technician are Trade Marks of Kagawa.com, LLC., Atlanta, Georgia.
Kagawa is a FDA Registered “Manufacturer”, FDA Registration information and registered agent are on file at Kagawa Headquarters, Suwanee, Georgia.
Kagawa manufactures all products in our manufacturing facilities located in the United States of America. Kagawa is the designer and owner of all intellectual property related to the products and services it manufactures.
Products, technologies and/or service offerings (methods and/or design) detailed in this insert and/or others developed by Kagawa are covered by one or more issued and/or pending patents. All Kagawa technologies are available for licensing.
Information provided herein is subject to change without notice
Version A.1.C ― December 2009

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