Crane is a well-regarded Japanese producer of traditional shears, and the Okubo shear is one of their better-known designs - named for a large, wide head that provides more blade contact per cut and a more authoritative stroke through heavier stems and branches than a narrow-blade shear can deliver. Originally designed for bonsai work, these have been adopted by a growing number of professional and home cooks who find that the carbon steel quality, the tactile precision of the fixed-pivot construction, and the comfortable large handles make them an excellent kitchen shear alternative.
The steel is high-carbon with added vanadium - a composition similar to shirogami (white paper steel) but with better toughness. Hardness at HRC60 gives the edge good holding ability through sustained cutting work. At 7.4 oz and 180mm total length with 50mm blades, the Okubo is a confident size - more blade and more presence than the Nagaike shears, with handles that work for larger hands. Crane produces quality tools in the premium tier of this category.
What Customers Are Saying: Two reviewers and both describe the same experience: very sharp out of the box, comfortable large handles, and a look that matches the quality. One bought them as a gift and was able to try them before handing them over - enough to confirm they were the right choice.
Care Instructions: High-carbon steel will rust if left wet. Wipe and dry after every use. Apply camellia or mineral oil before storage. The vanadium content adds toughness but does not make the steel stainless.
The steel is high-carbon with added vanadium - a composition similar to shirogami (white paper steel) but with better toughness. Hardness at HRC60 gives the edge good holding ability through sustained cutting work. At 7.4 oz and 180mm total length with 50mm blades, the Okubo is a confident size - more blade and more presence than the Nagaike shears, with handles that work for larger hands. Crane produces quality tools in the premium tier of this category.
What Customers Are Saying: Two reviewers and both describe the same experience: very sharp out of the box, comfortable large handles, and a look that matches the quality. One bought them as a gift and was able to try them before handing them over - enough to confirm they were the right choice.
Care Instructions: High-carbon steel will rust if left wet. Wipe and dry after every use. Apply camellia or mineral oil before storage. The vanadium content adds toughness but does not make the steel stainless.
- Brand: Crane
- Item: TR-OKUBO
- Steel: High-Carbon Steel with Vanadium
- HRC: Approx. 60
- Weight: 7.4 oz (210 g)
- Blade Length: 50mm
- Total Length: 180mm
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Great shearsPosted By: Mike Drucker
19 people found this review helpful
Bought these as a present for my friend but was able to use them a little bit the other day. They are very sharp out of the box, the large handles are very comfortable to use and in my opinion are a very attractive tool to boot.
19 people found this review helpful
Bought these as a present for my friend but was able to use them a little bit the other day. They are very sharp out of the box, the large handles are very comfortable to use and in my opinion are a very attractive tool to boot.
