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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 desig

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?

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syntheticnature 4y ago
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.
rjzzleep 4y 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.
mingaldrichgan 4y ago
It's the best pair of clippers I've ever owned.
cnasc 4y ago
> 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. [1] https://nomesnailclipper.com/ https://nomesnailclipper.com/
solarmist 4y ago
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. [1] https://www.amazon.com/Wusthof-Stainless-Steel-Piece-Manicure/dp/B00611R0JQ https://www.amazon.com/Wusthof-Stainless-Steel-Piece-Manicur... [2] Similar simple design to these. https://www.amazon.com/JapanBargain-2697-Japanese-Clipper-Cutter/dp/B002E1AWLK/ref=mp_s_a_1_18 https://www.amazon.com/JapanBargain-2697-Japanese-Clipper-Cu...
fmajid 4y ago
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.

deleted 4y ago

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syntheticnature 4y ago

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.

rjzzleep 4y 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.

mingaldrichgan 4y ago

It's the best pair of clippers I've ever owned.

cnasc 4y ago

> 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. [1] https://nomesnailclipper.com/ https://nomesnailclipper.com/

solarmist 4y ago

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. [1] https://www.amazon.com/Wusthof-Stainless-Steel-Piece-Manicure/dp/B00611R0JQ https://www.amazon.com/Wusthof-Stainless-Steel-Piece-Manicur... [2] Similar simple design to these. https://www.amazon.com/JapanBargain-2697-Japanese-Clipper-Cutter/dp/B002E1AWLK/ref=mp_s_a_1_18 https://www.amazon.com/JapanBargain-2697-Japanese-Clipper-Cu...

fmajid 4y ago

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.