Brand & Maker Overview

Nihonbashi KIYA (Nail Clippers)

Small tools, chosen by a long-running cutlery shop in Nihonbashi - made for everyday comfort.

KIYA is a long-established shop in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, with its founding dated to April 1792 (Kansei 4). Alongside kitchen knives and cooking tools, KIYA carries grooming items, and the nail clipper collection ranges from classic lever clippers to nippers and scissors. A signature staple is "KIYA Nail Clippers (Black)", released in 1987. It uses carbon steel with a blackened, paint-free finish and comes with a cover. The line-up also includes the hammered "KIYA Nail Clippers (Tsutime)" (production listed as Japan) and the compact box-type "KIYA 597" designed for pockets. Each product page clearly states key specs such as size, materials, and the listed production country, so you can choose based on how and where you plan to use it.

NT Nihonbashi Building 2F/3F, 3-11 Kobuna-cho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0024, Japan Nihonbashi KIYA Nail Clippers
Nihonbashi KIYA (Nail Clippers)

Why We Love It

If you want to start with a classic, look at "KIYA Nail Clippers (Black)", a model introduced in 1987. It comes in two sizes - about 85 mm (Small) and 95 mm (Large) - and there are also paulownia-box gift versions. The cover is a nice touch when you want to keep clippings contained, and there is a dedicated guide explaining how the cover is fixed and how to remove it safely. For tougher nails, nippers can be a good direction. If you prefer fine shaping, the scissors style is worth checking.

PROFILE About the Company / Workshop

Nail care is a small routine, but it always happens right in your hands. That is why the feel of the tool - and how cleanly it works - matters more than you might expect.

KIYA is known as a cutlery specialist, but the range is wider, including scissors and grooming tools. There is even a dedicated page explaining how the cover of the Black nail clippers is fixed, with notes on safe handling.

The Black nail clipper line, released in 1987, blends a steel-forward look with a cover for practical use. It comes in Small and Large sizes, and gift-ready paulownia-box versions are also available.

Within the same collection you can compare different directions: a hammered Tsutime model, a compact box type for carrying, and alternative forms such as nippers and scissors. It is easy to start with your usual style and then refine the choice as your needs change.

Founded in April 1792 (Kansei 4)

KIYA's history dates its founding to April 1792. The same care for how tools are used - seen in knife maintenance and materials guidance - also shows up in the nail care selection.

"KIYA Nail Clippers (Black)", released in 1987

The Black model is described as a long-selling item released in 1987. It uses carbon steel with a blackened, paint-free finish, and comes with a cover. The Large size is listed at about 95 mm; the body material is steel and the cover is ABS resin. Production is listed as Japan for the Large model.

Hammered "Tsutime" model (listed as made in Japan)

The "KIYA Nail Clippers (Tsutime)" is described as forged steel with a hammered pattern. It is listed at about 80 mm in length, with a steel body and an ABS resin cover, and is sold in a paulownia box. Production is listed as Japan.

Box type "KIYA 597" for pockets

The "KIYA 597" box-type clipper is listed at about 64 mm. The body is stainless steel and the case is cow leather. Manufacturing is listed as China, with finishing and inspection listed as France.

Expanded Image

Welcome to MADE in JAPAN.JP

Register for free to save your favorite tools, post reviews, and earn scores.