Shear Stories Blog

The Different Handle Types for Shears

Different handle designs for salon and barber shears
It’s something to consider: It’s easy to notice the blade, but have you considered the handle? The blade is responsible for the cut line, but the handle is the extension of your hand and assists form. Choose the handle type carefully, to enjoy both your craft and investment for longer.

Are There Shear Problems Edgewise Can't Fix?

Some problems, which come up with premium salon shears can be fixed. Others cannot. This post describes which scissor problems are fixable, and which are not.

Can You Sharpen my Knives?

Levelset Mizutani Stellite Series-1 Shear
Can You Sharpen my Knives?

Made in Japan vs. Japanese Steel

Handmade in Japan Mizutani Speedstar Double-Swivel Thumb Stylist Shear
Lately, I've heard of a number of shear companies advertising their shears as being made of Japanese steel. Are these shears as good as true Japane...

Welcome to our new Store!

Welcome to our new Store!
After 13 years of providing in-salon shear sharpening to Chicago's top salons and stylists, we're excited to announce the opening of our new store at 858 N Clark St., #202 in Chicago (just North of Chestnut on Clark St., second floor)! 

Adjustment dial or screw? Which is better?

Hikari Blaze shear showing finger dial
There are three broad categories of adjusters for salon shears. Each of these fastener systems has their own advantages and disadvantages. When selecting a shear, the stylist should be aware of these pros and cons to help them select the shear, which is right for them.

Shear Basics - The Finger Rest

Hikari #103 Precision Cutting Level-set Stylist Shear with Removable Finger Rest
Stylist shears come nearly always with either a fixed- or removable- finger rest. This finger rest can increase control and balance for the stylist, but stylists who prefer a shear with no finger rest should select either a shear with no rest, or one with a removable rest. Stylists who prefer a shear with a rest have the freedom to choose a shear with either type of rest, but may prefer one with a fixed rest, since it will not come loose or fall out like a removable rest can.

Daily Shear Care

Daily Shear Care
Stylists should follow a daily routine to care for their professional salon shears. If they do, this will help keep their shears working properly, and will extend the time between having to have their shears sharpened.

As a hairstylist, what other things should I consider when buying a new shear?

Keiki 40-series Crane-Handle Shear
Selecting a shear can be overwhelming for any stylist. This post will give useful and important tips on how to best select your next pair of shears.

What 3 Factors are Most Important when Selecting a Thinning or Blending Scissor?

Image shows a 28-tooth Keiki thinning shear
When looking to buy a thinning, blending, or notching shear, the barber or stylist is confronted with a wide range of options. Which of these are most important in selecting the shear to best suit their needs and requirements? This article seeks to answer this question with three helpful tips.