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)! 

Shear Basics: Offset vs. Opposing Handles

Shear Basics: Offset vs. Opposing Handles
One way in which stylist shears may differ from one another is in whether they're levelset or opposing handle shears, or whether they're offset or semi-offset shears. This post explains these important differences.

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.

Shear Basics - Shear Length

Hikari #B2 Crane-Handle Shear
One of the first questions stylists and barbers ask when selecting a shear is how long the shear is. So how do you measure a shear's length? This post answers this common question.

Weekly Shear Care

Mizutani Blacksmith Fit Shear in Titanium Black finish - available in 5.0", 5.5", 6.0", and 6.5" lengths
In this post we will outline the quick and easy steps stylists should also follow at the end of the week to keep their shears cutting and functioning properly.

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.

Pointy- vs. Rounded-Tips on Salon Shears

Pointy- vs. Rounded-Tips on Salon Shears
Stylists occasionally ask to have their shears made 'pointier' at the tips. For several reasons, it is better for shears to be purchased with pointy tips, than to have a shear sharpener perform this change on their shears after purchase.