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.

Colored Shears

Mizutani Retro Shear in Matte Black
Many shears available to stylists come in bright colors - black, rainbow, striped, you name it! What is this coloring, and why do only some shears have it? Also, is this coloring important in which shears you consider to buy? This post will answer this common stylist question.

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.

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.