what are a good pair of shears

Just finish beauty school and looking for a good pair of hair cutting shears any advise?

Double Duck

How do you pick out the right shears for you. I was very confused until I found two websites. My instructor couldn't even help me choose. DrScissorhands came to my cosmetology school and did a class on hairstylist shears. Check out www.MADShears.com or www.DrScissorhands.com they have shears below some wholesale prices, and Danni at DrScissorhands helped me choose the right shear for me, like shear length, handle style, type of edge, very helpuful.
MADshears has an education page that helped guide me too, both have a layaway.I got my shears from one and my thinning shears from the other, and also got a feather razor cheap! Hope this helps! :)

Hikari are good but way expensive! There are other shears out their that have are just as good at a cheaper price! Like Kenchii, and DrScissorhands.com had them less than even Kenchii did during their shear madness sale. I'm not sure if the sale is still on but, I just bought a really pretty pair of pink poodle shears for my cousin who is a groomer!

Yasaka Japan are solid and efficient scissors (range from $150-$250). All those high-end models are nice but not really necessary unless you wanne blow some extra dosh. In the end what counts is the technique...As a beginner I strongly discourage the use of long blades.

I got a free foam case, a free little bottle of scissor oil and FREE Pink Finger Ring Inserts With my Pink Poodle Shears! I also got a free holster when I bought this beautiful green shean curved shear! You have to check MADSHEARS out! They have great prices. If you don't want the pretty shears with titanium coatings that will last you longer, they have much cheaper pro grooming shears!

True, technique does count, but when you use an excellent shear for cutting hair, it cuts out a lot of time. Using Haraki in my opinion is like cutting with the cadallic of shears, if you've ever used them, then you'd understand. I've cut hair for many years & wouldn't use any other and I too don't use a long blade, I prefer a 4". (You're not suppose to cut pass the 2nd knuckle so why need a longer blade?) Plus, you also don't have to sharpen as often as the cheaper brands and it's guaranteed for life......and how do you compete with that????

I agree with the above Comment- Hikari are definitely the best. You don't want to skimp on the quality of your tools, and if you take care of them your shears will last you your entire career. Given that, it makes more sense to make the investment now, as buying a lesser quality shear to save money may actually end up costing you more in the long run as you will eventually have/want to purchase the best anyway. Hope this helps...

I also use Yasaka! They are the best bang for the buck. I got my second pair @ IBS New York for about $35.00 less than my first pair. If you can wait to go to a show they have the best deals. Good luck!

Colleen in Ann Arbor,MI said: I also use Yasaka! They are the best bang for the buck. I got my second pair @ IBS New York for about $35.00 less than my first pair. If you can wait to go to a show they have the best deals. Good luck!

Do you have any experience with sharpening your shears. And if - where do you go?

I will only use someone to sharpen them that also sells them(Yasaka). I was lucky to find someone in my area. My first pair I used the person who sold them to me.

Quite frankly in Linwood, North Carolina said: Yasaka is garbage. They are great for carpeltunnel, and causing your hands to hurt. why dont ya go to walmart and buy crayola? same stuff

Hikari has that nice little plastic glide in the back. they are no better untill that piece falls out, and you have to pay 95 bucks for a new plastic sliver. made in PAKASTAN enticing to you? how good is that..ohh they talk of their hand made, but then again dont they all...

Do you have a recommendation or do you just want to trash everyone else's opinion? I have had my first pair of Yasaka's for 8 years and they are still good shears..that's why I bought a second pair for back up.

Hikari are good shears but limited, go to www.kenchii.com and see their range. I have been using kenchii for 4 years never had any problem. Plus they are the onyl one with all these new models which no one else has.

Hi Everyone!

I was wondering if anyone had any input for Lucky Hare shears or Kenchii shears? I am looking at both and unable to decide. Any opinions would be helpful and greatly appreciated!

Also - are there any benefits to having the titanium finished shears verses just the plain stainless steel? Do the titanium finish generally hold up well?

Thank you!

Hi Melcat42,
Both Kenchii and Lucky Hare are great shears. Bang for the buck, I can't knock either one. I have sold many of both, and never had a single complaint about either one. Lucky Hare always includes a case, finger rings, hairclip and a comb.

In reality, the titanium coatings are mostly for looks, though there are a couple of true benefits. One benefit is it can help to fight corrosion, but of course if you get a good shear, they are not going to corrode in the first place. The other benefit of a titanium coated shear is if you are allergic to nickel, (which is one of the alloy's used in making the stainless steel) it will protect you from the metal as long as it has not worn through anywhere you touch them a lot.

One of the benefits of a good chrome shear is you can make them sharper, because as you sharpen the titanium shears, the grinding process causes a chrome stripe along the cutting edge in the pretty finish. The higher the angle, the sharper the shears, but the bigger the stripe gets. Most people I sharpen for tell me to put the stripe and make them sharper, its not a huge stripe, i think it tends to give some of the shears character.

I always recommend someone get what they want, because it is ultimately up to you to make yourself happy and confident in your work. What better way to accomplish that boost in self esteem than having a MAD pair of shears in your hands.

You are more than welcome to give me a call or email me, and I can discuss shears in further detail, and offer you a deal like no one else can. If I don't answer, leave a message and I will be more than happy to call you back. We have hundreds of products that is not on MADShears
[Contact information has been removed by a forum moderator]

Hello Melcat42,

Both Kenchii and Lucky Hare are Fine Shears. Both, offer a Lifetime Warranty from manufacturer defects, both companies are American owned and operated, and both offer a wide variety of quality shears. As an educator and Shear Specialists, I would ask you:

What are you cutting with now? Length, Weight, Blade Type, and Handle Style?
Are you happy with the length, weight, blade type and handle style you are currently using?
What kind of cutting do you specialize in? Slide, Slithering, Channeling, Point Cutting, Blunt, Wet and Dry, or Wet only?
Do you prefer the razor like cut of a convex shear or the durability of the standard beveled edge?
Are you suffering from any hand, wrist, finger issues?
How long have you been a Stylists?
Do you prefer slim blades or "fatter" blades?
Are you right or left handed?
If left handed, do you cut with right handed shears or a true left handed shear?

Only after answering these questions, do I think you can make an informed decision. Some companies will just try to sell you anything, without regard to what shear is truly best for YOU.

And, I disagree that Titanium Coatings improve the durability or corrosion resistance of ANY shear. The titanium coating applied to hair cutting shears is cosmetic only and the ONLY benefits are that it does make it Pretty and it is good for those with allergies to Nickle.

I hope this helps guide you. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at Dani@ShearsforHair.com or call us, I will be happy to guide you, even if you chose to purchase from another company :)

Customers that contact us, usually get a better deal too!

Whatever, you choose to do, I hope this had helped you, and I wish you the best in your quest for new hair cutting shears :)

Dani Kirkpatrick
Shear Specialist,
[Contact information has been removed by a forum moderator]

I bought mine from ebay. I am left handed and just find it very hard to find something that is a little more fancy. I know that is not what counts when looking for a good pair of scissors. I got Mitsumara shears, never even heard of that brand. They are rainbow colored, I was looking for something in Pink, but could not find any. They have a great feel to them and are really sharp and I really like cutting with them. I started off with straight 6" right handed ones and was never able to cut straight. 2nd pair I got was the only left handed pair I could find at Sally's, they worked but still not really what I was looking for. The ones I got from Ebay are 5.5" and bent. These will hopefully last me through beauty school.

I've found the best prices on ebay also. You might want to look into Joewells. Excellent shears in all price ranges.

shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=m38.l1313&_nkw=Joewell&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Dani,

I just received the Lucky Hare shear set in the Pink Katana. I think they will be a great starter set for me that will hopefully last me a very long time! They are beautiful and I cannot wait to use them! Thank you for your advice and for your support of the military! Being the wife of someone in the armed forces I greatly appreciate that! I look forward to receiving my other items and ordering from you again!

And, also, thank you to the person from Mad Shears for your advice! Much appreciation to you as well for your response!

Rose

Shear Specialist www.MADShears.com in Lexington, North Carolina said: In that book I wrote above Hehe! I forgot to mention if your cosmetology school is close to us, we will come out and give our free class Scissor-olgy 101. We also have thousands of shears not even on our site. So, if you want something in particular but, do not see it on our site, call us or e-mail us, and we will be more than happy to get that special shear for you, usually at an even MADder Price for You! MADShears, For Those That Cut Like MAD, We Salute You!

what do you think of Sensie scissors?

What do you think od Sensei scissors?

I am trying to find out about the joewell shear, I am currently a student and was wondering if the sale they are haing is worth buying? The store is selling a 4 piece kit 4 199.00. I would like to know if it is worth it. Thank You Rolando.

Linda in Woodway, Texas said: What do you think od Sensei scissors?

Linda, Sensei shears are okay if you buy the higher end shears. I sharpened many of these and have noticed that the "Revo" series models are getting great reviews. The "Revos" are ultra smooth and have a teflon insert in the pivot area for added smoothness and will make the shear last longer.I can't say much for all the other Sensei models, Good Luck!

suzanne sloan in Cartersville, Georgia said: Just finish beauty school and looking for a good pair of hair cutting shears any advise?

Hikari is the best you will find...

Indeed this is good place to ask anything for stylist and as a stylist. Does any one ever see or use Panasonic clipper? I know couple of people using that I saw was so light, clean cutting and rechageable cordless. I heard that they bought at hair show in L.A. long ago. If anyone knows about this please let me know.

Yasaka lefty are rubbish..
Hikari is the best

I am not a stylist, but want a nice pair of shears to cut amy own hair and a few friends and family. Any recommendations?

Yes I am a sharpener in the Chicago area and really want to guide you to a pair of inexpensive but great shears. You really shouldn't go for a brand name but the type of steel they're made from and the type of direction you are headed in. Are you going to work in a chop shop or full service? My spouse has been in it since 1987 , so we know. The big brand names need to make back the money they spend in advertising. And as a sharpener I see all the stuff that people are buying and are happy with and I always see the same thing. You can contact me for the best suggestions possible, or do your research on the web.

If you are not a stylist and you just want a get a run of the mill type of shear, check out "The Shear Depot". Very good prices for what you get. I have personally seen these shears, handled, and test cut them. These are not for a career stylist by any means. But they will be good enough for what you need. Try to stay away from the stuff they sell at the beauty supply houses. Most of that stuff is made with cast stainless steel rather than forged. Forged is better and cast is garbage. Good Luck!

Michelle in Rocky Mount, North Carolina said: True, technique does count, but when you use an excellent shear for cutting hair, it cuts out a lot of time. Using Haraki in my opinion is like cutting with the cadallic of shears, if you've ever used them, then you'd understand. I've cut hair for many years & wouldn't use any other and I too don't use a long blade, I prefer a 4". (You're not suppose to cut pass the 2nd knuckle so why need a longer blade?) Plus, you also don't have to sharpen as often as the cheaper brands and it's guaranteed for life......and how do you compete with that????

Long shears like a 6.5/7.0 are great for scissor over comb. They are a true barbering shear..

Colleen in Ann Arbor, MI said: Do you have a recommendation or do you just want to trash everyone else's opinion? I have had my first pair of Yasaka's for 8 years and they are still good shears..that's why I bought a second pair for back up.

I have only been cutting hair for 50 years. It doesn`t matter what kind of shears you use as long as they are made of stainless steel. My shear are over 35 year`s and using them professionaly.

I have found that Bucchelli has all kinds of good price shears. www.bucchellishears.com always having a great sale...

I just used the ones included with my Wahl clippers I got from Wal-Mart...

Michelle in Rocky Mount, North Carolina said: True, technique does count, but when you use an excellent shear for cutting hair, it cuts out a lot of time. Using Haraki in my opinion is like cutting with the cadallic of shears, if you've ever used them, then you'd understand. I've cut hair for many years & wouldn't use any other and I too don't use a long blade, I prefer a 4". (You're not suppose to cut pass the 2nd knuckle so why need a longer blade?) Plus, you also don't have to sharpen as often as the cheaper brands and it's guaranteed for life......and how do you compete with that????

Do you mean Hikari???

Lola in Richardson, Texas said: Do you mean Hikari???

Yes, I meant Hikari. Gotta love spell checkers.

There are many good brands so it can be confusing. I would emphasize that you need something very ergonomic no matter the brand. Some of the more old classic brands still sell the old style shears _ avoid any sheer that does not have off-set finger holes! Some brand have a semi-off set hole...don't get those. Must be classified as off-set. This means that the thumb hole is NOT lined up under the finger hole. When using an off-set shear, you put your ring finger in the finger hole! The next must-have is a thumb hole that get thinner on the farthest point and is bent ergonomically. I just bought a Sukotto SS4 Max Blue shear and love it! Go look at the enlarged photo on their web site. Notice the ergonomic thumb hole, notice the place for 3 fingers on the top of the shear. Also look at a shear called Shark Fin.Whatever shear you choose, i urge you to choose a style like these. I prefer a 5.5 inch, 4 is too small and is old-school. Last, contact a sales rep that will let you try out some shears for a day. Many local people that sharpen shears also sell them and will come by your school or salon. I paid $239 and am very happy!!!!

was looking at joewell shears for my gf that has recently graduated from school. good or bad idea?

The better quality of material used for the shears, the better they are, but right out of school you don't need to invest in the big guns…you need to get a feel for how you cut and go with what fits you. In a couple years, once in your cutting groove, get a nice quality shear that feels good in your hand and is practical for how you cut.

If you are looking to grow as a stylist and build your clientele, go to www.hairstreet.com. We market you! Become a member and get up to date education, health and wellness, all while you increase your income.

suzanne sloan in Cartersville, Georgia said: Just finish beauty school and looking for a good pair of hair cutting shears any advise?

You should really consider Bonika Shears! They're very affordable and come with a lifetime warranty...you can check out my website www.myblaydz.com Im a scissor sharpener in Greenville, SC so if you have any questions..let me know!

I love my HairWhispers.

I am looking for a really good pair of high quality hair shears. I found this site... <a href="www.shearheat.com">www.ShearHeat.com</a>. Does anyone have feedback on these kind of shears? Kamisori I believe?

Thanks so much!