Best Kitchen Shears and Scissors of 2025: Top 7 Picks

Kitchen shears are one of those tools you dont realize you need until you have a good pair. Then suddenly youre using them for everything cutting open packaging, snipping herbs, spatchcocking chicken, trimming pizza, opening stubborn jar seals.

But theres a big difference between cheap shears that rust after three washes and a well-made pair that stays sharp for years. I tested seven pairs over two months on everything from chicken bones to rosemary stems to find the ones worth buying.

What to Look For in Kitchen Shears

Blade Material and Edge Retention

Stainless steel is standard. High-carbon stainless steel holds an edge longer and resists corrosion better. The cheapest shears use 3Cr13 steel, which is adequate but needs sharpening every few months. Mid-range shears use 5Cr15 or 7Cr17 steel, which stays sharp significantly longer. Premium shears use German or Japanese steel that can last years with normal home use.

Take-Apart Design for Cleaning

This is non-negotiable. Shears that dont come apart trap food debris between the blades, which is a bacteria risk and causes rust at the pivot point. Every pair worth buying separates into two halves for washing. If the product listing doesnt mention disassembly, assume it doesnt.

Handle Comfort and Grip

Youll use kitchen shears for repetitive cuts, especially when trimming meat or herbs. Handles should have padding or ergonomic shaping. I prefer shears with a slight spring-action that opens the blades automatically between cuts, since it reduces hand fatigue significantly.

Blade Design

Straight blades work fine for most tasks. One serrated blade is useful for gripping slippery items like raw chicken skin or wet packaging. Micro-serrated edges also help prevent herbs from sliding out from between the blades during chopping.

Top Picks for Kitchen Shears

1. Shun Multi-Purpose Shears — Best Overall

The Shun Multi-Purpose Shears are what happens when a premium knife maker turns its attention to scissors. The blades use the same VG-10 Japanese steel as Shuns kitchen knives, clad in 68-layer Damascus stainless steel. Theyre gorgeous and they perform.

The take-apart design is effortless no tools needed, just pull the pivot pin. The blades separate completely for deep cleaning, then snap back together with a solid click. The handles are wrapped in textured silicone that stays grippy when wet. Theres a built-in bone notch near the pivot for cutting through poultry joints, and it actually works without forcing.

After two months of heavy use including multiple whole chicken breakdowns the blades still feel as sharp as day one. The micro-serrations on one blade help grip slippery items. These are not cheap, but they are the last pair of kitchen shears you will buy.

Pros:

• Premium VG-10 Japanese steel
• Easy take-apart cleaning
• Comfortable silicone handles
• Built-in bone notch works well
• Stays sharp for months

Cons:

• Expensive at around $70
• Overkill if you only cut packaging
• Damascus pattern is cosmetic, not functional

Verdict: The best kitchen shears money can buy. Expensive but worth it for frequent cooks.

2. OXO Good Grips Kitchen Shears — Best Value

OXO Good Grips shears have been a kitchen staple for years, and the current version is the best yet. The blades are high-carbon stainless steel with a micro-serrated edge on one side. The handles are the classic OXO soft, non-slip rubber that works equally well with wet or dry hands.

The pivot pin pulls out for cleaning, and the blades separate completely. The screw-adjustable pivot lets you tighten the tension if the blades start to loosen over time. There is a bone notch for poultry work, though its smaller than the Shuns and requires a bit more force.

The price is where these shine. At under $20, they outperform most shears in the $30-$40 range. The edge retention is decent expect to sharpen them after 6-12 months of regular use but at this price, you can just replace them.

Pros:

• Affordable at under $20
• Comfortable non-slip handles
• Micro-serrations grip well
• Adjustable pivot tension

Cons:

• Steel isnt premium grade
• Bone notch is small
• Blades loosen faster than premium options

Verdict: The smart buy for most home cooks. Great performance at a reasonable price.

3. Wusthof Gourmet Kitchen Shears — Best German Steel

Wusthof makes some of the best kitchen knives in the world, and their Gourmet shears share the same heritage. The blades are forged from high-carbon stainless steel and precision-ground for a sharp edge. The black polypropylene handles are comfortable and dishwasher safe.

The take-apart mechanism uses a plastic locking nut that releases the blades. Its less elegant than Shuns magnetic snap but works reliably. The shears include a herb-stripping feature on the handle, which is a small slot designed to pull leaves off rosemary and thyme stems. It works, but I found it fiddly to use on thin stems.

The cutting performance is excellent. These shears glide through chicken bones and thick cardboard with equal ease. The edge stays sharp longer than OXO but not as long as Shun. At around $35, they hit a nice middle ground between price and performance.

Pros:

• German high-carbon steel
• Comfortable handles
• Herb stripper is a nice bonus
• Good edge retention

Cons:

• Herb stripper is gimmicky
• Locking nut feels cheap compared to the blades
• Not as sharp out of box as Shun

Verdict: Quality German shears at a fair price. A solid mid-range option.

4. KitchenAid Essential Kitchen Shears — Best Budget

KitchenAids Essential Shears are the cheapest pair I tested that I would actually recommend. At around $12, theyre not going to last a decade, but they perform well for basic kitchen tasks. The stainless steel blades are decent, and the micro-serrated edge helps with grip.

The take-apart design works, though the pivot pin is a bit stiff at first and needs a firm pull. The handles are overmolded with a textured grip that stays put when wet. Theres no bone notch, so dont try these on whole poultry.

For cutting herbs, opening packages, snipping green onions, and general kitchen use, they are perfectly adequate. The edge dulls noticeably faster than premium options expect to sharpen every 2-3 months with regular use.

Pros:

• Very affordable at around $12
• Micro-serrated edge for grip
• Take-apart for cleaning
• Decent grip when wet

Cons:

• No bone notch
• Edge dulls relatively quickly
• Pivot is stiff initially
• Not suitable for heavy-duty use

Verdict: Fine for light kitchen tasks. Not the pair you reach for when breaking down a chicken.

5. J.A. Henckels International Kitchen Shears — Best Heavy-Duty

Henckels International shears are built for tougher work. The blades are thicker than average, with a pronounced bone notch that handles poultry joints and even small rib bones. The plastic handles are reinforced and feel substantial in hand.

The take-apart is simple a push-button release that pops the blades apart. The blades lock together for storage with a sliding latch. The spring-action design opens the blades automatically between cuts, which is the feature I appreciated most during extended prep sessions.

The downsides: the plastic handles are not as comfortable as rubber or silicone grips for long sessions. And the blades, while tough, are made from standard stainless steel that needs more frequent sharpening than German or Japanese premium steel.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty construction
• Spring-action reduces hand fatigue
• Large bone notch
• Locking mechanism for storage

Cons:

• Handles are less comfortable for long use
• Steel quality is mid-range
• Bulkier than other options

Verdict: Great for heavy kitchen work like breaking down poultry. The spring action saves your hands.

6. ZWILLING Pro Kitchen Shears — Best Premium Alternative

ZWILLING Pro shears compete directly with Shun at a similar price point around $60. The blades use Friodur ice-hardened German steel, which is ZWILLINGs proprietary process for hardening and edge retention. The ergonomic handles have a nice curve that fits the hand naturally.

The take-apart mechanism is a push-button release that separates the blades. Its smooth and easy, even with wet or greasy hands. The blades have a micro-serrated edge on one side and a sharp straight edge on the other. The bone notch is generously sized and positioned for good leverage.

Edge retention falls between Wusthof and Shun. After two months, the blades still cut cleanly through herbs and packaging without crushing. I only noticed slight dulling after breaking down four whole chickens in one session.

Pros:

• Friodur ice-hardened steel
• Excellent ergonomic handles
• Micro-serrations for grip
• Good edge retention

Cons:

• Expensive at around $60
• Heavier than other premium shears
• No herb stripper or extra features

Verdict: A worthy alternative to Shun. Slightly heavier but equally capable.

7. Spring Chef Premium Kitchen Shears — Best Ergonomic Pick

Spring Chef shears focus on comfort first. The handles are oversized with thick gel-padded grips that make them the most comfortable pair for extended use. The stainless steel blades are decent quality with a micro-serrated edge.

The take-apart design uses a lever-style release that is easy to operate even with arthritic hands. The spring-action mechanism opens the blades between cuts, and the tension is adjustable with a simple turn of the pivot screw.

The edge is not as sharp or durable as the premium options. Expect to touch them up every few months. But for cooks who prioritize hand comfort over edge retention, these are hard to beat.

Pros:

• Most comfortable handles on this list
• Spring-action with adjustable tension
• Easy lever-release cleaning
• Micro-serrations grip well

Cons:

• Edge dulls faster than premium steel
• Large handles take up drawer space
• Not as precise for detailed trimming

Verdict: Best choice for anyone with hand pain or arthritis. The comfort is unmatched.

Comparison Table

FAQ

Can kitchen shears go in the dishwasher?

Only if the manufacturer says they can. The heat and detergent in dishwashers can dull blades and damage non-stick coatings. Hand-washing is always better for longevity. Most premium shears specifically say hand-wash only. If you must use a dishwasher, at least separate the blades first and put them in the flatware basket.

How do I sharpen kitchen shears?

Use a sharpening rod or a knife sharpener that has a scissor slot. Run the blade along the rod at the same angle as the factory edge usually 20-25 degrees. Most shears only need sharpening on the flat outer edge of each blade, not the bevel side. Some brands offer free sharpening if you mail them in.

What is the bone notch for?

The bone notch is a small gap near the pivot designed to grip poultry bones while you cut through the joint. It lets you apply more leverage without damaging the blade edge. It works best on chicken and other small poultry. Dont use it on beef or pork bones, which are too thick and could damage the notch.

Why do my kitchen shears rust?

Almost always because moisture got trapped at the pivot. This is why take-apart shears are important you actually need to separate, dry, and reassemble the blades after washing. Even stainless steel can rust at the pivot point if moisture sits there for days. A thin coat of food-grade mineral oil on the pivot helps prevent this.

Are left-handed kitchen shears available?

Most quality kitchen shears are ambidextrous, especially the ones with symmetrical handles. The blade grind on most models is symmetric, so they cut equally well in either hand. If you are left-handed and want specific comfort features, look for models with reversible handles or spring-action that works regardless of hand orientation.

The Bottom Line

If you cook more than twice a week, buy the Shun Multi-Purpose Shears. They cost more upfront, but the edge lasts for years and the build quality justifies the price. For budget-conscious shoppers, the OXO Good Grips at under $20 deliver good performance and handle most kitchen tasks without complaint.

Skip cheap no-name shears entirely. The $5 pair from the grocery store will rust, dull quickly, and cant be taken apart for cleaning. The KitchenAid Essential at $12 is the absolute minimum worth considering, and even then only for light use.

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