Dog Grooming Scissors Advice
, by Martin Forshaw, 6 min reading time
Scissors – Diamond Edge advises…
When considering which scissors to buy, there are a number of factors you will need to consider.
What will the scissors be used for? Will they be used infrequently, or be in daily and constant use? Do you need scissors for a specific purpose?
You should also consider your own comfort, the weight of the scissors and whether you require left-handed or right-handed scissors, as some models are made specifically for left-handed users.
The material used to make the scissors is also important. Premium scissors are made from harder steel and are therefore more suitable for heavy use. They retain their sharpness for longer and can still be readily sharpened to extend their working life.
A professional dog groomer will require a range of scissors to ensure the best results. Selecting the correct scissors for the right job will improve both your performance and satisfaction, while helping you give great customer service.
At Diamond Edge, we can offer bespoke scissor packages to suit your requirements and budget. Please contact us with your requirements.
Scissor Components
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How to Hold Scissors
The generally accepted “correct” way to hold a pair of scissors is shown below.
The first two fingers rest on the shanks, the third finger sits in the bow of the scissors, and the little finger rests on the finger rest, if fitted, to provide additional control. The scissoring action is provided by moving the thumb.
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However, there are a number of ways to hold your scissors, and the important thing is to feel comfortable and in control when grooming.
Before you start grooming for real, try different grips to see which feels most comfortable. This will help you feel confident when tackling any grooming job.
Left-Handed or Right-Handed Scissors
Many left-handed people find no problem using right-handed scissors and become conditioned to applying the correct pressure to make them cut effectively.
However, genuine left-handed scissors are available and may be less tiring on the hand during regular use. Left-handed scissors have the blades reversed to ensure the correct grip, visibility and comfort when cutting.
We stock a selection of left-handed scissors and have other brands available to special order.
[View our full range of dog grooming scissors]
Scissor Blades
While comfort and ease of use are very important, the key component of your scissors is the blade.
The material used in the manufacture of the scissors, together with the amount of use you expect from them, should be considered before purchase.
Blade Materials
There are a range of materials used for scissor blades, developed for either the occasional user or the professional dog groomer using scissors regularly.
The principal choices are:
Carbon Steel Scissors
Carbon steel scissors provide good quality at competitive prices. They retain a good sharp edge, but require some routine care.
Carbon steel scissors can rust if stored in damp or humid conditions, so we recommend wiping them with a little fine oil after use and at the end of each working day to protect the blades.
Stainless Steel Scissors
Stainless steel scissors are by far the most popular and forgiving scissors for regular professional use.
Good-quality stainless steel scissors will provide the answer to the majority of grooming requirements.
High Cobalt Stainless Steel Scissors
High cobalt stainless steel scissors are among the premium-quality scissors available.
They have extremely hard steel blades to retain a fine cutting edge, and many are hand-honed for an exceptionally smooth action. They can help reduce strain on the hand in use, which is particularly important when grooming large, heavily scissored breeds.
Types of Dog Grooming Scissors
Straight Scissors
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Straight scissors are the most commonly used type, available in a wide range of sizes to suit different users, jobs and blade-length preferences.
Please note that scissor sizes shown normally represent the overall length of the scissors, rather than the blade length alone.
Micro-Serrated Scissors
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Micro-serrations are, as the name suggests, very fine grooves machined into the cutting edges of the scissors.
They help grip the hair and can reduce the tendency for hair to slide along the blade when the cutting edges begin to become dull through constant use.
Many new scissors are supplied with one micro-serrated blade. When scissors are sharpened, existing serrations are usually removed, so please specify if you would like serrations replaced.
We can also micro-serrate new un-serrated scissors if required. Please specify when ordering.
Thinning Scissors
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Thinning scissors are used to lighten a heavy coat by removing some of its density. They may also be used for blending different lengths of coat without leaving the defined edges that can sometimes be left with straight scissors.
Thinning scissors are available in double-serrated and single-serrated versions, generally with fine, medium or coarse tooth pitches.
[View our full range of thinning scissors]
Double- or Single-Serrated Thinning Scissors
Double-serrated thinning scissors have teeth on both blades. They will generally take out less coat and leave a more natural, feathered finish.
Single-serrated thinning scissors have teeth on one blade and one plain blade. The plain blade can be used to lift the coat before cutting.
Fine Tooth Thinning Scissors
Fine tooth thinning scissors, such as 46-tooth models, remove more coat than coarser-tooth scissors.
They are ideal for fine, silky coats and are generally available in single-serrated versions.
Medium Tooth Thinning Scissors
Medium tooth thinning scissors, such as 30-tooth models, are often recommended for dog grooming beginners.
They are ideal for use on medium-weight coats and are available in double- or single-serrated versions.
Coarse Tooth Thinning Scissors
Coarse tooth thinning scissors, such as 24-tooth models, are intended for heavy or dense coats.
They are available in double- or single-serrated versions.
Curved Blade Scissors
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Curved blade scissors are manufactured with a gentle curve along the length of the blade.
This makes shaping easier, as the curved blades follow the contours of the body.
Bent Shank Scissors
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Bent shank scissors are manufactured with a bend in the shanks, allowing the blades to run more parallel with the body while helping keep your fingers out of the way.
Rounded Tip Safety Scissors
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Rounded or ball-tipped scissors are used for safely grooming delicate areas such as the face and feet.
They are particularly useful for trimming between the pads, especially on active dogs. Straight and curved blade versions are available.
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