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Think of kitchen shears as the unsung heroes of your countertop — they’re the multitool that cuts through everything from herbs to poultry with less fuss than a knife. I use mine more often than I expected, and once you get a pair that fits your hand and your tasks, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them. Good shears speed up prep, improve safety, and reduce the need to reach for multiple tools.
Not all shears are created equal. You’ll find universal or multi-purpose shears, poultry shears for breaking down birds, herb scissors for quick snips, and heavy-duty versions for tougher jobs. Choosing the right type makes a big difference in efficiency and wear — a delicate herb shear will dull fast if you try to cut through bone, while a poultry shear will struggle to trim tiny herb stems neatly.
These are the go-to for daily cooking: opening packages, cutting pizza, snipping fresh herbs, or trimming fat. Models like Zwilling’s Universal Scissors (about 7.9 in) or the Zwilling Twin Universal Scissors (about 7.9 in) are built to handle a broad range of kitchen duties without over-specializing.
Poultry shears have a notch on the blade and a robust hinge to cut through joints and rib bones of smaller birds. The Zwilling Twin Select Poultry Shears (about 9.3 in) and Victorinox Steel Poultry Shears (about 9.8 in) are examples built for the job, offering the leverage and blade geometry you need to portion chickens or trim wings safely.
If you chop herbs by the handful, herb scissors are a time-saver. The Brabantia Tasty Herb Scissors with cleaning comb make fast work of parsley, chives, and other tender greens, leaving you with evenly snipped herbs and little mess to clean up.
Below I’ll walk you through some of the models spotted in comparison listings and what makes each one stand out. I’ll also point out which kitchen tasks they’re best suited for so you can choose the right fit for your cooking style.
The two-piece concept is handy because you can dedicate one pair to food and another to general household tasks. Nordwik’s set is practical and stylish, usually lightweight and ideal for quick, daily jobs like cutting herbs, trimming packaging, or slicing pizza slices when you don’t want to reach for a knife.
Fiskars is known for ergonomics. Their 7.1 in classic scissors offer a comfortable grip and a sharp edge that stays useful for repeated home-use tasks. They’re not specialized kitchen shears in the poultry-shear sense, but for universal uses and craft-like precision in the kitchen, Fiskars does well.
Zwilling’s universal shears show up in many comparison listings for good reason: sturdy blades, solid rivets, and a design that balances precision with durability. The stainless steel option is especially resilient to staining and odors, making it a long-term companion in a busy kitchen.
These are built specifically for poultry shaping and butchery. With a robust locking mechanism and a blade profile designed to cut around joints, they make quick work of portioning chickens. If you prepare whole birds often, a dedicated pair like this is worth the investment.
Victorinox, famed for their Swiss Army knives, produce poultry shears that feel well-balanced and secure in the hand. The 9.8 in length gives great reach and leverage, which helps when cutting through thicker joints or when you need a longer blade arc to maneuver around bones.
Color-coded handles aren’t just for looks — they help keep dedicated tools separate for tasks like raw meat prep. This red-handled Zwilling option is a good example of a multi-purpose tool that’s visually obvious on a busy kitchen wall or magnetic strip.
Herb scissors with multiple blades make snipping a breeze. Brabantia’s version usually includes a cleaning comb that slides between blades to remove trapped stems and leaves — a small detail that saves time and keeps your tool hygienic.
While not a shear, the Rösle spherical cast-iron tool (about 1.2 in in diameter) shows up among kitchen tools for specialty jobs — think weighty, durable pieces used for pressing, pounding, or even as a decorative handle on heavier utensils. It’s a reminder that kitchen tools come in many forms, each with its purpose.
Ask yourself: what will I use shears for most? If you roast or buy whole birds, poultry shears with a bone-cutting design are worth it. If you cook a lot of fresh herbs, grab a dedicated herb scissor. For everything else, a high-quality universal pair with stainless steel blades is usually the best single purchase.
Comfort matters. Look for soft-grip handles or ergonomically shaped polymer that fit your hand. If you spend minutes — not seconds — cutting, a poor grip can become tiring or even dangerous.
Blades that separate make deep cleaning easy and safer, especially after working with raw meat. Still, not all shears are dishwasher-safe, and repeated dishwasher cycles can dull the edge or corrode some metals. When in doubt, wash by hand with warm soapy water and dry immediately.
Stainless steel blades resist rust and odor retention, while partial serration helps grip slippery items like fish or poultry skin. For heavy-duty cutting, look for full-tang or reinforced joints that won’t loosen over time.
Your shears will stay reliable longer with a little care. Wipe them after each use, separate and wash the halves if possible, and oil the pivot lightly to keep movement smooth. A quick sharpening once in a while — or sending them to a professional sharpener — keeps the cutting action efficient and safe.
You can sharpen kitchen shears on a fine whetstone or using a diamond file for the beveled side of the blade. Open the shears fully, follow the original angle, and use consistent strokes. Reassemble, check alignment, and test on a scrap of cardboard before trusting them with food again.
Keep shears locked or in a sheath to protect the blades and prevent accidents. Magnetic strips are great as long as you place the shears out of reach of curious kids. A drawer insert designed for scissors also works well and prevents banging against other metal that could dull edges.
Brands like Zwilling, Victorinox, Fiskars, Brabantia, and Rösle each bring strengths. Zwilling tends to focus on premium stainless finishes and robust joints; Victorinox prioritizes balance and functional design; Fiskars delivers ergonomic comfort; Brabantia emphasizes clever little features for herbs; and Rösle is known for high-quality German craftsmanship.
Higher price doesn’t always mean better for your specific needs. A budget-friendly universal pair can be excellent for occasional cooks, while frequent entertainers or those who prepare whole animals will benefit from a more specialist, durable shear. Think in terms of long-term value, not just sticker price.
Always cut away from your body and use a stable, clear surface. When handling raw meat, use separate shears from those you use for herbs or packaging to avoid cross-contamination. Sanitize blades between uses, and keep your fingers clear of the cutting path — particularly with poultry shears that offer a lot of leverage.
While shears are versatile, a small paring knife, a boning knife, and a serrated bread knife complement them perfectly. For herbs, a small mezzaluna can be a pleasant alternative if you like rocking cuts. Magnetic knife strips, a sharpener, and a compact cutting board round out a smart cutting station in any kitchen.
Comparison sites are great for spotting deals, reading side-by-side specs, and checking user reviews. Look for detail pages that list blade material, handle ergonomics, lock mechanisms, and exact blade lengths. If you see a model like the Zwilling Twin Select or the Victorinox poultry shear listed, check the specs and customer photos to confirm real-world fit and finish.
Buying the right kitchen shears is about matching tool to task. For most home cooks, a reliable universal shear and one dedicated poultry shear cover 90% of needs. Add an herb scissor for frequent fresh-herb use and you’ll be set. Comfort, blade quality, and ease of maintenance are the three pillars I look for every time.
Kitchen shears are one of those small investments that pay daily dividends in efficiency, safety, and tidy prep. Whether you pick a versatile Zwilling universal pair, a beefy Victorinox poultry shear, a Fiskars for everyday use, or a Brabantia for herbs, the right set will streamline tasks and make cooking more enjoyable. Remember to think about the jobs you do most, prioritize build quality and comfort, and look after your shears so they’ll serve you well for years.
