Best Tools For Barbers: A 2021 Guide

May 22, 2021

Barbering is a meticulous skill using precision tools.

So exceptional were their skills that barbers in the Middle Ages performed the same duties as today’s surgeons and dentists. Called barber surgeons, their fine motor skills and keen eye meant they sewed wounds and extracted teeth. Today’s barbers are no doubt just as dexterous and probably far more creative. They have to be. The hair styles are far more convoluted, should we say?
The red, blue and white striped barbers’ poles are all that remains of their role in medical history. But the need for top quality barber tools hasn’t changed.
Just like the profession, barbering tools have come a long way. Today’s tools use the finest materials, scientific ergonomic design and manufacturing to produce scissors, shears and razors that last longer saving you money and time.


Barbering Tools and Equipment

There’s no shortage of barbering tools on the market. In fact, the range of choice can make it a tough decision. Follow our buyers guide to help narrow down your choices.
The necessary tools for beginner barbers and those with years of experience include good quality:


Choosing the Right Barbering Tools

Good quality barbering tools will last you many years of service. Trust us we know. We’ve been researching them for years now. It’s taken many bad purchases to know what not to include in our store.


Barber Scissors

High-end barber scissors are produced from the highest quality materials including:

  • Cobalt-infused Japanese steel
  • Premium Hitachi 440C Japanese Steel
  • Premium Aichei Japanese Steel

Japanese steel offers a superior hardness that ensures their long life and ability to stay sharper for longer.

Read more about the Japanese Steel Scissors and Shears Guide in our comprehensive article on the topic!


What Scissors Do Barbers Use?

Barbers wanting a superior cut choose scissors, shears and razors from the world’s best brands including Matsui, Yasaka, Joewell and Sozu.

A few of our favourite barber scissors and shears for 2021 include:

Barber Scissors - Our Selection

Click below to see the best scissors for barbers:


2021 MATSUI MATTE BLACK SAMURAI BARBER TRIPLE AICHEI MOUNTAIN OFFSET SCISSOR

  • Includes 7″ Barbering scissor, 5.5″ Precision Cutting Scissor and 6″ thinning scissor

Matsui introduced the next generation range of lightweight ergonomic scissors specifically designed with barbering in mind.

Hand-crafted from two types of high quality steel to reduce wrist and elbow strain that can come with doing scissor over comb work for long periods.

MATSUI BARBER MATTE BLACK SAMURAI 7 INCH

If you don’t need the triple set, you might be interested in the single 7″ pair of scissors. You’ll appreciate the stylish, lightweight offset handle after a long, busy day.

MATSUI MASTER BARBER ERGO 7 INCH

Made from high quality Cobalt infused Japanese steel, this is a durable pair of scissors. The semi convex and super sharp edge makes them a delight to use every time. The offset handle allows the thumb to sit in a more natural position and ergonomic fit.

MATSUI MATTE BLACK MASTER BARBER SHEAR AND TEXTURIZER COMBO

Includes the Matsui Matte Black Master Barber Shear & 6 Inch 14 Tooth Texturizer Comb. Choose between a 5.5″, 6″, 6.5″ or 7″ Matte Black Shear for a perfect fit. This shear and texturizer will see you powering through cut after cut.

YASAKA 7 INCH BARBER

Made from high quality Cobalt Japanese steel, the scissors provide a long life between sharpening. Its clam shaped convex edge is perfect for slicing and the smooth closing action makes them a pleasure to use. The ergonomic design places your finger and thumb in natural positions so you can cut for hours.

SOZU ESSENTIALS ERGONOMIC BARBER SCISSOR

The Sozu brand is perfectly priced for the beginner or barber who needs a spare pair. The 7” ergonomic cutting scissors have a hand-made blade, excellent for this price point.

MATSUI MATTE BLACK MASTER BARBER 8“

Not all brands cater for barbers with large hands but Matsui never fails to disappoint. Despite its size, the high quality cobalt-infused Japanese steel is still lightweight. They feature the semi convex edge for that extra grip while maintaining a super sharp edge that Matsui can pride itself on.

 


Hair Thinning & Blending Shears

A barber can’t do their job properly without high quality hair thinning and blending scissors. You don’t want your clients leaving the salon with a cut that hasn’t had some of the weight removed and isn’t properly blended. But you don’t want to stand there for ages trying to blend with an inadequate pair of thinners when the right pair could have seen the job finished in half the time.

You need thinning scissors that’ll give you maximum control and manoeuvrability as well as minimal maintenance. There are right and left handed shears as well as a range of beautiful finishes to choose from.

Matsui

Many barbers consider Matsui their go-to brand. It’s one of the best quality brands in the business.

MATSUI 14 TOOTH OFFSET THINNER

The exceptional quality Japanese steel ensures the blade and teeth are long-lasting and give a perfect finish to every cut.

MATTE BLACK MATSUI 14TOOTH OFFSET THINNER

The elegant matte black Matsui thinner has offset handles for comfort. A bevelled finish on the 14 teeth shears allow for efficient cuts. The shears come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

MATTE BLACK MATSUI MASTER BARBER SHEAR & TEXTURIZER COMBO

You can choose a 5.5″, 6″, 6.5″ or 7″ Matte Black Shear Set for barbering plus you receive the 6″ 14 Tooth Matte Black Texturizing Shear. The combo case fits both pairs neatly as well as a cleaning cloth, oil pen, tension key, warranty/care guide card & extra complimentary finger loops to make sure you can get just the right fit.

JOEWELL

Joewell is another trusted brand in thinning shears that doesn’t disappoint on quality and comfort.

Joewell E30

One of Joewell’s best sellers, the E30 is handcrafted from Japanese steel. The lightweight feel, removable thumb rest and smooth action makes it popular amongst professionals the world over. The 30 teeth shears will see you through many years of thinning and blending. The Joewell E40 Blender has a 35% cut ratio with its 40 teeth.

JOEWELL FX PRO 40 BLENDER

Not only popular in the US, the Pro F40 is a favourite blender amongst European professionals as well. The updated offset design allows for natural movement of the thumb, fingers and elbow. Their long lifespan and high quality add to their appeal.

JOEWELL JGC 12

There’s no messing around with this 12 teeth texturizer without groove and an 80% cut ratio. Handcrafted from supreme Japanese steel, they have an offset handle, dry bearing tension system and permanent finger rest. If you need a pair with a smaller cut ratio, there’s the 24 teeth Joewell JGC 24.

JOEWELL HXG14

These supreme Japanese stainless steel 14 tooth scissors provide a 40-50% cut ratio. The shears can be easily pulled even when inserting them vertically or diagonally. The removable finger rests make these lightweight shears comfortable to use.

 


How to Find the Best Barbering Tools

Quality barbering tools are an investment in your business and your clients. Make the right choice in styling, grooming and skin care products and they will serve you for life. Make a poor choice and you’ll regret your expensive mistake. Consider a tool’s ergonomics, warranty and return policy to help make the right decision.

Cutting Down on Time

A busy barbershop is always on the lookout for products that will reduce the time it takes to do a haircut. With the right tools you can get through each cut quicker which equates to more cuts completed each week. A 14 tooth texturiser is awesome for speeding up the blending process. Even if you’re only shaving seconds off a cut, the compounding effect of time saved is impressive.

Ergonomics

Don’t for a moment consider buying barber scissors that aren’t ergonomically designed. And not just for the sake of your hands. The wrong scissor design can cause pain and injury to your wrist, elbow and shoulder.

Scissors with a well-designed offset handle allows you to keep your thumb in a more comfortable natural position. The weight of the scissors and the closing action are other considerations in finding scissors or shears that are your perfect match.

Returns

Barbering tools are personal items. What feels right for one barber may not work for the next. Shears and scissors become an extension of your hand so it needs to feel comfortable.

You can do your research online before buying but until you put the shears in your hand, you won’t know for sure if it’s the right fit. Knowing you can try them out and return within 7 days gives you peace of mind that you will make the right investment.

Warranty

Make sure the shears you choose come with a generous warranty. Many manufacturers of high quality barber tools back their products with lifetime warranties.


Ready to Choose your Barbering Tools

You’re practically a doctor, remember. So, operate with precision tools that give your customers the cut they deserve, Our barber scissors and shears, barber razors and barber shaving kits are the best in the business. Check out our extensive range and shop now or contact us if you have any queries




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