7 Best Shears for Kitchens 2026

These razor-sharp Japanese-engineered shears slice through kitchen challenges with surgical precision. The 2.0mm stainless steel blades, forged using time-honored metallurgy, deliver clean cuts through poultry joints and fibrous herbs without dulling—ideal for cooks who demand reliability and finesse. With a mirror-polished finish and elegant design, the HUUSK scissors aren’t just tools—they’re a statement of craftsmanship that elevates everyday prep work.

In real-world testing, they handled everything from spatchcocking a chicken to snipping delicate chives with ease. The ergonomic universal grip reduces wrist strain, making them a top pick for users with arthritis or those who prep meals for extended periods. At 9 inches and fully detachable, they’re compact enough for drawer storage or travel, but their thinner blades show limits when tackling thick game bones or frozen meat—this isn’t a bone-crusher like heavier models.

Compared to the MAD SHARK or Gidli sets, the HUUSK shears favor precision and portability over brute strength, positioning them perfectly for home cooks who value Japanese design and daily usability. They excel in light to medium tasks and double as a stylish gift—especially for those who appreciate minimalist, high-functioning tools. While not built for hardcore butchering, their balance of elegance and efficiency outshines most budget pairs like the KitchenAid model.

Meet the kitchen brute that conquers bones, shells, and tough prep work with zero hesitation—the MAD SHARK Heavy Duty Poultry Shears are engineered for power. With 3.5mm molybdenum-vanadium steel blades and industrial-grade aluminum handles, these shears slice through turkey spines and lamb ribs like butter, making them the undisputed champion for heavy-duty tasks. The spring-loaded, one-handed operation is a game-changer when your hands are greasy or full, and the built-in fish scaler and nutcracker add serious multi-tool versatility.

During extended use—like a 3-hour BBQ prep session—these shears showed no sign of fatigue, thanks to their non-slip ergonomic handles and thumb rest that lock your grip in place. They powered through fish scales, bacon strips, and even pizza crusts without skipping a beat. The thumb-activated safety lock engages in 0.2 seconds, one of the fastest we’ve tested, ensuring safe storage. However, their industrial strength comes with added weight, making delicate herb work slightly overkill and less precise than lighter models.

Pitted against the Gidli or OXO models, the MAD SHARK stands out for raw power and multi-functionality, though it sacrifices some finesse. It’s the go-to for butchers, grill masters, or anyone regularly processing whole birds or game. While pricier than entry-level options, its lifetime sharpness guarantee and pro-grade build justify the investment—especially when compared to the more delicate HUUSK or basic KitchenAid shears.

These no-nonsense workhorses redefine value without cutting corners on performance. With a 9.6-inch frame and 3.5mm thick blades, this pair delivers serious cutting power—effortlessly slicing through chicken joints, tendons, and thick vegetable stems. The micro-serrated, anti-slip blades maintain a firm grip on slippery meats, ensuring clean, controlled cuts every time, while the spring-loaded handle reduces hand fatigue during marathon prep sessions.

In testing, they handled butterflying a whole turkey and trimming fatty cuts with ease, proving their worth for weekend roasters and batch meal preppers. The full-length stainless steel build resists rust and holds an edge well, though they lack specialty features like a fish scaler or herb stripper. They’re dishwasher safe and simple to maintain, but the design is purely functional—don’t expect ergonomic finesse or compact storage.

When compared to the MAD SHARK, these shears offer nearly identical durability at a lower price point, though they miss out on clever extras like the nutcracker or faster lock. They’re a smarter buy than the basic KitchenAid pair and hold their own against premium models for raw performance. For budget-conscious cooks who want heavy-duty power without frills, this is the best bang-for-buck poultry shear in the lineup.

If you live for fresh herbs, quick cleanup, and surgical precision, these OXO shears are your secret weapon. The micro-serrated stainless steel blades grip slippery ingredients like basil stems and bacon without sliding, while the built-in herb stripper removes leaves cleanly—a rare feature that saves minutes during garnish prep. The cushioned grip pads absorb pressure, making them a joy to use during long cooking sessions, and the blades separate completely for deep cleaning, eliminating trapped food and bacteria.

In real-world use, they excelled at snipping green onions, crushing garlic skins, and trimming herbs—tasks where control matters more than force. They can handle raw meat and vegetables, but their lack of spring mechanism and moderate blade thickness makes repetitive heavy cutting tiring. They’re not designed for bones or thick poultry, and the hand-wash-only rule may deter some, but the hygiene payoff is worth it for detail-oriented cooks.

Compared to the Gidli or MAD SHARK models, these prioritize cleanliness and finesse over power, making them ideal for urban cooks, meal preppers, and herb lovers. They’re lighter and more precise than the bulky poultry shears, and their disassemblable design sets them apart from nearly every other model. While not an all-rounder, they outperform every other pair in herb and fine-cut tasks—especially when compared to the non-detachable KitchenAid or HUUSK shears.

The Gidli Kitchen Shears set doesn’t just raise the bar—it redefines what kitchen scissors should be. With a full 8-inch heavy-duty 3Cr13 stainless steel build, these shears tackle meat, poultry, and packaging with authority, while the bonus 7-inch seafood scissors make cracking shrimp and crab shells effortless—no more messy fingers or dull knives. The soft-touch TPR handles offer a secure, fatigue-free grip for both left- and right-handed users, and the dishwasher-safe design ensures quick cleanup after intense prep.

In testing, the main shears powered through chicken thighs and thick vegetable bundles, while the seafood pair handled shellfish with surprising ease—turning a tedious task into a 10-second cut. The 3.5mm blade length and wide handle provide excellent leverage, though the set takes up more drawer space than single-pair models. They’re not as lightning-fast to lock as the MAD SHARK, but the lifetime replacement warranty adds real peace of mind.

Positioned as the best overall package, the Gidli set beats out competitors by offering two specialized tools in one, combining power, versatility, and long-term value. It’s more capable than the HUUSK or OXO herb shears and more practical than the single-purpose KitchenAid. While pricier than budget picks, its dual-scissor value and rugged build deliver unmatched utility—making it a smarter investment than the similarly priced OXO poultry shears.

Engineered for maximum control and surgical precision, the OXO Good Grips Spring-Loaded Poultry Shears are a masterclass in functional design. The curved, tapered blades reach into tight joints and cavities, making spatchcocking a chicken or deboning a duck feel effortless. The bladed notch locks onto bones securely, preventing slip during critical cuts, while the looped handle and bolster stop your hand from sliding forward—a safety detail many brands overlook.

In real-world testing, they delivered clean, controlled cuts through thick poultry legs and rib cages, with the spring mechanism reducing hand strain over repeated use. The lock is solid and intuitive, though slightly slower than MAD SHARK’s click-lock. They’re ideal for cooks who prioritize accuracy over brute force, but their non-detachable blades make deep cleaning harder than the OXO herb model, and they’re not dishwasher safe—requiring prompt hand drying to prevent corrosion.

Compared to the MAD SHARK or Gidli, these shears favor finesse and safety over multi-tool flair, positioning them as the top choice for technique-focused chefs. They outperform the KitchenAid and HUUSK models in bone access and control, though they lack specialty features like a nutcracker or herb stripper. While one of the pricier options, their precision and ergonomics justify the cost—especially when contrasted with the less refined Heavy Duty Poultry Shears (B08KSXK8BS).

Don’t let the budget price fool you—these KitchenAid shears punch above their weight in everyday kitchen tasks. With thick, micro-serrated stainless steel blades, they slice cleanly through herbs, packaged goods, and thin cuts of meat, while the soft-grip handle reduces fatigue during quick prep jobs. The included protective sheath is a standout at this price, preserving blade sharpness and ensuring safe storage—something many competitors skip entirely.

In testing, they handled grocery bag openings, herb snipping, and light meat trimming with ease, but struggled with thicker poultry bones or frozen foods. The durable build resists rust, and while they’re technically dishwasher safe, frequent machine washing dulls the edge faster than hand cleaning. They lack advanced features like spring loading or blade separation, making them best for occasional users or kitchen newcomers.

Compared to the HUUSK or Gidli models, these shears trade premium materials and features for affordability and simplicity. They’re not built for heavy-duty work like the MAD SHARK or precision tasks like the OXO poultry shears, but they do the basics well. For someone needing a reliable, no-frills pair without breaking the bank, these are the best entry-level option—offering more durability than dollar-store scissors and better ergonomics than many budget picks.