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Best Kitchen Shears for Home Cooks in Canada

The best kitchen shears for home cooks in Canada should cut food cleanly, feel secure in the hand and be easy to wash after contact with raw meat. A good pair can trim chicken, snip herbs, open food packaging and cut parchment more safely than an ordinary pair of household scissors.

Multipurpose kitchen shears work well for everyday preparation, while dedicated poultry shears provide greater leverage for chicken joints, cartilage and smaller poultry bones. Take-apart models are particularly useful when raw meat can enter the pivot area because each blade can be washed separately.

The right choice depends on what you cook. A home cook who mainly cuts herbs, vegetables and packaging does not necessarily need heavy spring-loaded poultry shears. Someone who frequently spatchcocks whole chickens may find ordinary kitchen scissors uncomfortable and inefficient.

This guide compares kitchen shears from OXO, Shun, WÜSTHOF, Victorinox and ZWILLING using manufacturer specifications, blade design, cleaning access and intended use. The recommendations are not presented as personal hands-on testing.

Kitchen Shears Comparison for Canadian Home Cooks

Prices are excluded because Canadian retail and Amazon.ca prices change frequently. Confirm the current model number, seller, warranty and return policy before purchasing.

Recommended Kitchen Shears in Canada

OXO Kitchen & Herb Scissors: Best Overall Value

The OXO Kitchen & Herb Scissors provide the features most home cooks need without the size and weight of dedicated poultry shears. OXO describes them as suitable for cutting meat, vegetables, kitchen twine and other everyday materials.

The stainless-steel blades have a micro-serrated surface that helps grip slippery or fibrous food instead of pushing it away from the cutting edge. The blades also separate, allowing the inside surfaces and pivot area to be cleaned more thoroughly.

An integrated herb stripper above the handle can remove leaves from firmer herb stems. This is a useful secondary feature for rosemary, thyme and similar herbs, although it does not replace a knife for finely chopping large quantities.

The soft handle includes cushioned areas intended to reduce pressure during repeated cutting. This makes the OXO a practical choice for packaging, herbs, parchment, green onions and small portions of boneless meat.

Best suited to: most home cooks seeking one affordable pair for herbs, vegetables, food packaging, kitchen twine and light meat preparation.

Check OXO Kitchen Scissors on Amazon.ca

Shun Kitchen Shears: Best Premium Multipurpose Choice

The Shun Kitchen Shears are a substantial multipurpose tool made in Japan with 420J2 stainless-steel blades. One section of the cutting edge is serrated to help hold slippery or fibrous material during use.

A notch in the blade is intended for flower stems and thinner poultry bones. The shears can also be used for tasks such as opening packages, trimming food and cutting through lobster-tail shells.

The blades fully separate for cleaning. This is especially useful after contact with shellfish or raw poultry because the inside of the pivot can be reached rather than merely rinsed from the outside.

At approximately 258 grams, these are considerably heavier than basic household-style kitchen scissors. The weight and broad handles can provide a feeling of stability but may be tiring for someone with small hands or limited grip strength.

Best suited to: cooks who want a premium multipurpose tool for herbs, shellfish, packaging and occasional light poultry work.

Check Shun Kitchen Shears on Amazon.ca

WÜSTHOF Pull-Apart Kitchen Shears: Best Simple Take-Apart Design

The WÜSTHOF Pull-Apart Kitchen Shears use stainless-steel blades, synthetic handles and a pivot that allows the two sides to separate when opened to the appropriate position.

The uncomplicated design makes these shears suitable for packaging, herbs, parchment, vegetables and other light kitchen tasks. Unlike feature-heavy models, they focus on straightforward cutting and cleaning access.

WÜSTHOF recommends hand washing its knives and tools. The manufacturer notes that dishwasher heat and water pressure can affect handles and may cause blades to dull faster.

The easy-separation mechanism is helpful during cleaning but can initially surprise users. Avoid opening the handles to the separation point while carrying or repositioning the shears.

Best suited to: buyers who want uncomplicated kitchen scissors that can be completely separated for hand washing.

Check WÜSTHOF Shears on Amazon.ca

Victorinox Multipurpose Kitchen Shears: Best Firm Everyday Tool

The Victorinox Multipurpose Kitchen Shears are approximately 203 millimetres long and weigh about 91 grams. The stainless-steel blades include a micro-serrated edge intended to grip material during cutting.

The synthetic handles contain a shaped cavity that can help loosen screw-top lids or crack nuts. These functions make the Victorinox more of a general kitchen utility tool than food scissors alone.

Unlike the take-apart options above, this particular model uses a conventional fixed pivot. That construction may feel secure during repetitive use, but the inner pivot area is not as easy to inspect after cutting raw ingredients.

Victorinox lists this model as dishwasher-safe. Hand washing and immediate drying may still be preferable when preserving edge performance and preventing food residue from remaining around the pivot are priorities.

Best suited to: cooks who prefer lightweight but sturdy general-purpose kitchen scissors with a traditional fixed pivot.

Check Victorinox Shears on Amazon.ca

OXO Poultry Shears: Best for Most Home Poultry Preparation

The OXO Poultry Shears are designed specifically for trimming and cutting poultry. Their curved, tapered stainless-steel blades help reach around joints and confined areas more easily than straight multipurpose scissors.

A blade notch helps secure poultry bones during cutting. The handle loop and raised bolster are intended to prevent the hand from moving forward toward the cutting area.

The handles include a lock that keeps the blades closed during storage. The shears also separate for cleaning, which is particularly important after contact with raw chicken.

Because these shears are optimized for poultry, they are less convenient for fine tasks such as trimming delicate herbs or cutting small pieces of parchment. Many cooks will use them alongside lighter multipurpose shears rather than as a complete replacement.

Best suited to: cooks who regularly spatchcock chickens, remove backbones or cut around poultry joints.

Check OXO Poultry Shears on Amazon.ca

ZWILLING TWIN Select Poultry Shears: Best Premium Poultry Option

The ZWILLING TWIN Select is a 23.5-centimetre all-metal poultry shear designed for cutting poultry and bones. It includes an integrated bone breaker and a safety bar that helps keep the tool closed when not in use.

The substantial metal construction and long handles are intended to provide leverage during demanding preparation. This can be useful when frequently breaking down chickens, ducks or turkeys.

The weight and price are greater than those of ordinary kitchen scissors. For a household that only occasionally trims a chicken breast, a less expensive multipurpose model may provide better value.

The all-metal handles may also feel less forgiving than padded synthetic grips during long preparation sessions. Comfort should be evaluated carefully, particularly for users with reduced hand strength.

Best suited to: experienced home cooks who frequently prepare whole poultry and want a dedicated premium tool.

Check ZWILLING Poultry Shears on Amazon.ca

Types of Kitchen Shears

Multipurpose kitchen shears

Multipurpose kitchen shears resemble strong household scissors but use food-oriented stainless-steel blades and handles designed for wet kitchen conditions.

They can handle herbs, green onions, dried fruit, boneless meat, food packaging, parchment paper and kitchen twine. Some models include bottle openers, nutcrackers, herb strippers or bone notches.

They are the best starting point for most households because they cover many common jobs without occupying much drawer or knife-block space.

Poultry shears

Poultry shears use stronger blades, greater leverage and handles shaped for substantial cutting pressure. The blades are often curved so they can follow bones and joints.

Many models include a spring that reopens the handles after each cut. This reduces repeated finger movement when cutting through a chicken backbone or separating joints.

A dedicated poultry tool is worthwhile for cooks who regularly buy whole chickens. It may be excessive for someone who mainly purchases boneless breasts or pre-cut portions.

Herb scissors

Some herb scissors contain several parallel blades intended to cut leafy herbs quickly. These products can produce narrow strips but are more difficult to clean because food becomes trapped between the blades.

A sharp single-blade pair of kitchen shears is usually more versatile. It can cut herbs directly over a bowl without requiring a specialized multi-blade tool.

Seafood scissors

Seafood scissors normally use narrow curved blades designed to cut shrimp shells, lobster tails and similar hard outer shells without damaging the meat.

Premium multipurpose shears may handle occasional shellfish work. Dedicated seafood scissors are more practical when shellfish is prepared frequently.

Take-apart kitchen shears

Take-apart shears separate into two blades when the handles are opened beyond the normal cutting range. The design allows food residue around the pivot to be reached directly.

The blades must be reassembled correctly before use. Test the movement gently after cleaning and ensure the pivot is fully engaged before applying cutting force.

What to Look for When Buying Kitchen Shears

Blade separation

A take-apart design provides the easiest access for cleaning. This is especially valuable when cutting raw chicken, fish or other ingredients that can leave residue near the pivot.

Fixed-pivot shears can still be cleaned, but the user must pay closer attention to the joint. Avoid leaving the shears closed while moisture remains between the blades.

Micro-serrated blades

A micro-serrated edge helps hold slippery food such as chicken skin, green onions and flexible packaging. The small teeth reduce the tendency of material to slide forward as the blades close.

The disadvantage is sharpening difficulty. Micro-serrated blades should not be sharpened with an ordinary pull-through knife sharpener.

Handle size and comfort

The handle openings must accommodate your fingers without creating pressure points. Thick padded handles may feel comfortable but can be difficult for small hands to control.

A handle that works well when dry may feel different when exposed to moisture or cooking oil. Non-slip texture is particularly useful when handling raw poultry.

Left-handed use

Many kitchen shears use symmetrical handles and can be held in either hand. However, the way the blades overlap can make the cut line easier to see from one side.

Left-handed buyers should confirm that the handle, safety lock and spring release can be used comfortably with the left hand rather than relying only on a general description.

Safety lock

Spring-loaded poultry shears should have a reliable lock that keeps the blades closed in storage. The lock should be easy for an adult to operate but should not release accidentally inside a drawer.

Bone notch

A notch near the pivot helps hold a small bone, stem or shell in position. This concentrates leverage close to the pivot, where the cutting force is strongest.

A bone notch does not turn ordinary kitchen shears into a heavy cleaver. Avoid forcing the tool through bones larger than the manufacturer intends.

Replaceable or adjustable pivot

Some professional shears allow the pivot tension to be adjusted. This can improve long-term performance when the blades loosen, but it also adds a component that must be maintained correctly.

Most home cooks will receive more benefit from easy separation and comfortable handles than from a complex adjustable mechanism.

Kitchen Shears vs Ordinary Scissors

Do not use kitchen shears for cardboard, wire, plastic zip ties or craft materials. These can damage or contaminate the food-contact blades.

Keeping one clearly identified pair exclusively for food preparation makes cleaning expectations easier and reduces the risk of household contaminants reaching food.

Using Kitchen Shears for Poultry

Kitchen shears are particularly useful for spatchcocking, which involves removing the backbone so a whole chicken can be flattened for more even cooking.

Dedicated poultry shears provide more leverage than a chef knife and keep the cutting motion directed away from the supporting hand. They can also help separate joints and trim excess skin or fat.

Basic poultry-shear safety

1. Use a stable cutting board with enough room for the entire bird.
2. Keep the supporting hand away from the cutting path.
3. Cut beside major bones and through joints whenever possible.
4. Use the bone notch close to the pivot for firm material.
5. Do not twist the shears sideways while the blades are closed around a bone.
6. Stop when excessive force is required and reposition the tool.
7. Place the contaminated shears directly into a designated cleaning area after use.

For an appropriate preparation surface, see our guide to the best cutting boards for raw meat in Canada.

How to Clean Kitchen Shears Safely

Kitchen shears should be cleaned immediately after cutting raw meat, poultry, fish or seafood. Do not place contaminated shears in a crowded sink where someone may reach beneath soapy water and touch the blades.

Cleaning take-apart kitchen shears

1. Open the blades to the manufacturer’s separation position.
2. Separate the two sides while holding the handles.
3. Wash each blade with warm water, dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge.
4. Clean around the pivot and all handle grooves.
5. Rinse the parts thoroughly.
6. Dry both sides completely before reassembly.
7. Reassemble the pivot and test the movement carefully.

Cleaning fixed-pivot shears

Open the blades fully and clean both sides, including the area as close to the pivot as possible. Work carefully around serrated edges and pointed blade tips.

After rinsing, keep the blades open while drying so moisture is not trapped between them. A small amount of food-safe lubricant may be appropriate for certain adjustable pivots, but only when permitted by the manufacturer.

Dishwasher-safe does not always mean dishwasher-preferred

Some manufacturers list their shears as dishwasher-safe, while others require hand washing. The dishwasher can expose blades and handles to prolonged heat, strong detergent and contact with other utensils.

Follow the instructions for the exact model. Hand washing offers greater control and lets you inspect the pivot, serrations and handle before storage.

How to Store Kitchen Shears

Store kitchen shears only after they are completely clean and dry. A closed, damp pivot can develop residue, corrosion or unpleasant odours.

Suitable storage options include:

• A dedicated slot in a compatible knife block
• A drawer organizer that prevents movement
• A protective blade cover
• A magnetic holder when the metal is compatible and the shears sit securely
• A locked or high cabinet in homes with young children

Spring-loaded poultry shears should be locked closed before storage. Avoid leaving loose shears in a drawer where the handles or blades can catch on other tools.

Compare storage options in our guide to magnetic knife holders versus knife blocks.

Can Kitchen Shears Be Sharpened?

Many straight-edge kitchen shears can be sharpened, but the blades do not use the same symmetrical edge geometry as an ordinary chef knife. One side may contain the primary bevel while the inner face must remain relatively flat so the blades meet correctly.

Using a standard pull-through knife sharpener can change this geometry and prevent the blades from closing cleanly.

Micro-serrated shears

Micro-serrated blades require specialized equipment or manufacturer service. Filing across the teeth with an ordinary stone can remove the gripping pattern.

Take-apart straight blades

A professional sharpener can work on each separated blade while preserving the original bevel. This is generally safer than experimenting on expensive shears.

Signs the shears need service

• Food folds between the blades instead of cutting
• The blades separate near the tip during a cut
• More pressure is required than before
• Visible chips or flattened serrations appear
• The pivot feels loose after cleaning and tightening

Our guide to the best knife sharpeners for home cooks in Canada focuses primarily on knives. Do not assume those tools are compatible with kitchen shears.

Kitchen Shear Mistakes to Avoid

• Using food shears for cardboard, wire or crafts
• Forcing ordinary scissors through poultry bones
• Leaving raw-meat residue around the pivot
• Placing sharp shears loose in a sink
• Closing and storing the blades while still wet
• Using the dishwasher against manufacturer instructions
• Sharpening serrations with a standard knife sharpener
• Applying sideways twisting force to closed blades
• Cutting directly toward the supporting hand
• Assuming a multipurpose bone notch can handle every bone

Do You Need Both Kitchen Shears and a Chef Knife?

Kitchen shears complement a chef knife rather than replacing it. A chef knife remains more efficient for onions, carrots, large vegetables, slicing meat and most cutting-board work.

Shears are more convenient when the food can be lifted or cut directly over a bowl. They are also useful for opening packages without placing the food or packaging on the cutting board.

For chef knife options, read our comparison of the best chef knives for home cooks in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best kitchen shears for most home cooks?

The OXO Kitchen & Herb Scissors provide a practical combination of micro-serrated blades, comfortable handles, an herb stripper and take-apart cleaning. They are suitable for most everyday kitchen tasks but not heavy bones.

What is the difference between kitchen shears and poultry shears?

Kitchen shears are multipurpose tools for herbs, vegetables, packaging and light meat preparation. Poultry shears use stronger blades and greater leverage for chicken joints, cartilage and smaller bones.

Are take-apart kitchen shears better?

Take-apart shears are easier to clean because both sides of the blades and pivot are accessible. They are particularly useful when the shears will contact raw meat or poultry.

Can kitchen shears cut chicken bones?

Some heavy kitchen shears can cut thin poultry bones, but dedicated poultry shears are safer and more efficient for backbones and joints. Do not force ordinary kitchen scissors through thick bones.

Can kitchen shears go in the dishwasher?

Dishwasher suitability depends on the exact model. Some manufacturers allow it, while others require hand washing. Follow the product instructions and dry the shears completely before storage.

Should I wash kitchen shears after opening food packaging?

Wash them when the blades contact food, raw juices, dirty outer packaging or adhesive residue. Keeping food shears clean between tasks reduces cross-contamination.

Can kitchen shears cut herbs?

Yes. Kitchen shears work well for snipping green onions, chives, parsley and other herbs directly over a bowl. A chef knife is generally faster for large quantities.

Can kitchen shears be sharpened?

Straight-edge shears can often be professionally sharpened. Micro-serrated blades require specialized tools and should not be placed in an ordinary pull-through knife sharpener.

Are kitchen shears suitable for left-handed cooks?

Many models use symmetrical handles, but blade overlap, safety locks and spring releases can still favour one hand. Left-handed buyers should confirm compatibility for the exact model.

Should kitchen shears be stored in a knife block?

A knife-block slot is suitable when it fits the shears without forcing them. A drawer organizer or blade cover is also appropriate. Spring-loaded poultry shears should be locked closed before storage.

Can I use kitchen shears for cardboard?

It is better to keep kitchen shears exclusively for food. Cardboard, wire, crafts and plastic ties can dull or damage the blades and introduce contaminants.

Final Verdict

The OXO Kitchen & Herb Scissors are the most practical choice for most home cooks. They combine micro-serrated blades, cushioned handles, an herb stripper and a take-apart design at a generally accessible position in the market.

The Shun Kitchen Shears are the premium multipurpose option for cooks who want heavier construction, partially serrated blades and a bone notch. Their weight and price make them less suitable for buyers seeking lightweight everyday scissors.

The WÜSTHOF Pull-Apart Kitchen Shears provide a simple design with excellent cleaning access, while the Victorinox Multipurpose Kitchen Shears offer a lightweight fixed-pivot alternative with utility features.

For frequent whole-chicken preparation, the OXO Poultry Shears offer a practical combination of curved blades, a bone notch, a safety lock and take-apart cleaning. The ZWILLING TWIN Select is the premium heavy-duty alternative for cooks who regularly require greater leverage.

Whichever model you select, prioritize a secure grip, appropriate cutting capacity and complete cleaning after raw food preparation. The most useful shears are not necessarily the heaviest or most complicated—they are the pair that matches the food you prepare regularly.

Official Product and Food-Safety Sources

• OXO Kitchen & Herb Scissors specifications
• Shun Kitchen Shears specifications
• WÜSTHOF Pull-Apart Kitchen Shears
• Victorinox Multipurpose Kitchen Shears
• OXO Poultry Shears specifications
• ZWILLING TWIN Select Poultry Shears
• Health Canada poultry-safety guidance

Product specifications, availability and prices may change. Confirm the current model, cleaning instructions and intended cutting capacity before purchasing or using kitchen shears.