Three Features to Consider Before Buying Kitchen Shears

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A pair of kitchen shears is the multi-tool of any kitchen, serving a wide variety of tasks from cutting butcher’s string for binding a roast to spatchcocking a whole chicken or grouse. They are also useful in the field for processing tasks, such as de-winging a game bird (think pheasant) or breaking down tough critters like squirrels. Consider these features when looking to add an indispensable item to your culinary and wild-game utensil drawer.

Great Value

Plastic Guard Included

KitchenAid All Purpose Shears with Protective Sheath, 8.72-Inch, Black — These are built stronger than traditional scissors for tackling tough cutting jobs.

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From the blade to the handle, a pair of kitchen shears is stouter than regular household scissors. The blades can withstand more pressure for cutting through cartilage and even small bones, therefore the handle should be wide and sturdy enough to apply that force without hand fatigue or bruising.

Top Pick

Ergonomic Design

OXO Good Grips Spring-Loaded Poultry Shears — A comfort-grip handle prevents hand pain.

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On a heavy pair of shears, spring-loaded handles make it easier to manage the tool without fumbling. Because kitchen shears are prone to gathering more food particles and grime, look for blades than can be separated and tossed into the dishwasher individually.

Also Consider

Multitasking Marvel

Kitchen Shears with Blade Cover — Some styles come with added features like bottle openers and nut crackers.

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Shears can handle everything from slicing through a deer sternum to gently dicing fresh parsley or a can of whole tomatoes. A pair of shears with a built-in bottle opener or gripper means you can enjoy a tasty beverage while your meal is in the oven!

Summary

A solid pair of scissors has become a common item included with most knife sets these days, but for good reason. Kitchen shears are built to be stronger and more durable than a pair of everyday scissors, which is a huge asset if you're processing meat from a whole animal, like a chicken, and need to get through a few bones. A pair can also be handy in the field or on the water if you hunt or fish, and a lifesaver if you're working through a limit of wild birds like pheasants. If you need a new or replacement pair of kitchen shears, here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop as well as a few products that will do what you need without blowing your budget.