Everything Dog Groomers Need to Know About Serrated Shears

By Harebone Harrison

As a professional dog groomer, your dog grooming scissors (also known as pet grooming shears or professional grooming scissors) are truly an extension of your hand. One of the most searched and debated features in best dog grooming shears? Serration—those tiny micro-serrated teeth or ridges along one blade (often called micro-serrated grooming shears). Some groomers search for "serrated vs non-serrated grooming shears" and swear by them for tough, coarse coats, while others prefer the silky smoothness of non-serrated shears for precision finishing. Let's break it all down: what serrationsactually do, their pros and cons, and why Harebone Shears handles serrated dog grooming scissorsand sharpening differently.

What Are Serrations in Dog Grooming Shears, Exactly?

Serrations (or micro-serrations) are tiny teeth machined into one blade of the grooming scissor(usually the top blade). Think of them like the teeth on a bread knife—they grip and hold the hair as you cut, preventing slippage on thick coats, wiry coats, or matted fur.

Fun fact: The term comes from the Latin serra, meaning "saw." And yes—they do saw through hair in a controlled way, making them popular in searches for "serrated grooming shears for thick coats."

Why Serrated Grooming Shears Give a Blunt Cut

Non-serrated blades (smooth edges) slice hair cleanly like a razor, ideal for finishing shears and curved dog grooming scissors. Serrated blades? They hold the hair in place before cutting.

• Prevents pushing or sliding (especially on wiry, thick, or matted coats like doodles or poodles)
• Delivers a blunter, more controlled cut
• Ideal for bulk removal, dematting, and heavy lifting with straight grooming shears or thinning shears

"Serration gives a blunt cut because it holds the hair versus any push." Perfect for groomers searching "best shears for matted dog hair."

The Strength Advantage: Why Serrations Make Stronger Edges in Professional Dog Grooming Scissors

Here's the science behind why many pros choose micro-serrated dog grooming shears:

Serrations create more edge surface area due to the ridges.

• Distributes force across multiple micro-edges
• Less prone to damage from nicks or dings
• Maintains cutting power longer between professional sharpening

"Serration actually creates more edge surface due to the ridges making it stronger." This is why serrated shears hold up better for daily use.

Serrated vs. Non-Serrated Grooming Shears: It's 100% Groomer Preference

There's no "right" answer in the "serrated vs non-serrated grooming shears" debate—only what works for your hands, your dogs (from curly coatsto thick undercoats), and your style. Many groomers keep both in their dog grooming scissors set.

| Serrated Shears | Non-Serrated Shears | |----------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Great for thick, coarse, or matted coats | Perfect for finish work & smooth lines | | More choppy texture (not ideal for show dogs) | Silky, scissor-like finish | | Holds hair—no slippage on wiry or double coats | Can push hair if dull or on slippery coats | | Excellent for chunkers or blending shears | Best for curved shears and detailing |

"To have serrated or not is just groomer preference." Search no further—try both!

Harebone Shears: Add or Remove Serrations on Any Brand, Any Time

Whether you just bought new dog grooming shears or have an old favorite collecting dust:

• New professional pet grooming scissors? Message us in the chat box after purchase—we'll add (or remove) serrations free of charge.
• During our dog grooming scissors sharpening service? Just note your preference: serrated or smooth.
• We work on ANY brand—send them in for scissor sharpening or transformation.

The Harebone Promise: We ALWAYS Sharpen the Serrated Blade Properly

Here's where most grooming shear sharpeningservices fall short—many avoid serrated blades!

Many sharpeners refuse to touch micro-serrated shears. Some say it's "too hard." Others just grind them smooth.

Not us.

"At Harebone Shears, WE ALWAYS SHARPEN THE SERRATED BLADE AND INSTALL FRESH SERRATION."

To skip the serrated side? That's only half a sharpening.

• We restore both blades to peak performance
• Replace worn serrations with precision-machined teeth
• Return your professional grooming shearsexactly as you sent it—unless you request a change

"If a scissor is sent in for service and has serrations, it should always return the same." Trusted dog grooming scissors sharpening you can count on.

Why Most Sharpeners Fear Serrations (And We Don't)

Let's be real: Sharpening serrated grooming shears is an art.

• Requires specialized equipment
• Takes skill to maintain tooth depth and angle
• One wrong pass = ruined geometry

"Many sharpeners are just intimidated with the serration process. Not at Harebone Shears."

We invest in the tools, training, and time—so you don't have to choose between serrated performance and reliable professional scissor sharpening.

Pro Tip from Harebone:

"It's good for a groomer to have a few serrated scissors in the arsenal for the heavy lifting jobs."

Keep:

1–2 serrated shears for dematting and bulk removal 1–2 non-serrated finish scissors for face, feet, and final blending with curved or straight shears

Final Verdict: Try Before You Decide on Serrated or Non-Serrated

Half of groomers love serrated dog grooming shears. The other half? Can't live without smooth blades.

There's only one way to know your side in the "serrated vs non-serrated" search:

• Grab a new serrated pair and test on a poodle undercoat or a doodle mat.
• Send in an old scissor—we'll add serrations (or remove) and let you feel the difference.

Your hands. Your dogs. Your choice.

Ready to Upgrade Your Professional Dog Grooming Shears Arsenal?

Shop serrated shears, curved grooming scissors, thinning shears, and more → HareboneShears.com

Send in for sharpening or customization → Note "Add serrations" or "Keep smooth"

Questions? Message us in the chat—we're groomers too.

Let's keep those tails wagging—and those cuts clean with the best dog grooming scissors! ✂️🐾

Written with love (and a lot of dog hair) by the Harebone Shears Team