As a professional dog groomer, your scissors are an extension of your hand. One of the most debated features in grooming shears? Serration—those tiny teeth or ridges along one blade. Some groomers swear by them for tough jobs, while others prefer the silky smoothness of non-serrated edges. Let's break it all down: what serrations actually do, their pros and cons, and why Harebone Shears handles them differently.
What Are Serrations, Exactly?
Serrations are micro-teeth machined into one blade of the 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.
Fun fact: The term comes from the Latin serra, meaning "saw." And yes—they do saw through hair in a controlled way.
Why Serrated Shears Give a Blunt Cut
Non-serrated blades slice hair cleanly like a razor. Serrated blades? They hold the hair in place before cutting.
- Prevents pushing or sliding (especially on wiry, thick, or matted coats)
- Delivers a blunter, more controlled cut
- Ideal for bulk removal and heavy lifting
"Serration gives a blunt cut because it holds the hair versus any push."
The Strength Advantage: Why Serrations = Stronger Edges
Here's the science: 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 sharpenings
"Serration actually creates more edge surface due to the ridges making it stronger."
Serrated vs. Non-Serrated: It's 100% Groomer Preference
There's no "right" answer—only what works for your hands, your dogs, and your style.
| 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 | Can push hair if dull or on slippery coats |
"To have serrated or not is just groomer preference."
Harebone Shears: We Add or Remove Serrations—Any Brand, Any Time
Whether you just bought new shears or have an old favorite collecting dust:
- New shears? Message us in the chat box after purchase—we'll add (or remove) serrations free of charge.
- Sharpening service? Just note your preference: serrated or smooth.
We work on ANY brand. Send them in—we'll transform them.
The Harebone Promise: We ALWAYS Sharpen the Serrated Blade
Here's where most sharpeners drop the ball.
Many sharpeners refuse to touch serrated blades.
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 scissor exactly 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."
Why Most Sharpeners Fear Serrations (And We Don't)
Let's be real: serration sharpening 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 professional 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 for dematting and bulk
- 1–2 non-serrated finish scissors for face, feet, and final blending
Final Verdict: Try Before You Decide
Half of groomers love serrated shears. The other half? Can't live without smooth blades.
There's only one way to know your side:
- Grab a new serrated pair and test on a poodle undercoat or a doodle mat.
- Send in an old scissor—we'll add serrations and let you feel the difference.
Your hands. Your dogs. Your choice.
Ready to Upgrade Your Arsenal?
- Shop serrated shears → HareboneShears.com
- Send in for sharpening → 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. ✂️🐾
Written with love (and a lot of dog hair) by the Harebone Shears Team
