The Best STR Scissors for Hairdressers
STR is the house scissor brand of Rand Rocket Ltd, a UK-based salon product supplier established in 1973. The range is aimed at the budget and student end of the market, with stainless steel cutting and thinning scissors in both classic and offset handle configurations. Five picks here run from $25 to $79, all available through UK-based stockists.
What are the best STR scissors?
The H Series thinning, around $25, is STR's lowest-cost thinning option — a 31-tooth stainless steel offset thinner for students learning thinning technique. The Pro Classic, around $45, is STR's entry cutting scissor in a classic even handle, suited to students and stylists who prefer symmetric ring geometry. The F Series, around $55, puts an ergonomic offset handle on a stainless cutting scissor with alloy handles and nickel-allergy safe rings. The Pro Black Offset, around $79, is the step-up offset cutting scissor with a titanium black coating and nickel-allergy safe handle. The Pro Black Thinning, also around $79, is the matching thinning scissor for the Pro Black range in the same titanium black finish.
STR sits in the budget-to-entry tier of the UK market. Rand Rocket does not publish JIS steel grades or Rockwell hardness figures for any model in the STR range. The practical hierarchy moves from the classic-handle Pro Classic at entry level through the ergonomic F Series offset, and up to the titanium-coated Pro Black line at the top of what STR offers. For the Pro Black Thinning the tooth count is not published — check the retailer listing. Guide prices here are approximate USD equivalents converted from GBP; confirm current GBP figures with UK stockists.
Verified Jun 2026
Five STR picks from $25 to $79
| Attribute | STR H Series Thinning STR | STR Pro Classic STR | STR F Series Cutting STR | STR Pro Black Offset STR | STR Pro Black Thinning STR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price guide | US$25 | US$45 | US$55 | US$79 | US$79 |
| Price tier | Budget | Budget | Budget | Entry-level | Entry-level |
| Steel | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| Made in | — | — | — | — | — |
| Handle | Offset | Classic (even) | Offset | Offset | Offset |
| Blade type | 31 teeth | Convex | Convex | Convex | Thinning |
| Sizes (in) | 5.5 | 5.0 · 5.5 · 6.0 | 5.0 · 5.5 · 6.0 | 5.5 · 6.0 · 6.5 | 6.0 |
| View product | View product | View product | View product | View product |
All five from Rand Rocket Ltd, distributed through UK retailers including Alan Howard and Adel Direct. Guide prices converted from GBP at time of writing; confirm current figures on each product page.
The STR range
STR is the house scissor brand of Rand Rocket Ltd, a UK salon product company that has been operating since 1973. The range is built around the budget and student segment of the UK professional market and covers both cutting and thinning scissors.
The lineup splits into two tiers. The entry tier includes the Pro Classic in a classic even handle and the H Series thinning scissor, both aimed at students and those needing a basic working pair. Above that sits the F Series, an ergonomic offset model with alloy handles and nickel-allergy safe rings. At the top of the STR range are the Pro Black Offset and Pro Black Thinning — stainless steel scissors with a titanium black coating, offset handle, and nickel-allergy safe handles, sold at the same price point.
No JIS steel grade or Rockwell hardness figure is published for any STR model. Distribution runs through UK retailers including Alan Howard and Adel Direct. Guide prices in this roundup are approximate USD equivalents converted from GBP; check UK stockists for current GBP pricing.
The five picks
1. STR H Series Thinning (guide price around $25). STR’s entry thinning scissor — stainless steel, 31 teeth, offset handle, 5.5 inch, with an adjustable tension screw. At 31 teeth the scissor removes a moderate proportion of hair per pass, useful for general thinning and texturising without excessive bulk removal. The adjustable tension screw lets stylists set the cutting action to preference. Suited to students learning thinning technique or professionals needing a budget thinning backup. Available through Rand Rocket UK stockists.
2. STR Pro Classic (around $45). STR’s entry cutting scissor in a classic even handle, available in 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 inch. Stainless steel, honed blades, and a detachable stopper/bumper. The classic handle places both rings at the same height — the choice for students and stylists who prefer traditional symmetric ring geometry or who are not yet working in an offset configuration. Available in three sizes through Rand Rocket UK stockists.
3. STR F Series Cutting (around $55). The ergonomic step up from the Pro Classic, with alloy handles and an offset configuration across 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 inch. The alloy handles reduce overall weight relative to full steel construction. Nickel-allergy safe rings and hand-honed blades. Available in Blue (617710B) and Pink (617710P). A practical option for students who want ergonomic offset geometry without a high initial outlay. Available through Rand Rocket UK stockists.
4. STR Pro Black Offset (around $79). The step-up cutting scissor in the STR range — stainless steel with a titanium black coating, offset handle, convex blade, and nickel-allergy safe rings, across 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5 inch. The titanium coating adds surface hardness alongside the visual distinction. The 6.5 inch option suits barbers working scissor-over-comb on bulk cutting. Available through Rand Rocket UK stockists.
5. STR Pro Black Thinning (around $79). The matching thinning scissor for the Pro Black range, sharing the titanium black coating, offset handle, and stainless steel of the Pro Black Offset in a 6.0 inch thinning configuration. Tooth count is not published — check the retailer listing. Priced to match the Pro Black Offset for stylists who want a consistent matched pair. Available through Rand Rocket UK stockists.
How we chose
Each pick occupies a distinct position in the STR range. The H Series covers the entry thinning need. The Pro Classic is the even-handle entry cutting scissor. The F Series gives offset ergonomics at a low entry cost. The Pro Black Offset and Pro Black Thinning are the top of the STR range and pair together for stylists who want a matched black-coated set. Guide prices move; confirm current GBP figures with UK stockists before buying.
The wider STR catalogue
Rand Rocket’s STR catalogue extends beyond scissors to include hair dryers, combs, and balayage tools. Full details on the scissor range and UK stockist options are on the STR brand page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. STR is the house scissor range of Rand Rocket Ltd, a UK salon product company established in 1973. Distribution is primarily through UK retailers including Alan Howard, Adel Direct, and Direct Hairdressing Scissors.
STR is aimed at students, apprentices, and early-career stylists who need a working pair at budget pricing. The range covers both classic-handle and offset-handle cutting scissors, a budget thinning option, and the titanium-coated Pro Black line for stylists who want a step-up finish at a modest price.
STR publishes stainless steel as the material across the range. A specific grade designation is not listed in the brand’s product information. For precise specifications, check the retailer listing for the model you are considering.
Handle geometry is the main difference. The Pro Classic uses a classic even handle — symmetrical ring placement, no thumb drop — which suits stylists who have not transitioned to ergonomic offset or who prefer traditional geometry for certain techniques. The F Series uses an ergonomic offset handle, with alloy handles that reduce total weight. Both are stainless steel entry-level cutting scissors at similar price points.
The Pro Black Offset and Pro Black Thinning share the same titanium black coating, offset handle, and stainless steel construction, making them a matched pair at identical price points. Both are available through UK-based STR stockists.