ABOVE
Above International
About ABOVE
In brief
Above is a USA-based professional shear brand known for handcrafted 100% cobalt steel scissors designed for stylists, hairdressers, and barbers.
Cutting Scissors · Thinning Scissors · Left-Handed Scissors 5.5–6.0 in
Profile updated Apr 2026
Price
US$180–250Price band US$200–400 · Mid-rangeTypical documented price, not a quoteWhere to buy
6 retailers- ABOVE PROFESSIONAL SHEARS (opens in a new tab) Official
- Dynamic SHARPENING LLC (opens in a new tab)
- SalonCentric (opens in a new tab)
- SCISSOR Dude (opens in a new tab)
- scissorsmaster (opens in a new tab)
- SHEAR INTEGRITY (opens in a new tab)
Buying routes
Where to buy ABOVE
Retailers ScissorPedia has catalogued. Prices and stock are on each store’s site.
US & Canada 6 retailers
Maker’s own dealer information: official site ↗
Catalogue map
The ABOVE range
4 models · 5.5–6.0 in
Cutting Scissors 3 models US$180–250Price band US$100–200 · Entry-level
Thinning Scissors 1 model US$200Price band US$200–400 · Mid-range
Pictured models
No reviewed model photography is available yet.
All 4 ABOVE model names
ABOVE designs its shears around hand fatigue, by its own account, with ergonomic handles, exaggerated finger rests, and cobalt steel blades across the range. The four models comprise three cutters and a thinner, span 5.5 to 6.0 inches, and carry guide prices from US$180 to US$250. The USA brand, run by Above International, sells through aboveshears.com and professional retailers including SalonCentric and Shear Integrity.
Overview
Above is a USA based brand operated by Above International. The company manufactures professional shears from cobalt steel and markets them to stylists, hairdressers, and barbers. According to the brand, all Above shears are handcrafted by skilled shear masters using what they describe as 100 percent premium cobalt steel.
Product Range
Above produces cutting scissors, thinning scissors, and left-handed scissors. Their specialties include precision cutting, layer cutting, sliding cuts, texture cuts, wet cutting, and dry cutting. The brand also features a distinctive rosegold series that uses the same cobalt steel construction as their standard lines.
Design details emphasized by the brand include ergonomic handle geometry, exaggerated finger rests, and the cobalt steel composition used across the product line. These features are aimed at reducing hand fatigue during full day salon work.
Distribution
Above shears are sold through the brand’s official website (aboveshears.com) and through several professional retailers including Shear Integrity, Scissor Dude, Dynamic Sharpening LLC, SalonCentric, and Scissors Master. That spread of distribution channels gives American stylists multiple purchasing options, whether they prefer specialty shear retailers or larger professional supply platforms like SalonCentric.
Specifications & Availability
Above operates under Above International, which also runs the brand’s retail side. For current specifications (steel grades, heat treatment, and manufacturing details) see Above’s official site or authorised retailers.
Sources
- Above Shears official website: aboveshears.com
See Also
How ABOVE compares
Similar origin and adjacent price band. Brass rows differ; “—” means the field is not documented yet.
| Spec | ABOVEABOVE | 44204420 | BLACKICE PROFESSIONALBLACKICE PROFESSIONAL | BLACKSMITH BLADESBLACKSMITH BLADES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | USA | USA | USA | USA |
| Typical price | US$180–250Price band US$200–400 · Mid-range | Price not documented | Price not documented | US$400Price band US$400–800 · Premium |
| Steel | Cobalt steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | VG10, 440C, 9CR, 6CR |
| Edge type | — | — | — | — |
| Handles | — | — | — | — |
| Left-handed | — | — | — | — |
| Thinning | 1 models | — | 1 models | 5 models |
| Specialties | Precision cut, Layer cut, Sliding cut, Texture cut, Wet c… | Blunt cut, Slide cut, Point cut, Volume control, Texture … | Smooth cut, Precision cutting, Thinning | Blunt cut, Slide cut, Point cut, Volume control, Texture … |
| Founded | — | 1940 | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
6 answers you can open one at a timeIs ABOVE a USA brand?
Yes. ABOVE is a USA-based professional shear brand operated by Above International, marketing its tools to stylists, hairdressers, and barbers.
What kind of steel do ABOVE shears use?
ABOVE builds its blades from cobalt steel, which the brand describes as its handcrafted, premium cobalt construction across the range.
What does a pair of ABOVE shears cost?
Pricing for ABOVE sits mid-range among professional tools. For current model-by-model figures, check aboveshears.com or an authorised retailer such as SalonCentric or Shear Integrity.
What types of scissors does ABOVE make?
Cutting scissors and thinning shears make up the lineup, with a focus on precision, layering, sliding, and texturizing work for both wet and dry cutting.
Are there left-handed ABOVE scissors?
Yes. ABOVE offers left-handed scissors alongside its standard right-handed models, so left-handed stylists can get a properly built pair.
Where can I buy ABOVE shears?
ABOVE sells through its official site at aboveshears.com and through professional retailers including Shear Integrity, Scissor Dude, SalonCentric, and Scissors Master.
Ratings & reviews
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