Blade Types
Blade geometry affects stability, cutting feel, and suitability for techniques.
Blade vs Edge (Critical Distinction)
- Blade type: The blade’s physical shape/profile and cross‑section (e.g., Straight, Willow, Bamboo‑Leaf, Sword). This governs rigidity, stroke feel, and how hair engages along the blade.
- Edge type: The sharpened cutting surface (e.g., Convex/ハマグリ刃 Hamaguri‑ba, Semi‑convex, Beveled, Micro‑serrated). Edge type determines entry, sharpness feel, and slide capability. A single blade type can be paired with different edge types.
How to Use This Guide
- Pick a blade type that matches your technique goals (blunt power, slide, point, or all‑round).
- Pair it with the appropriate edge type for the task (convex for slide/point, beveled for blunt/over‑comb, etc.).
- Cross‑check with Hair Types to confirm suitability for the client’s texture.
Tags appear on each card to indicate typical strengths. Pair with an edge type for best results.
Quick answers for stylists
- Need maximum power for blunt lines? Reach for sword or reinforced power blades paired with beveled or semi-convex edges.
- Chasing agility and detail? Narrow straight blades keep the shear light so you can pivot quickly around the head.
- Planning lots of slide or point cutting? Choose willow/bamboo-leaf profiles with convex edges and low-friction pivots.
Common blade designs
- Standard/narrow: Agile and precise for line work and detailing.
- Wider/power blade: Adds stability for heavy sections and blunt cutting.
- Sword/partial sword: Reinforced spine for powerful, controlled cuts.
- Clam shell/convex pro: Extremely smooth slicing when paired with convex edges.
- Serrated/micro‑serrated: Adds grip on slippery hair; ideal for control and training; not for slide cutting.
Choosing by technique
- Precision lines and detail → narrow, lightweight blades with convex edges.
- Blunt/power cutting → wider or reinforced blades; beveled or semi‑convex edges for durability.
- Slide/point cutting → convex geometries with very smooth action.
See also: Edge Types • Scissor Sizes • Hair Types
Frequently asked questions
Sword vs bamboo-leaf—when should I pick each? Sword blades reinforce the spine for blunt power and heavy sections; bamboo-leaf profiles stay rigid yet narrow, giving you precision with a touch more glide for point work.
Can I mix any blade type with any edge? Yes, provided the manufacturer supports it. Many stylists run power blades with micro-serrated edges for control, or willow blades with convex edges for slide—just confirm the steel and heat treatment suit the edge style.
Do longer blades always cut faster? Longer shears remove more hair per stroke, but they also reduce maneuverability. Match blade length to your technique: 5.5–6.0” for precision, 6.5–7.0” for scissor-over-comb or large sections.
Browse Types
Sword Blade
Specialized
- Ridge-backed spine drives through dense, coarse sections without flex.
- Pair with convex edges for smooth but decisive closes on blunt work.
- Edge Pairing:
- Convex (Hamaguri-ba) for sharpness and smooth stroke Convex
- Best For:
- Thick coarse hairTraditional barberingAsian hair textures
- Typical Users:
- Experienced barbersMale grooming specialists
Technique Highlights
- Scissor-over-comb power passes
- Blunt perimeter work on coarse hair
- Controlled point work on long blades
Pros, Cons & Care
- Powerful, rigid stroke through dense sections
- Tip stability for long blades
- Heavier feel; less finesse than slide-focused blades
Keep tension slightly firm and service with convex specialists to preserve the ridge and hamaguri edge.
Straight Blade
Traditional
- Flat profile tracks true lines and resists hair creep during blunt work.
- Micro-serrated or beveled edges add grip for scissor-over-comb control.
- Edge Pairing:
- Beveled with micro-serration for grip; semi-/convex alternatives for versatility Semi‑Convex Beveled Micro‑Serrated
- Best For:
- Classic linesBarber foundationsTraining
- Typical Users:
- BarbersStylistsStudents
Technique Highlights
- Wet blunt cuts
- Scissor-over-comb foundations
- Foundational training work
Pros, Cons & Care
- Excellent line control for crisp blunt work
- Stable scissor-over-comb performance
- Limited slide capability when beveled/micro-serrated
Hold firm tension and preserve any micro-serrations during sharpening to keep the blade gripping consistently.
Partial Sword Blade
Specialized
- Heel ridge supplies sword-like power while the tip stays nimble for detailing.
- Convex edge keeps the stroke smooth as you switch between blunt and point work.
- Edge Pairing:
- Convex edge for balanced power and finesse Convex
- Best For:
- Versatile cuttingMixed techniques
- Typical Users:
- Barbers transitioning to advanced techniques
Technique Highlights
- Mixed salon/barber rotations
- Graduation with follow-up detailing
- Hybrid wet-to-dry services
Pros, Cons & Care
- Power where needed with agile tip control
- Balanced feel for mixed techniques
- Less brute force at the extreme tip than full sword
Service with convex specialists so the heel ridge and tapered tip stay blended; clean debris from the transition area frequently.
Standard Blade
Traditional
- Balanced “classic” geometry handles blunt, point, and light slide without swapping tools.
- Usually convex or semi-convex for smooth entry while retaining predictable control.
- Edge Pairing:
- Beveled with optional micro-serration for grip; semi-/convex alternatives exist Semi‑Convex Beveled Micro‑Serrated
- Best For:
- Student trainingBasic haircutsBudget salons
- Typical Users:
- StudentsEntry-level stylistsBarber schools
Technique Highlights
- Everyday salon cutting
- Point cutting for layer refinement
- Light slide work on damp hair
Pros, Cons & Care
- Excellent line control for blunt work
- Predictable scissor-over-comb performance
- Limited slide capability when serrated/beveled
Keep the edge polished (convex/semi-convex) and tension neutral so the blade retains its balanced stroke all day.
Bamboo Leaf Blade
Specialized Curved
- Deep curve lets hair “escape” for feather-light slide work.
- Convex polish keeps dry-cut passes glassy and protects fragile ends.
- Edge Pairing:
- Convex (Hamaguri-ba) for maximum glide, especially dry Convex
- Best For:
- Artistic cutsTexture specialistsAvant-garde styling
- Typical Users:
- Creative stylistsTexture specialists
Technique Highlights
- Dry slide layering
- Feathered fringe detailing
- Soft perimeter refinement
Pros, Cons & Care
- Exceptional slide and dry-cut performance
- Airy, seamless texture with minimal lines
- Not ideal for heavy blunt/power work
Service frequently with convex specialists and keep the blade spotless—product build-up ruins the glide.
Willow Blade
Curved
- Gently curved profile balances line control with soft stroke feel.
- Convex/semi-convex edges give smooth entry for point and light slide work.
- Edge Pairing:
- Convex (common) or semi-convex for durability Semi‑Convex
- Best For:
- Versatile texture workNatural styles
- Typical Users:
- Stylists preferring curved benefits
Technique Highlights
- Point cutting and detailing
- Everyday perimeter refinement
- Light slide work on damp hair
Pros, Cons & Care
- Balanced daily-driver for line, point and light slide
- Even stroke feel across the blade
- Less power than sword; less glide than bamboo-leaf
Maintain a polished convex or semi-convex edge and neutral tension so the blade keeps its easy, even stroke.
Wave Edge Blade
Innovative
- Wave contour staggers contact points, creating diffused texture on dry hair.
- Requires a polished convex edge to glide without snagging.
- Edge Pairing:
- Convex for smooth passage across the wave Convex
- Best For:
- Lived-in textureSoft, multi-dimensional movement
- Typical Users:
- Early adoptersPatent holders
Technique Highlights
- Dry surface polishing
- Lived-in layers and shags
- Curl/coil fuzz refinement (advanced)
Pros, Cons & Care
- Natural, multi-level texture without tooth patterns
- Excellent for airy dry finishes
- Specialist tool; not for heavy blunt work
Only send to convex specialists—any flat spot ruins the staggered engagement; keep the blade perfectly clean during dry work.