Edge Types
Edges determine how hair is engaged and cut—and how the scissor wears over time.
Major edge families
- Convex: Razor‑like sharpness with a smooth, continuous curve. Exceptional for precision and slide cutting; requires precise sharpening and good maintenance.
- Beveled: Defined angle at the edge—durable and easy to maintain. Often paired with micro‑serration for grip and control in blunt cutting.
- Semi‑convex: Hybrid geometry balancing sharpness and durability, common in versatile all‑rounders.
- Micro‑serrated: Tiny serrations on (usually) one blade to prevent hair from slipping; not suited to slide cutting.
Quick answers for stylists
- Need the cleanest slide cuts? Choose a full convex edge paired with a silky pivot—keep it professionally sharpened to preserve the hamaguri geometry.
- Fighting folding hair during blunt lines? A beveled or semi-convex edge with micro-serration grips the section so it stays put.
- Sharing shears in training? Micro-serrated edges tolerate rough handling but remember they are not for slide cutting.
Practical guidance
- Prefer convex for advanced slicing and soft, effortless cutting—careful maintenance is key.
- Prefer beveled/micro‑serrated for high‑volume blunt work, training, or when you need maximum control.
Related topics: Blade Types • Scissor Maintenance
Frequently asked questions
Convex vs beveled—what’s the real-world difference? Convex edges feel razor-smooth and excel at slide/point work but require precise sharpening. Beveled edges trade some glide for durability and control—perfect for blunt or scissor-over-comb techniques.
Can a micro-serrated edge be polished into a convex edge later? Yes, but only by a master sharpener; removing serrations thins the blade dramatically, so plan for a professional service and expect some metal loss.
How often should I service each edge style? Convex edges benefit from 8–12 month factory maintenance, beveled edges can stretch longer, and micro-serrated blades should be re-serrated once the grip starts slipping.
Browse Types
Convex Edge
Hamaguri-ba Japanese convex
Ultra-smooth hamaguri arc built for dry slide work.
- Ultra-smooth hamaguri arc glides through dry hair with near-zero drag.
- Excels at slide, point, and texturizing when paired with polished blades.
Technique highlights
- Dry slide cutting and channeling
- Precision point detailing
- Soft-texture finishing on polished blades
Blade pairings
Care notes
Only book hamaguri-trained sharpeners; protecting the hone line keeps glide intact.
Fragile edge - dropping or mis-tensioning quickly chips the lip.
Semi-Convex Edge
Hybrid convex Semi convex
Hybrid arc that balances glide with a supportive bevel.
- Narrow micro-bevel adds bite while the arc keeps the close smooth.
- Handles wet-to-dry salon rotations without feeling grabby.
Technique highlights
- Everyday wet and dry cutting
- Light texturizing passes
- Salon rotations mixing blunt and slide work
Blade pairings
Care notes
Ask sharpeners to preserve the micro-bevel while polishing the arc.
Lacks the glassy glide of a true convex - avoid forcing through heavy, dry sections.
Beveled Edge
German edge Flat bevel
Durable angle that grips hair for classic control.
- Defined bevel grips hair, anchoring blunt lines and over-comb work.
- Toughest edge style - handles shop knocks and faster closures.
Technique highlights
- Scissor-over-comb foundations
- Blunt perimeter cutting on wet hair
- Barbering fundamentals
Blade pairings
Care notes
Keep the bevel flat; if serrations exist, protect them during service.
Elevated friction on dry hair can cause fatigue - switch tools for long slide work.
Micro-Serrated Edge
Micro-toothed Serrated bevel
Fine teeth stabilize silky strands for slow, precise work.
- Micro teeth lock slippery strands so framelines stay put.
- Trusted training edge for fringe detail and scissor-over-comb.
Technique highlights
- Fringe detailing
- Apprentice control work
- Wet blunt lines on fine hair
Blade pairings
Care notes
Specify that the sharpener must preserve the serrations rather than polish them away.
Teeth collect debris - brush and wipe them between services.
Serrated Edge
Coarse serration Full serrated edge
Aggressive teeth for slow, controlled barbering passes.
- Full-length serrations stop coarse hair from creeping during over-comb work.
- Excellent for slow, dry detailing where micro-control matters.
Technique highlights
- Dry scissor-over-comb
- Precision barber detailing
- Heavy fringe nibbling
Blade pairings
Care notes
Degrease and clear teeth frequently; re-cut serrations when they round off.
Forcing fast closures can leave visible bite marks - use measured strokes.
Clam-Shaped Edge
Clamshell convex Clam shell edge
Deep convex luster built for premium glide and minimal drag.
- Pronounced clam arc floats through hair with glass-smooth resistance.
- Pairs with high-polish blades for editorial slide and dry detailing.
Technique highlights
- Dry finishing and freehand slide
- Editorial detailing
- Soft texture refinement
Blade pairings
Care notes
Protect the clam curvature and polish; store in lined cases and wipe often.
Any drop or abrasive wipe can scar the mirror surface.
Inner Hollow / Concave
Hollow ground interior Ride line
The interior relief that keeps friction low and edges aligned.
- Hollow ground backs relieve pressure so blades close without crushing hair.
- The ride line supports the edge and extends service life when maintained.
Technique highlights
- Supporting smooth closing on premium shears
- Glide-focused dry work
- Any edge needing reduced drag
Blade pairings
Care notes
Insist on ride-line polishing that preserves the hollow - no bench grinding.
Flattening the hollow creates friction and ruins cutting geometry.
3D Convex Edge
Multi-radius convex 3D hamaguri
Layered convex radii that blend glide with cutting power.
- Multi-radius grind keeps the stroke stable from heel to tip.
- Offers convex glide with enough bite for blunt work on dense hair.
Technique highlights
- Long blunt passes on coarse sections
- Slide transitions within one tool
- Barber and salon hybrid detailing
Blade pairings
Care notes
Work with sharpeners who understand blended radii to preserve the 3D contour.
Over-polishing flattens the layers and removes the stabilizing effect.
K-Blade Edge
K Blade Radius edge
Exaggerated convex radius that locks hair while sliding cleanly.
- Amplified radius stops hair from pushing forward mid stroke.
- Seamlessly handles dry stroke cutting, slide work, and wet shaping.
Technique highlights
- Dry stroke cutting for texture
- Slide detailing on long lengths
- Wet-to-dry lived-in shaping
Blade pairings
Care notes
Maintain the extended radius - avoid defaulting to a flat bevel during service.
Added radius shifts weight toward the edge; monitor fatigue on marathon days.
Heated Edge
ThermoCut Hot blade
Electrically warmed shears that seal the cuticle as they slice.
- Powered blades aim to seal cut ends, slowing frizz and moisture loss.
- Temperature is tuned to hair density - lower for fine, higher for coarse.
Technique highlights
- Split-end sealing sessions
- Smoothing mid-lengths post-treatment
- Controlled blunt trimming on fragile hair
Blade pairings
Care notes
Clean heat elements after every client and calibrate temperature before each pass.
Avoid on severely compromised hair and slow the close to prevent heat shock.
Self-Sharpening Myth
Self-sharpening edge Auto-sharpen claim
Marketing claim that blades sharpen themselves as they close.
- Blade-to-blade friction dulls edges; it never hones them sharper.
- Running dull shears forces you closer to the fingers and increases injury risk.
Technique highlights
- Setting maintenance cadences
- Educating teams on shear care
- Budgeting for professional sharpening
Care notes
Document sharpening intervals (6-12 months) and choose credentialed technicians.
Waiting for blades to "self sharpen" accelerates damage and invites blade nicks.