Convex and beveled edges sit at the core of professional shear selection. Both can deliver premium results, but they trade off glide, durability, and maintenance requirements differently. Use this guide to align edge geometry with the services you deliver every day.
Quick Comparison
| Attribute | Convex (Hamaguri-ba) | Beveled |
|---|---|---|
| Typical steels | Cobalt alloys, VG-10, ATS-3141 | 440C, 7CR, stainless blends1 |
| Cutting feel | Smooth, silent closing; excels at slide/point cuts | Positive feedback, micro-serration grip; excels at blunt/SC over comb |
| Edge life | Shorter between sharpenings but safer for soft finishes | Longer life; tolerates rough handling |
| Maintenance | Requires convex specialist; small adjustments | Easier to service; micro-serrations must be preserved |
| Ideal users | Precision stylists, dry cutters, editorial work | Barbers, students, scissor-over-comb specialists |
Technique Alignment
When to Choose Convex
- Slide cutting and point work: Rounded blades glide through sections without leaving pick marks.2
- Dry finishing: Smooth close prevents pushed hair when detailing bobs or layers.
- Texture creation: Combined with vented or sculpted blades (e.g., Hikari Dry Cut) for whisper-light removal.
When to Choose Beveled
- Blunt and scissor-over-comb: Fuller blades give reassuring feedback and resist deflection.
- Learning environment: Micro-serration grip keeps sections controlled for apprentices.
- Barbering: Longer 6.5–7.0” beveled blades maintain stability behind the comb.
Edge Geometry & Steel Selection
- Convex + high cobalt alloys (Hikari, Mizutani, Fuji) deliver a buttery close but demand factory-level maintenance.
- Beveled + 440C/7CR (Jaguar, Mina, Juntetsu value series) balance cost and edge life while staying easy to service regionally.
- Hybrid semi-convex designs offer a middle ground—soft enough for point work, resilient enough for daily blunt cuts.
Maintenance Considerations
- Schedule convex shears for factory refurbishment every 6–8 months depending on volume; improper sharpening flattens the ride line.
- Beveled shears tolerate local technicians, but micro-serrations must be recreated to preserve grip.
- Track tension adjustments in a maintenance log so sudden shifts signal pivot wear rather than edge failure.
Recommended Pairings
- Precision stylists: Convex main shear (Hikari Cosmos) + matching texturizer.
- Barbers: Beveled 7.0” main shear (Jaguar Gold Line) + convex detailing shear for finishing.
- Apprentices: Affordable beveled set (Mina, Ichiro) while training, then upgrade to convex once technique control is consistent.
Next Steps
- Identify the dominant cutting techniques in your service mix.
- Match a primary edge profile to those techniques, then add a complementary secondary shear.
- Read our Scissor Maintenance Checklist to keep edges performing at their design intent.