Convex grind
The outer face curves down to a very fine edge. The inner face is hollowed, so the blades only touch where they cross.
Hair Scissor Blades Explained: Convex, Serrated and Sword
Convex, bevelled, micro-serrated, sword and bamboo-leaf blades: what each one does, which cut it suits, and how to read the blade words on a listing.
By SalonScissors editorial team Updated
A blade description covers three things: the grind, the edge finish and the shape.
How we chose: One pick per blade type from our range, chosen on maker specs, listings and price. We sell them and haven’t run cutting tests. Prices checked 15 October 2026.
Grind: convex or bevelled?
Bevelled grind
The outer face is ground flat down to the edge. Joewell calls its flat single bevel easy to use.
Each grind is drawn as one blade cut across, enlarged. Makers explain their own: Kasho’s edge and Joewell’s blade guide.
Jaguar describes a convex edge as curved outward with “a very fine, pointed cutting angle”: it’s the smoothest choice for slide and point cutting. A bevelled grind is flat down to the edge, and Joewell calls its flat single bevel “easy to use”. Semi-convex sits between the two: KAI lists semi-convex blades on the Kasho Design Master. Our convex edge guide compares them in more depth.
Finish: smooth or micro-serrated?
A smooth edge lets hair glide, which slide cutting needs. A micro-serrated edge has tiny teeth that, in Jaguar’s words, make sure the hair “is held securely during cutting and does not slip away”. That suits blunt lines on wet hair and scissor-over-comb, and works against you when you slide.
Some scissors mix the two: Jaguar describes pairs where one blade is micro-serrated and the other is honed smooth.
Micro-serration
Tiny teeth along the edge grip the hair so it doesn’t slip as the blades close. They’re far smaller than a thinner’s teeth.
Sword blade
A raised ridge runs along the blade. Joewell says a sword shape delivers the power to the point of the blade.
Shape: straight, curved or sword?
Joewell names three blade lines in its blade guide:
- Straight: “the straighter the blade, the easier it is to hold hair for cutting without having the hair slide.”
- Willow: Joewell’s ordinary, gently curved line.
- Bamboo leaf: the most curved, “suitable for slide cuts and slicing.”
A sword blade is about the ridge along it, not the line. Joewell says the sword shape means “the power is delivered to the point of the blade.” Its FX PRO has a sword flat blade.
Which blade suits which job?
| Job | Blade to choose |
|---|---|
| Slide cutting | Convex edge on a curved blade |
| Point cutting and soft texture | Convex edge with fine tips |
| A blunt bob on wet hair | Micro-serrated or bevelled |
| Scissor-over-comb | Long, straight and micro-serrated |
| Mixed salon work | Semi-convex |
Common questions
What’s the best blade for slide cutting?
A convex edge on a curved blade, such as Joewell’s bamboo-leaf Bamboo. Avoid micro-serrated blades for slide cutting: they’re made to stop the hair moving.
Are serrated scissors good?
Yes, for the right jobs. Micro-serration grips the hair, which helps blunt lines on wet hair and scissor-over-comb. It isn’t the same as a thinner’s teeth, which are far bigger.
What is a sword blade?
A blade with a raised ridge along it. Joewell says the shape delivers the power to the point. The edge can still be convex or bevelled, so read that separately.
Can a scissor have just one serrated blade?
Yes. Jaguar describes scissors with one micro-serrated blade and the other honed smooth, which adds some grip without serrating both.
Next step
Choosing an edge for the cuts you do most? The convex edge guide makes one pick per edge type, and the cutting technique guide matches blades to strokes.
Comparing scissors for your kit?
Tell us what you cut and which scissors you are comparing.
Useful next reading
Read all blog posts
Japanese vs German Hair Scissors: Which Suits You?
Japanese scissors suit slicing and fine detail; German scissors suit blunt lines and over-comb work. How the edges differ and when to choose each.
Types of Hairdressing Scissors and When to Use Each
Cutters, thinners, texturisers and long barber scissors: what each type does, when you need it, and one real pick with its price for every type.