JA Henckels Kitchen Shears: Are They Worth Buying?

JA Henckels kitchen shears are among the better shears you can buy in the $20-$40 range. They're built with the same attention to fit and finish that Henckels brings to their knives, and the separating blade design makes cleaning genuinely easy. If you're looking for a reliable pair of kitchen scissors that will last years without loosening or rusting, Henckels International shears deliver that without asking you to spend $60-$80 on a premium pair.

This article covers the main Henckels International shears models, how they perform across common kitchen tasks, and how they compare to other popular options in the same price range.

The Main Henckels International Shears Models

Henckels International offers a few different shears, with the most popular being the Take Apart Kitchen Shears (model 43553-200). This model is the one I see recommended most often, and for good reason.

Take Apart Design

The blades separate completely for washing. This is not a small feature. A lot of cheaper kitchen scissors have seams that trap food residue and bacteria. With the Henckels design, you pull the two halves apart, wash each blade individually, and reassemble in seconds. The joint mechanism is tight enough that the shears don't wobble during use.

Micro-serrated Edge

One blade has a micro-serration that grips slippery materials like fish skin or herbs and prevents sliding. The other blade is straight for general cutting. This combination handles most kitchen tasks better than two plain edges would.

Comfort Grip

The handles are molded plastic with a comfortable grip that works for right-handed use. Left-handed cooks will find the serration falls on the wrong side, which is a common issue with kitchen shears generally. Henckels doesn't make a left-handed version.

What Can You Do With JA Henckels Kitchen Shears?

The simple answer: quite a lot.

Cutting pizza directly on the pan is one of my favorite uses. No rocking a knife on the pan surface, no dragging the blade through toppings, just clean cuts straight down.

Spatchcocking a chicken (removing the backbone) is faster with good shears than with any knife. The Henckels shears have enough blade strength to cut through chicken bone without stalling. They won't handle large beef bones or turkey backbones as cleanly, but for poultry they work well.

Trimming herbs is another area where shears beat knives. Snip chives directly into a dish, cut basil leaves without bruising them on a cutting board, trim green onions in seconds.

Opening packages, cutting butcher's twine, snipping dried pasta to fit a pot, trimming pie crust edges. All of these are faster with kitchen shears than with a knife.

How JA Henckels Shears Compare to Competitors

Against OXO Good Grips shears (typically $20-$25), Henckels International shears have better blade quality and tighter joint construction. OXO shears are fine, but the cutting action feels slightly less crisp over time.

Against Wusthof kitchen shears ($45-$55), the Henckels International shears are a better value. The Wusthof shears have a more premium feel and slightly heavier construction, but for everyday home use the performance difference doesn't justify double the price.

Against KitchenAid and Cuisinart shears in the under-$20 range, Henckels International is clearly better built. Those budget options tend to loosen at the pivot and lose their cutting tension after 6-12 months of regular use.

If you're building a full set, check the Best Henckels Knife Set to see how the shears pair with other Henckels tools, or the Best JA Henckels Knife Set for set pricing.

Maintenance and Care

Separate the blades before washing. Dry each blade thoroughly before reassembling. This prevents moisture from getting trapped at the pivot joint, which is where rust most commonly starts on kitchen shears.

Don't put them in the dishwasher. Henckels says some models are dishwasher safe, but the heat and prolonged moisture still accelerate handle degradation and dulling.

Sharpening kitchen shears is easy with a whetstone if you pull the blades apart. Sharpen each blade at roughly the same angle as the existing bevel. You can also use a pull-through sharpener's slot designed for shears if your sharpener has one.

FAQ

What is the best JA Henckels kitchen shear model? The Take Apart Kitchen Shears (43553-200) is the most consistently recommended model. Henckels also sells spring-assisted shears that are better for people with hand fatigue or arthritis.

Do Henckels kitchen shears come apart for cleaning? Yes. The take-apart models separate at the pivot point, allowing both blades to be washed individually. This is one of their standout features.

Are Henckels kitchen shears left-handed? The standard models are right-handed. The serrated edge is positioned for right-hand dominant grip. Henckels doesn't currently offer a left-handed version.

How long do Henckels kitchen shears last? With proper care (hand washing, drying, occasional sharpening), a pair of Henckels International shears should last 5-10+ years for typical home use.

The Bottom Line

If you're replacing worn-out kitchen scissors or buying your first proper pair, JA Henckels International shears are one of the most reliable options in the $25-$40 price bracket. The take-apart design solves the hygiene problem that plagues cheaper shears, and the blade construction is solid enough to handle poultry and kitchen tasks without feeling underpowered. Buy them once and they'll outlast several pairs of budget scissors.