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OXO Good Grips Poultry Shears are the best choice for most cooks. They combine sharp micro-serrated blades, controlled spring assistance, comfortable non-slip handles, a bone-gripping notch, and take-apart construction for cleaning. HENCKELS is a solid dedicated alternative, Misen is the better choice if you want one pair of shears for many kitchen jobs, and Shun’s DM7300 is the premium multifunctional option.
These recommendations are based on hands-on testing reported by Reviewed and Food Network, plus current manufacturer specifications. Reviewed evaluated poultry shears for sharpness, grip, comfort, spring tension, cleaning, and storage-lock design. Food Network tested kitchen shears by spatchcocking a whole chicken, cutting chives, cleaning the shears according to manufacturer instructions, and cracking walnuts. The testing was performed by those publications—not by this site.
Best poultry shears at a glance
| Pick | Best for | Key reason to choose it | Approximate price checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips Poultry Shears | Best overall | Dedicated poultry design, controlled spring action, and easy take-apart cleaning | $29.99 |
| HENCKELS Poultry Shears | Value-oriented dedicated shears | Sturdy poultry blades, padded grip, dishwasher-safe claim, and lifetime warranty claim | $39.99 |
| Misen Kitchen Shears | Best versatile kitchen shears | Strong performance on chicken while remaining useful for herbs, packaging, parchment, and pizza | $34 |
| Shun Multi-Purpose Shears DM7300 | Best premium multifunctional option | Japanese construction, take-apart blades, bone notch, and extra household-tool functions | $59.95 sale price; $75 regular price |
Prices and availability are snapshots from the manufacturer information reviewed for this article. They can change, and a retailer listing should be checked for the exact model before purchase.
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1. OXO Good Grips Poultry Shears: best overall
Verdict: Choose the OXO Good Grips Poultry Shears if you mainly want a purpose-built tool for spatchcocking chickens, sectioning poultry, trimming skin and fat, and cutting through poultry joints and relatively thin bones.
Reviewed named OXO its best overall poultry shear after testing sharpness, grip, comfort, spring tension, cleaning, and the locking mechanism. The tester reported that the shears could handle chicken backbones one-handed. The thickest part of a turkey breastbone could require two hands, so this is not a promise that the tool will effortlessly cut every large or thick bone.
#1 Best Overall
- Professional-Grade Durability & Corrosion Resistance: Forged with rust-proof molybdenum-vanadium steel and precision-tempered 3.5mm blades, these poultry shears cut through poultry bones effortlessly. The corrosion-resistant coating prevents stains, while industrial-grade aluminum handles withstand 10x more pressure than regular scissors.
- Lock-Safe & One-Handed Mastery: Kitchen shears engineered with a thumb-activated safety lock that clicks securely in 0.2 seconds - 3X faster than standard locks. Prevents accidental openings during storage, while the spring-loaded mechanism enables greasy-fingerproof one-handed operation.
- Multi-Task Like a Pro Chef: MAD SHARK Hevy duty kitchen shears can master every kitchen challenge! Debone poultry, crack walnuts (built-in nutcracker!), scale fish, cut pizza crusts, trim pastry dough, snip herbs/bacon, clean shrimp, and even open cans. No tool swaps needed - includes fish scaler edge and lifetime sharpness guarantee.
- Engineered for Fatigue-Free Control: Kitchen scissors with ergonomic non-slip handles and thumb rest reduce hand strain, even during 30+ minute meal preps.Tested by chefs with XXL hands - 89% reported "zero readjustments needed" during 5-hour BBQ marathons.
- Easy Maintenance & Thoughtful Packaging: This dishwasher-safe meat scissors is easy to clean, saving you time and effort. Elegantly packaged, it makes a perfect gift for culinary enthusiasts eager to elevate their cooking skills. It is also the best choice for gifts on Mother's Day, Father's Day, Halloween, Christmas, friends' birthdays, etc.
The current OXO specifications list curved, tapered stainless-steel blades, micro-serration, a notch that helps secure bones, non-slip handle surfaces, a bolster and handle loop intended to reduce hand slippage, a storage lock, and take-apart construction. The shears are listed at 9.5 inches overall, with SKU 1072292. The price checked was $29.99.
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Trade-off: Reviewed characterized OXO as somewhat more expensive than some competing poultry shears. Its cleanability, grip, and tested performance make the premium reasonable for cooks who use poultry shears regularly, but occasional users may prefer a less specialized or more versatile pair.
2. HENCKELS Poultry Shears: best value-oriented dedicated option
Verdict: HENCKELS is a good fit for cooks who want dedicated poultry shears with sturdy blades, a padded handle, dishwasher-safe care instructions from the manufacturer, and a stated lifetime warranty.
Reviewed included the J.A. Henckels International Poultry Shears among its favorites. Its tester found that the shears performed well on chicken and turkey and cut poultry bones easily. The padded handle was comfortable during use.
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The independent test also found meaningful weaknesses: the shears had more difficulty with raw chicken skin than OXO, the handles opened wider than ideal for some users, and the lock loosened over time. Those findings matter because a poultry shear must control slippery skin as well as cut joints. A strong blade alone does not make a tool comfortable or precise.
Rank #2
- Curved, tapered design is precision-engineered to access hard-to-reach spots
- Stainless steel, micro-serrated blades are notched to hold bones in place for cutting
- Blades separate for easy cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher
- Spring-loaded handles offer extra leverage while reducing hand strain
- Non-slip handles provide a secure, comfortable grip
HENCKELS’ current US product page lists the model simply as Poultry Shears, describes corrosion-resistant stainless-steel construction and a non-slip grip, and states that the shears are dishwasher safe. The page checked listed them at $39.99 and in stock. It also states that the shears have a lifetime warranty. Confirm the warranty terms and the exact model number—research associated this recommendation with model 11503-001-0—before buying.
Trade-off: HENCKELS is not the strongest pick here for gripping raw skin, based on Reviewed’s test, and the reported lock issue keeps it from taking the top spot. It remains a sensible dedicated option if sturdy poultry cutting and the manufacturer’s dishwasher-safe guidance are higher priorities than maximum skin control.
3. Misen Kitchen Shears: best versatile kitchen-shear option
Verdict: Buy Misen Kitchen Shears if you want one pair that can spatchcock a chicken but also handle herbs, parchment, pizza, packaging, and other everyday kitchen work.
The Tool Desk
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Misen describes these as kitchen shears rather than traditional poultry shears. Current product information lists micro-serrated German-steel blades, a 20-degree blade angle, textured rubber handles, ambidextrous use, and take-apart construction for hand cleaning. Misen’s collection listed standard shears at $34 and a two-size set at $59 when checked.
The distinction is important: Misen earned this recommendation through a broader kitchen-shear test that included cutting up a whole chicken, not through the same poultry-specific test used for OXO and HENCKELS. Its versatility is the point. If you only want a tool for poultry joints and backbones, a dedicated poultry shear may be more natural in the hand. If you want to avoid keeping multiple specialized tools in a drawer, Misen is the more flexible choice.
Rank #3
- Professional-Grade Durability & Corrosion Resistance: Forged with rust-proof molybdenum-vanadium steel and precision-tempered 3.5mm blades, these poultry shears cut through poultry bones effortlessly. The corrosion-resistant coating prevents stains, while industrial-grade aluminum handles withstand 10x more pressure than regular scissors.
- Lock-Safe & One-Handed Mastery: Kitchen shears engineered with a thumb-activated safety lock that clicks securely in 0.2 seconds - 3X faster than standard locks. Prevents accidental openings during storage, while the spring-loaded mechanism enables greasy-fingerproof one-handed operation.
- Multi-Task Like a Pro Chef: MAD SHARK Hevy duty kitchen shears can master every kitchen challenge! Debone poultry, crack walnuts (built-in nutcracker!), scale fish, cut pizza crusts, trim pastry dough, snip herbs/bacon, clean shrimp, and even open cans. No tool swaps needed - includes fish scaler edge and lifetime sharpness guarantee.
- Engineered for Fatigue-Free Control: Kitchen scissors with ergonomic non-slip handles and thumb rest reduce hand strain, even during 30+ minute meal preps.Tested by chefs with XXL hands - 89% reported "zero readjustments needed" during 5-hour BBQ marathons.
- Easy Maintenance & Thoughtful Packaging: This dishwasher-safe meat scissors is easy to clean, saving you time and effort. Elegantly packaged, it makes a perfect gift for culinary enthusiasts eager to elevate their cooking skills. It is also the best choice for gifts on Mother's Day, Father's Day, Halloween, Christmas, friends' birthdays, etc.
Trade-off: Misen advises against dishwasher cleaning. Food Network’s testers found hand-washing easy, but you should plan to wash and dry these by hand rather than assume dishwasher compatibility.
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Verdict: Shun’s DM7300 is for shoppers who want a premium Japanese-made shear with poultry capability and several extra kitchen and household functions.
Shun identifies the DM7300 as a 9-inch multi-purpose shear with partially serrated Japanese 420J2 stainless-steel blades, a bone notch, non-slip elastomer grips, and take-apart blades. The product is explicitly described for uses including spatchcocking. Its additional functions include a nutcracker, jar opener, lid lifter, and screwdriver.
Shun’s product page listed a regular price of $75, a special price of $59.95, and in-stock status when checked. The 2026 Shun/Kai catalog also identifies the DM7300 as a multi-purpose shear with a bone notch and notes that the brand’s shears separate for easier cleaning.
These documented specifications support a premium versatility recommendation, not a claim that Shun outcuts OXO or HENCKELS in a directly comparable poultry-shear test. The available evidence does not include an equivalent 2026 independent, poultry-specific head-to-head test placing Shun above the two dedicated models.
Trade-off: You pay substantially more for the construction and extra functions. If you already own a jar opener, nutcracker, and other basic tools—and mostly spatchcock chickens—the cheaper OXO is likely the more focused purchase.
Rank #4
- More Robust and Durable: SimCoker poultry shears are made of durable, tougher, more corrosion-resistant stainless steel that is thicker and lasts longer than regular kitchen scissors. Combined with a thicker spring and sharper blade design, the shear is easy to use
- Heavy Duty Poultry Shears: Food scissors can be used to cut all kinds of vegetables, meats, fruits, noodles, seafood, pizza, barbecue food and so on. It can also easily cut ribs, chicken bones, etc. The slippery teeth marks design can be used to scrape fish scales. SimCoker kitchen scissors for food will be a good helper in your kitchen
- Super Easy to Cut: With a razor-sharp edge which definitely makes cutting effortless for all food. 3CR14 Stainless Steel is extremely hard, has excellent corrosion resistance, and has high wear resistance, Rockwell to 54+-2, it's built for a long last 3.5 mm blade thickness really enhanced its cutting performance, and made the heavy duty poultry shears unbreakable
- Spring Loaded Design and Anti-slip Ergonomic Handle: Unique design for saving efforts during cutting, rebound after every cut making easily poultry scissors outperforming all the cutting tasks, allowing you to hold the shears more easily quick reuse. Added a lot of non-slip design on the sure grip with a comfortable ABS-made handle. There is safety lock on the cooking scissors to ensure that you will not be injured during use
- Ideal Gift: SimCoker meat scissors for kitchen use is a good option for professionals and home use, it's also an ideal gift option for friends and families.
How to choose the right poultry shears
Dedicated poultry shears or general kitchen shears?
Dedicated poultry shears generally prioritize curved or tapered blades, a bone-gripping notch or serrations, spring assistance, non-slip handles, and a storage lock. These features are useful when working around joints, skin, and poultry backbones.
General kitchen shears can be the better choice when poultry preparation is only one of several jobs. Misen, for example, was tested on a whole chicken as well as chives and walnuts, and is documented for tasks such as cutting parchment, pizza, and packaging. Shun extends that broader-tool approach with household functions.
Look for control, not just maximum sharpness
Raw poultry is slippery. Micro-serrated or partially serrated edges can help the blades hold skin rather than pushing it away. A spring-assisted opening action can reduce hand fatigue, but the spring must not make the handles awkward to control. A non-slip grip and a handle that fits your hand are at least as important as a high sharpness claim.
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Prioritize cleaning design
Take-apart construction is a practical food-safety feature, not merely a convenience. Raw poultry can contaminate the hinge, blade junction, and handle-side crevices. OXO, Misen, and Shun have separable or take-apart designs documented in the available sources. HENCKELS states that its shears are dishwasher safe, but dishwasher safety does not eliminate the need to inspect the hinge and ensure all food residue is removed.
Match the shear to the poultry you prepare
These tools are suited to spatchcocking, trimming skin and fat, sectioning joints, and cutting relatively thin poultry bones. Do not interpret a poultry shear recommendation as evidence that a model is intended for large mammal bones or every thick section of a turkey. For a thick turkey breastbone, even the Reviewed test of OXO found that two hands could be necessary.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to use poultry shears safely
- Stabilize the bird. Place the chicken or turkey breast-side down on a stable cutting board. Keep your non-cutting hand clear of the blades.
- Cut alongside the backbone. Use the tips to start where appropriate, then use the stronger portion of the blades for the backbone and joints. Work in short, controlled squeezes instead of forcing the handles through resistance.
- Stop at unusually heavy resistance. Reposition the bird or use both hands when needed. Do not twist aggressively, since that can reduce control and put stress on the hinge.
- Separate joints where possible. Poultry shears are most predictable on joints and relatively thin bones. If you encounter a thick section that does not yield with controlled pressure, do not treat the shears as a substitute for a suitable heavy-duty tool.
- Clean immediately after raw poultry. Disassemble the shears if the design allows it, wash every food-contact surface, rinse thoroughly, and dry promptly.
Care and food-safety checklist
- Clean the shears completely after every use with raw poultry.
- Pay special attention to the hinge, serrations, bone notch, and any area where the blades separate.
- Follow the model’s own care instructions: HENCKELS states dishwasher safe; Misen advises against dishwasher cleaning; the cited OXO and Shun information establishes take-apart cleaning but does not establish dishwasher safety.
- Dry the blades and hinge promptly to reduce the chance of corrosion and keep the lock and spring working properly.
- Store the shears closed and locked when the design provides a storage lock.
- Do not use the same unwashed shears on ready-to-eat food after handling raw poultry.
Which one should you buy?
Choose OXO for the best balance of dedicated poultry performance, grip, spring control, and cleanability. Choose HENCKELS if you want another dedicated option and value its stated dishwasher-safe construction and lifetime warranty, while accepting the weaker raw-skin performance reported by Reviewed. Choose Misen if versatility matters more than a purpose-built poultry profile. Choose Shun DM7300 if you want premium construction and useful extra functions and are comfortable paying more.
Best Value
- 3.5" steel blades
- Serrated blades to take on tough materials
- Locking blades for safety when storing.
- The serrations and specially designed handle will make quick work of breaking down poultry
- Features locking blades for safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Are poultry shears better than kitchen scissors for spatchcocking?
Usually, yes. Purpose-built poultry shears typically add features such as curved or tapered blades, spring assistance, bone-gripping serrations or a notch, non-slip handles, and a lock. A strong general kitchen shear can also work: Food Network’s test found Misen effective on a whole chicken, but Misen is still a general kitchen shear rather than a dedicated poultry model.
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Can these shears cut through a turkey breastbone?
They can handle many poultry joints and relatively thin bones, but do not assume any model will effortlessly cut every turkey breastbone. Reviewed reported that OXO handled chicken backbones one-handed, while the thickest part of a turkey breastbone could require two hands.
Which poultry shears are easiest to clean?
Take-apart designs are generally easiest to clean because they expose the hinge and blade junction. OXO, Misen, and Shun have separable or take-apart construction documented in the available sources. HENCKELS states that its shears are dishwasher safe, but you should still check the hinge and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Are Misen Kitchen Shears dishwasher safe?
Misen advises against dishwasher cleaning. Hand-wash them, rinse away raw-poultry residue, and dry them promptly.
Is Shun DM7300 the best poultry shear?
It is the best premium multifunctional pick in this guide, not the independently tested overall winner. Shun documents a bone notch, partially serrated blades, take-apart construction, and spatchcocking use, but the available research does not provide a comparable 2026 poultry-specific test placing it above OXO or HENCKELS.
The Bottom Line
For most poultry-focused cooks, buy OXO. Its tested grip and cutting performance, controlled spring action, storage lock, and take-apart blades give it the strongest all-around case. Pick HENCKELS for a dedicated alternative, Misen for broader kitchen usefulness, or Shun DM7300 for premium materials and multifunctional features.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
