Shear set for home grooming

[Marcia P Keller]

  

  I really need some advice about purchasing a set of shears.  After doing a search here I decided on Kenchii or Geib.  I called  Kenchii to ask which set might be right for a small mini doodle (20 lbs.) with a heavy wavy coat.   A very patient and helpful agent recommended the Kenchii Loves in the 7 inch size because, unlike the Scorpions, they have off set handles and the thinning shears have some sort of treated surface that doesn't catch.  And they are shorter than the Scorpions. But then I came back here and read in several comments that the Kenchii Loves are terrible and to avoid them.   Are there any recommendations for a good set of shears for home use?  I already have a "highly rated" cheap set from Amazon and they are pretty terrible.  Has anyone tried the Kenchii Loves and what do you think of them?  What other brand and set might be a good choice for one small dog?   Thanks for your help.

[Terri Sassone]

Do you have a grooming supply place near you?  I have very small hands and some of the most highly recommended shears were to big for me to grasp comfortably and too heavy.  I went to a grooming supply company and they let me hold all of the different brands.  It really helped me to decide on a moderately priced clipper set.  I can't remember the name. It's out in the garage somewhere lol.  But honestly, as long as my dog's fur is clean and I can get a wire comb through to the skin, I've found just about any clippers work.  

[Marcia P Keller]

Thanks for your help.   I do not have a grooming place near me but it is a good point.

[Reenieado]

I use the Andis 2 speed.  One of my girls is about 18 lbs but her hair is not tight curls.  I have a Wahl peanut trimmer for her "undercarriage".

[Marcia P Keller]

Thanks!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I haven't tried the Kenchii Loves so I can't help you there. I do have several different brands of shears, however, and after about 4 yrs of grooming my 2 doodles, I find my general go-to shears are Master Grooming Tools Supreme Series, both straight ( 6.5") and curved (7.5).  I just looked them up and they've been discontinued.  That's a bummer. I find I use specific brand shears for different applications on the doodles' bodies. The Master Grooming Tools shears for detail work on their faces, a Stiletto 8" curved shear for around their feet and to shape their tails (and to shape their beards and ears), and a straight 8" Chris Christensen shear for some general use applications. It really comes down to trial and error. You'll inevitably end up with ones you love and use, and ones that don't see much action. For 1 small dog, I would stick with shorter shears between 6.5-7.5" long, with a shorter straight shear and a longer curved shear. You'll definitely want both.

[Marcia P Keller]

Thank you!  This is so helpful especially the sizes.  I will look into Master Grooming and the CC.

[Kathy and Ruby Skye]

Hi Marcia. No help on shear advice, but I just had to comment on what a cute little doodle you have. Looks a lot like my 15 pound girl. I’m wondering if you have already started grooming yours or are just starting out? I’d love to be able to do it myself, but then when I pick her up from the groomer (at $80-$90 a pop) she looks amazing. Did you learn from YouTube? 

Anyway, good luck with your decision on shears!

[Marcia P Keller]

Hi Kathy. Your little girl is adorable.  My little guy is actually 16 pounds but since he's only 7 months I figured he may get to 20.  I am just starting out and have only done trim ups in between professional grooms.  I would like to do it myself because I think it would be fun and our groomer is an hour away.  But mainly because I want to keep him on the longish side. We love that look and I thought it would be easier to maintain if I did some home grooming in between a professional groom now and then.  I am using Youtubes and just trial and error at this point- he looks like a little hooligan as I practice on him but, luckily, we love the ragamuffin look.  It just takes a lot of brushing and combing to maintain and a good set of shears is a must.