You’re standing in the kitchen aisle, staring at a wall of stainless steel. You see the little "twin" logo and the "single man" logo. Both say Henckels. One is forty bucks, the other is ten. You're confused. It’s okay. Most people are.
Honestly, buying a pair of JA Henckels kitchen shears should be simple, but the branding is a total maze. If you pick the wrong ones, you’ll be struggling to cut through a simple chicken wing by next Thanksgiving. If you pick the right ones? They might actually outlive your stove.
The Branding Confusion That Trips Everyone Up
Here is the thing nobody tells you: there is a massive difference between "Zwilling" and "Henckels International."
They are owned by the same parent company, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, which has been around since 1731. But they aren't the same tool. The "Zwilling" line (the one with the two-man twin logo) is the premium stuff. We’re talking forged steel, often made in Germany or Italy.
The "Henckels International" line (with the single-man logo) is the value-tier. These are usually stamped steel and often made in China or Spain. Does that mean the single-man version sucks? Not necessarily. It just means you need to know what you’re paying for. If you’re just snipping chives and opening bags of frozen peas, the value line is fine. But if you're trying to spatchcock a turkey? You’ll want the heavy hitters.
Why the Take-Apart Design Is a Non-Negotiable
If you buy kitchen shears that don't come apart, you are basically inviting a science experiment into your knife drawer.
Think about it. You cut raw chicken. The juice gets into the pivot screw. You rinse it, but you can’t really get in there. Two weeks later, there’s a funky smell. The JA Henckels kitchen shears that "take apart" (like the International Take-Apart model) are the gold standard for a reason. You open them wide, they slide into two pieces, and you can actually scrub the hinge.
Most of these are labeled as dishwasher safe. Technically, they are. But if you want them to stay sharp, just hand wash them. High-heat dishwasher cycles and harsh detergents are the fastest way to turn a razor-sharp edge into a butter knife.
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Performance: What They Can Actually Cut
I’ve seen people try to use these as wire cutters in the garage. Please don't.
However, a real pair of Henckels shears is surprisingly beefy. The blades usually feature micro-serrations—tiny little teeth you can barely see. These "grip" the food so it doesn't slide out while you're snipping.
- Poultry: The heavy-duty models can handle backbones, but the standard kitchen shears are better for trimming fat or skin.
- Herbs: They’re great for "chiffonade" if you’re lazy and don't want to bring out the cutting board.
- Pizza: Sounds weird, right? Try it. It’s actually faster than a rolling wheel if you have a thick crust.
- Packaging: This is where they spend 90% of their life. Clamshell packaging stands no chance.
The Nutcracker and Bottle Opener "Features"
Most JA Henckels kitchen shears come with a serrated oval in the middle of the handles. The marketing says it’s a nutcracker or a jar opener.
In reality? It’s okay for cracking a walnut in a pinch, but it’s mostly there to help you grip a stuck twist-off bottle cap. Don't expect to open a vintage wine or crack a 5-pound bag of pecans with it. It’s a "nice to have," not a "must use."
Sharpening: Can You Actually Fix Them?
Eventually, they’ll get dull. It happens to the best of us.
Because one blade is usually serrated and the other is smooth, sharpening them at home is a bit of a nightmare if you aren't experienced. You can't just run them through a standard V-shaped knife sharpener.
The best way to maintain the edge is to use a ceramic honing rod on the beveled (angled) side of the blade only. Never, ever grind the flat side of the blades. The flat sides need to stay perfectly flush so they can "wipe" against each other to cut. If you grind the flat side, you’ll create a gap, and the shears will just fold the paper or meat instead of cutting it.
Common Complaints and What to Watch Out For
No product is perfect. Even the legendary Henckels name has its "meh" moments.
One common gripe with the cheaper International models is the plastic handles. While the stainless steel is decent, the handles can feel a bit light or "hollow." If you have giant hands, the loops can feel a bit cramped during a long session of prepping three chickens for a BBQ.
Another thing is the "separation" feature. Some users find that if they open the shears too wide while cutting something thick, the blades accidentally pop apart. It’s a learning curve. You sort of develop a "muscle memory" for how far they can go before they unhook.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Get?
If you are a casual cook who just wants something better than the "junk drawer" scissors, go for the Henckels International Take-Apart Shears. They usually run under $20 and will do everything you need.
If you are a bit of a kitchen nerd and you value weight and "heft," look for the Zwilling Twin L or the Zwilling Multi-Purpose Shears (the red handle ones). They cost more, but the steel is harder, meaning you won't be looking for a sharpener for a long, long time.
Actionable Maintenance Steps
To keep your shears in top shape, do these three things starting today:
- Dry immediately: Even "stainless" steel can get "tea stains" or rust spots if left sitting in a pool of water in the drying rack.
- The "Bone Check": If you feel the blades "catching" or resisting, stop. You might be hitting a bone that’s too thick. Forcing it will nick the blade.
- Check the Pivot: Once a year, put a single drop of mineral oil (food safe!) on the pivot screw. It’ll make the action feel like brand new.