A scissor that is nearly sharp enough is worse than one that is plainly blunt, because it pushes the coat ahead of the blades instead of cutting through it, and you only notice when the finish looks chewed. The Scorpion is built for the groomer working several dogs a day, where an edge that softens by the third dog costs more in time and rework than the tool cost in the first place.

The steel is a superior Japanese alloy stainless, ground to a bevel edge. A bevel holds its sharpness longer than a convex edge and forgives the occasional knock, which is the right trade for a scissor in everyday use rather than one reserved for finishing work. The blade profile is shaped to draw hair into the cut rather than push it forward, so fine silky coats and thick double coats both go through on the first pass instead of needing a second.

• 8-inch blade length for general grooming work
• Superior Japanese alloy stainless steel
• Bevel edge ground to hold its sharpness
• Blade profile shaped to cut across all coat textures
• Built for repeated daily professional use

On upkeep. Any scissor at this level wants oiling at the pivot and wiping down after each dog, because the steel resists corrosion but hair and shampoo residue left sitting in the joint will stiffen the action within weeks. When it eventually needs sharpening, send it to someone who works on bevel-edge grooming scissors, since a general knife service will convert the edge and effectively ruin the tool.

Who it's for: Working groomers and serious home groomers handling poodles, bichon frises, maltese, miniature schnauzers and westies, who need one scissor that copes with every coat on the table.