The difference between a chore and a ritual lies entirely in the quality of your grooming tools. Our 1878 Black Label Shears are designed for a premium ergonomic feel and unrivaled durability.
When you choose fine craftsmanship over mass-produced plastic and low-grade metal, you transform grooming into a statement of intent. Your morning becomes more mindful, putting you in the right space to approach your day with purpose and intent.
Learn how a premium beard trimming tool stands out, and follow our steel shears maintenance tips to make your investment last.
1878 Black Label Shears – Why These are the Essential Beard Grooming Shears
Elevate every morning with the highest-quality grooming shears based on the designs carried by 19th-century cavalry officers. Our 1878 Black Label Shears by Beard & Bates are designed to last a lifetime with care.
· Made with the finest J2 420 Japanese Steel.
· Heat-treated to maintain a consistent edge without sharpening.
· 5” traditional design, perfect for a gentleman’s beard. (Blade lengths from the pivot point to the tip are TSA-friendly. You could carry your shears in a full-grain leather toiletry bag.)
· Adjustable tensioning system.
· Custom leather holster.
· Elegant black anodized and gold-accented finish. They look and feel luxurious.
Men’s grooming is essential to maintain the look and discipline of a gentleman. These shears can make your daily ritual even easier.
Care Protocol: Essential Steps for Steel Shears Maintenance
Follow a cavalry commander’s approach to traditional tool maintenance to preserve a factory-sharp edge on your grooming shears.
How to keep steel shears sharp for a lifetime:
· Perform an Immediate Post-Trim Cleanse: Beard hair contains oils and moisture, which can damage even the best steel over time. Wipe your shears down after each use with a high-quality microfiber cloth.
· Oil the Tensioning System Once a Month: Oiling the tensioning system provides lubrication and protects against moisture. Use an acid-free oil. A drop is enough to protect the tensioning crevice.
· Calibrate the Tension as Needed: The tensioning screw adjusts the ergonomic feel and makes your shears safer to use. Overtighten the screw, and your shears will cause more hand fatigue and could wear out as the opposing blades scrape together. If the screw is too loose, the blades will fold the hair rather than cut it. Properly tensioned shears feel like surgical instruments. Hold the shears by one handle, lift the opposing handle to 90 degrees, and let it fall. The tension is perfect when it stops around halfway closed.
· Sterilize Without Oxidation: Hygiene is paramount, and attention to detail is the mark of a true gentleman. However, you should never soak specialized J2 420 steel in water. Use at least a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution to sanitize your shears. This kills bacteria and evaporates quickly, leaving no residue behind.
· Use the Included Holster: Never leave high-quality shears loose in a drawer. Return them to the leather holster after use and cleaning. This prevents edges from knocking against other metal items.
These tips are ideal for our Black Label Shears or any high-quality beard trimming shears.
What Can Go Wrong with Professional Shears?
Even the best steel shears can be compromised by neglect. Our care protocol will prevent these common problems with professional beard shears.
· Pitting and Corrosion: Trapped moisture causes pitting. This is most common in the crevice of the tensioning screw. Performance is compromised once pitting occurs.
· Impact Burrs: Dropping shears on a hard surface can roll the edges, causing nicks that ruin precision. Handle your beard shears purposefully and with care to prevent damage.
· Abrasive Contamination: Never use grooming shears to cut anything other than facial hair. Cutting seemingly soft materials like paper or cardboard is dangerous, as these often contain abrasive silicates that can dull even the best J2 420 steel.
· Springing the Blades: Cutting through thick materials can “spring” the tension adjustment, requiring recalibration. Our 1878 Black Label Shears feature an adjustable tension screw, so you can always reset them.
· Product Build-Up: Residues from beard oil, styling balm, wax, and other grooming products can gum up on the blades and finger rests. Keep the ergonomic handle of your shears clean to maintain a consistent and safe grip. The best practice is to trim a clean, dry beard before applying your favorite beard oil, conditioner, or wax. This ensures the shears only encounter hair, not sticky residue.
Do You Need a Sharpening Service for Grooming Shears?
Some grooming shears require frequent sharpening, especially when they’re used professionally in a salon or barbershop. 1878 Black Label Shears by Beard & Bates are designed to maintain their sharpness for a lifetime when used at home.
· Our Black Label Shears are made from the highest-quality Japanese steel with a Rockwell 55-56 hardness rating.
· They won’t lose their edge after a few months, as most household scissors will. They are designed to remain sharp with regular, non-commercial use.
If you have other shears in your collection that have dulled over time, you could look for a professional blade service that offers “hollow-grind” sharpening to reset the factory edge. You will never have to do this with our men’s grooming shears.
Curated Provisions for the Modern Gentleman
An essential beard grooming tool is one part of a potential toolkit to upgrade your lifestyle and carry yourself as a gentleman. We maintain a highly curated collection of men’s provisions ranging from elegant timepieces to luxurious leather goods that tell a story as they patina with age.
Browse and order your men’s style accessories and grooming products online or visit our boutique at 308 Main St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777.