Everything you need to know about the game shears

Game shears might sound like something for hunters or top chefs, but they're actually a super handy tool for anyone who enjoys working with meat. They're sturdy, powerful kitchen shears specifically designed to effortlessly cut through bones, tendons, and thick skin.

What do you use it for? For cutting poultry, game, ribs, carcasses, and tough bits of bone that regular kitchen scissors or a knife can't handle. Ideal for spatchcocking a chicken, preparing a duck, or neatly processing game.

And the best part: these shears seem small and simple, but they make a huge difference in your kitchen. Less effort, more control, and much more fun while preparing. Small tools, big impact.

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Why a game shears is indispensable

Game shears aren't just any kitchen shears. They're stronger, smarter, and built for real work. Where regular kitchen shears easily get stuck or bend, game shears effortlessly cut through bones and hard parts. You don't need to apply as much force because the hinge system does the work for you.

In addition, you work much more safely and with greater control. With a knife, you have to pry and press, with the risk of slipping. A shear works precisely: cut, done. No slipping, no flying bones, and much less risk of cuts.

The biggest advantage? It's perfect for poultry, game, and tough bones. Think of cutting chicken for spatchcocking, detaching duck breast, preparing ribs, or dissecting game. With game shears, it's quick, clean, and stress-free. A tool that truly delivers power and makes your work much easier.

The best game shears: what makes the difference?

Not all shears are created equal. The best models feel sturdy, cut smoothly, and stay sharp, even after frequent use. The difference lies in a few key details.

Material (stainless steel, hardened steel)

The blades of good game shears are made of stainless steel or hardened steel. Stainless steel is durable, hygienic, and easy to clean. Hardened steel lasts even longer and stays extremely sharp, even when cutting bones.

Good material = years of enjoyment.

Handle and grip

• A game shears should fit comfortably in your hand. Note:
• Non-slip handles (especially useful with wet hands).
• Comfortable shape that does not strain your wrist.
• A firm, stable grip so you don't slip while cutting.

The better the grip, the more precisely and safely you work.

Security lock and hinge system

A safety lock ensures the scissors stay closed when you store them. No surprises when you reach into a drawer. The hinge is just as important: a good hinge system gives you extra leverage, allowing you to cut through hard surfaces with minimal effort.

Cutting power

The best game shears cut:

• Through bones
• Through tendons
• Through thick skin
  
• Through chicken carcasses

…without deforming, getting stuck or clamping.

In short: the best game shears feel sturdy, cut smoothly, and give you just the right amount of power to work safely and quickly. A true must-have for any home chef who enjoys working with meat and poultry.

How do you use game shears?

Using a pair of venison shears is easier than it seems, but with the right technique, it becomes truly child's play. And above all: safe and controlled.

The correct cutting technique

Always start with a firm grip. Place the scissors on the area you want to cut, squeeze gently, and let the hinge system do the work. There's no need to chop or push hard; constant, even pressure works best. Work in small snips if necessary. Especially with large bones, it helps to make a few short cuts instead of one big attempt.

Where you can and cannot cut

A game shears is perfect for:

• Chicken carcasses
• Bones in legs or wings
• Duck, pheasant, pigeon, quail
• Thin ribs

But not intended for:

• Large, solid bones (such as beef or lamb)
• Frozen products
• Very hard bone fragments that require more chopping than cutting

Always use the scissors on tendons, cartilage and thin bone; that is where they excel.

Tips for controlled and safe working

• Place the meat on a stable cutting board.
• Always keep your fingers out of the cutting line (sounds logical, but often goes wrong).
• Cut away from your body.
• Make sure the scissors are clean and sharp, blunt scissors are more likely to slip.
• Use the safety lock when putting down or storing the scissors.

With these simple steps, you'll work quickly, neatly, and without risk. This way, you'll truly get the most out of your shears and your dishes.

For which products do you use game shears?

A pair of game shears is your secret weapon for anything that's just a tad too tough for regular kitchen scissors. Think chicken, duck, and quail: perfect for cutting legs, removing the backbone, or spatchcocking a chicken. You'll work faster and much neater.

Game shears also come into their own with game, such as hare, pheasant, or pigeon. They help you cut open carcasses, remove wings, and neatly divide the meat without having to pry with a knife.

And then there are the real power jobs: ribs, carcasses, and tough bits of bone. Exactly the kind of things a regular knife gets stuck on. With game shears, you can cut through them in a controlled manner, without forcing or messing around.

In short: if you work with poultry or game, game shears are not a luxury; they are an absolute necessity.

Wild shears vs. kitchen shears: the real differences

Kitchen shears and game shears may look similar, but in use, they're completely different. As soon as you work with bones or poultry, you'll immediately see why game shears are the better choice.

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Power

A pair of game shears has much more power than regular kitchen shears. The hinge system provides extra leverage, allowing you to effortlessly cut through bones, cartilage, and thick skin. Kitchen shears are intended for herbs, packaging, and small jobs, not for serious cutting.

Stability

Game shears are heavier, more robust, and built to resist twisting when you apply force. Kitchen shears can easily bend or jam when you squeeze harder. With game shears, the movement remains stable and controlled, even with thick pieces.

Safety and grip

The handles of game shears are designed for a firm, non-slip grip. This reduces the risk of slipping, even with wet hands. Many game shears also have a safety lock for safe storage.

Regular kitchen scissors usually lack these extra safety features.

When which is useful

Use kitchen scissors for:

• Cutting herbs
• Opening packages
• Light kitchen chores

Use a game shears for:

• Chicken, duck, quail
• Game such as pheasant, hare or pigeon
• Cutting carcasses
• Ribs or tough pieces of bone

Cleaning and maintenance

A pair of game shears will last for years... if you maintain them properly. Fortunately, that's not difficult at all.

Always wash the shears by hand immediately after use. Warm water, a little dish soap, and a soft brush work perfectly. Pay extra attention to the hinges and the inside of the blades, as grease or meat often accumulates there. Dry the shears immediately to prevent rust. Tip: Some models can be disassembled. This makes cleaning even easier.

How to keep it sharp

• Game shears stay sharp longest if you:
• Don't try to cut hard, solid bones
• After washing, lightly grease the leaves with a drop of vegetable oil
• Store the scissors safely, preferably with the safety lock closed

Are your shears getting a bit dull after a while? Many game shears can be carefully sharpened or you can refine them yourself with a fine sharpening steel.

How often should you check for wear and tear

Check your game shears occasionally for:

• Play in the hinge
• Bite marks in the leaves
• Rust spots
• Reduced cutting force

If you use your shears frequently for poultry or game, check them about once a month. If you use them less often, once a season is sufficient.

With proper maintenance, your shears will stay strong, sharp, and safe—exactly what you need in the kitchen.