First Professional Shear Kit Checklist
Everything an Australian apprentice needs to invest smartly—from essential shears and maintenance gear to financing prompts and ROI tracking.
Source baseline: ScissorPedia internal brand archive and JapanShears distributor data — Cross-check manufacturer specification sheets before publishing.
How to Use This Checklist
Use this roadmap during onboarding, TAFE assessments, or when an apprentice graduates from salon-floor loaners. Tick off each section, log receipts in the budget & ROI planner, and keep proof inside your compliance folder.
- Lock in the three-shear core (cutting, texturising, specialty).
- Bundle climate-specific maintenance gear so edges survive Aussie conditions.
- Select financing or payment plan if spreading spend over a few pay cycles.
- Assign training reps and servicing cadences to cement good habits.
Core Shear Line-Up
| Tool | Recommended Specs | Typical AU Street Price* | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Cutter | 5.75"–6.0" convex (VG10) with offset handle | $320 – $480 (Mina Swivel, Juntetsu Offset, Joewell Classic) | Balanced length handles 80% of cuts while teaching proper thumb-only movement. |
| Texturiser / Blender | 30-tooth, polished gutters, offset handle | $250 – $420 (Yasaka YV30, Mina Matte, Jaguar Silver Line) | Delivers soft blends and fringe weight removal without snagging apprentice work. |
| Long Blade | 6.5" beveled or semi-convex sword spine | $280 – $450 (Yasaka 6.5" barber, Kamisori Diablo II, Joewell FZ) | Builds scissor-over-comb confidence and keeps hands clear of clipper lines. |
*Pricing captured October 2025 via authorised Australian distributors; confirm before purchase.
Maintenance & Climate Pack
- Daily care: 70% isopropyl spray, lint-free cloths, shear oil (1–2 drops per service).
- Climate buffer: Silica gel packs, airtight shear case, rechargeable dehumidifier for coastal/tropical shops.
- Sharpening prep: Blade guards, foam tip protectors, shipping mailers for mail-in services.
- Logbook: Printed maintenance checklist from Maintenance Hub signed weekly by mentor.
Financing & ROI Prompts
- Capture initial outlay and servicing cadence in the ROI planner.
- If cash flow is tight, use Afterpay/Zip via Japan Scissors or Scissor Hub but set auto-reminders in the budget sheet.
- Ask employers about tool allowances or payroll deductions to spread spend over 8–12 weeks.
- Plan the first professional sharpening at the three-month mark and budget $80–$90 per convex pair.
Training Checklist
- Review grip and tension basics from the technical knowledge reference.
- Schedule weekly mentor feedback on scissor-over-comb, slide cutting, and blending.
- Log every nick or drop incident and action plan using maintenance protocols.
- Complete shear sharpness test monthly using the inspection workflow.
Compliance Snapshot
- Save purchase receipts and sharpening invoices to brand validation log.
- Photograph blades pre- and post-servicing for insurance records.
- Ensure sanitation products meet state health guidelines (see Australian Market Reference).
- Back up digital invoices to cloud storage shared with shop manager.
Ready for the Next Upgrade?
Once the starter kit is paid off and maintenance logs stay tight, graduate to premium ergonomics like Kamisori swivels or Joewell powder steels. Track the timing in your ROI planner so the business case writes itself.
Explore Advanced Kits