Why We Do This: A Letter from Belfast

I’m Dan. I started Quartered Steels in Belfast after years behind the chair with tools that dulled too fast, strained my hand and got in the way of the cut. I wanted shears that felt like a luxury — without a luxury price. So we made them.

Where it started

We’re stylists ourselves, and we’ve always been a little obsessed with our tools. The trouble was that the scissor industry was full of shears that didn’t fit the jobs we actually do every day: edges that folded hair by lunchtime, handles that lifted the elbow on every close, and steel that nobody would put a name to. Investing in quality tools is something tradespeople have always done. We just couldn’t find the ones we wanted at a price working stylists could afford.

So we set out to make the shears we wanted to cut with ourselves — and to put the right shear in your hand for the way you cut.

The shear should disappear in your hand. If you’re thinking about the tool, it isn’t doing its job.

What we promise

1. Honest steel, named on every shear

We tell you exactly what every shear is made of. Our Foundation Series is 440C stainless at 58 HRC: professional steel at an honest price. The Master Series is VG10 at 59 HRC, for refined comfort on high-volume days. And the X Series — our flagship — is AG-16 Cobalt Alloy, with every model shaped around a specific technique.

2. The right shear for the way you cut

We don’t believe in one shear for everyone. A barber working scissor-over-comb, a stylist slide cutting long layers and a trainee on their first week all need something different. That’s why our range is built around techniques — and why we’ll always help you find yours. Start with our guide to choosing the right shear.

3. We’re here for the life of the shear

Every pair carries a lifetime warranty on parts. And because even the best edge wears, our sharpening service in Belfast strips, sharpens, resets and tests any brand of shear — with at least 45 minutes spent on every pair.

Always moving with the industry

Hairdressing never stands still, and neither do we. As techniques evolve, so does the collection: our swivel shears for all-day comfort, the Vasco for dedicated slicing, the Pizarro sets for cutting and no-line blending in one matched pair. We add what the chair is asking for, and we keep what works.

Learn with us

Knowing which shear suits your cutting style isn’t a given — which is why we write The Journal. Our guides cover steel, handles, edges, thinning and care, and our tutorials show the techniques in action.

Today there are more than 20,000 pairs in working hands around the world. Thank you for trusting us with yours. If you ever have a question, reply to any of our emails — it comes straight to me.

Let’s make cutting feel good again.
Dan Wild · Founder, Quartered Steels · Belfast