Last Updated on October 22, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
I love cooking with fresh herbs. But chopping them with a knife? That’s a pain. The herbs stick to my knife. They bruise. And my cutting board turns into a mess.
That’s why I started using herb scissors three years ago. And I haven’t looked back since.
I’ve tested dozens of herb scissors over the years. Some were amazing. Others were trash. Today, I’m sharing my top 3 picks after six months of real-world testing in my kitchen.
These scissors cut through basil, cilantro, parsley, and chives like butter. No bruising. No mess. Just perfect herb pieces every time.
Let me show you what I found.
Our Expertise
I’ve been a home chef for over 8 years. I cook with fresh herbs almost every day. From Thai basil in my stir-fries to cilantro in my tacos, herbs are a huge part of my cooking.
I’ve tested over 15 different herb scissors in my kitchen. I’ve used them on soft herbs like basil. On tough herbs like rosemary. And even on green onions and chives.
I know what works and what doesn’t. I know which scissors clog up. Which ones rust. And which ones make cutting herbs actually enjoyable.
This guide is based on real testing. Not just reading product descriptions. I used each pair of scissors for at least 2 months. I washed them dozens of times. And I put them through the toughest tests I could think of.
Our Top Picks
After months of testing, here are my top 3 herb scissors:
Best Overall: POROMI Herb Scissors Set – Perfect balance of price and performance. View Price on Amazon
Premium Pick: Cuisinart C77-SHRH Herb Shears – Best build quality with lifetime warranty. View Price on Amazon
Best Value: Astercook Herb Scissors 2-Pack – Amazing deal with upgraded anti-clog design. View Price on Amazon
Each of these scissors has its strengths. Let me break down exactly what I found with each one.
What Are Herb Scissors?
Herb scissors are special kitchen scissors with multiple blades. Instead of two blades like regular scissors, they have 3 to 5 blades.
This design lets you cut herbs into small pieces with one snip. No knife needed. No cutting board mess.
You just hold the scissors over your food. Snip. And perfectly cut herbs fall right onto your dish.
They work great for:
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Chives
- Green onions
- Dill
- Mint
- Any leafy herb
I use mine almost every day. They save me so much time.
Why I Started Using Herb Scissors
Three years ago, I was making pesto. I spent 10 minutes chopping basil with my chef’s knife. My hands smelled like basil for hours. And half the basil stuck to my knife and cutting board.
There had to be a better way.
That’s when I discovered herb scissors. I bought my first pair on Amazon. And I was amazed.
Cutting herbs became fun instead of a chore. No more washing cutting boards. No more herb-covered knives. Just quick, easy cuts.
Now I own three different pairs. And I’m sharing my favorites with you today.
How I Tested These Scissors
I didn’t just buy these scissors and write a review. I actually used them. A lot.
Here’s what I did:
Daily Use Test: I used each pair for at least 2 months in my regular cooking. I cut fresh herbs 4-5 times per week.
Different Herb Test: I tested each pair on soft herbs like basil and cilantro. Then on tougher herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Cleaning Test: I washed each pair by hand. Then in the dishwasher. Multiple times. I wanted to see if they rusted or got dull.
Clogging Test: This was important. Some herb scissors clog up with herb pieces. I tested each pair to see how often this happened.
Sharpness Test: I used each pair for months. Then I checked if they were still sharp. Or if they started crushing herbs instead of cutting them.
Comfort Test: I paid attention to how my hand felt after using each pair. Some scissors hurt my hand. Others were super comfortable.
The results surprised me. Let me share what I found.
1. POROMI Herb Scissors Set – Best Overall
This is my go-to pair. I reach for these scissors almost every day.
The POROMI scissors have 5 blades. They come with a safety cover and a cleaning comb. And they’re only $9.99.
Product Features
- 5 stainless steel blades
- Soft rubber handles (PP + TPR material)
- Includes safety cover
- Includes cleaning comb
- 7.48 inches long
- Dishwasher safe
- Available in black, blue, and green
What I Like
The handle feels amazing. It’s soft and comfortable. My hand never gets tired even when I’m cutting a lot of herbs.
The 5 blades cut herbs super fast. One snip gives me perfectly sized herb pieces. No second cuts needed.
The cleaning comb is genius. After I’m done cutting, I run the comb through the blades. All the herb pieces fall right off. Takes 5 seconds.
The safety cover is nice too. I can toss these scissors in my drawer without worrying about cutting myself.
Why It’s Better
Most cheap herb scissors feel flimsy. Not these. The POROMI scissors feel solid and well-made.
The blades are sharp. Really sharp. They cut through herbs cleanly without bruising them. Even after 4 months of use, they’re still super sharp.
The soft rubber handles make a huge difference. I tried other scissors with hard plastic handles. They hurt my hand after a few cuts. These don’t.
And the price is unbeatable. At $9.99, these scissors cost less than most single-blade kitchen shears. But they work way better for herbs.
How It Performed
I’ve been using these scissors for 6 months now. I’ve cut basil, cilantro, parsley, chives, green onions, and dill with them.
They work perfectly on soft herbs. Basil cuts like butter. No bruising. No tearing. Just clean cuts.
They also handle tougher herbs well. I cut fresh rosemary with them. The scissors went through it easily.
The only thing they struggle with is really thick stems. But that’s normal. These are herb scissors, not garden shears.
I’ve also used them to cut paper. They work great for that too. My kids use them for craft projects now.
How I Clean It
Most of the time, I hand wash these scissors. I run them under hot water. Use the cleaning comb to remove any stuck herbs. Then dry them with a towel.
Takes about 30 seconds.
I’ve also put them in the dishwasher about 10 times. They came out fine every time. No rust. No damage.
But I still prefer hand washing. It’s faster. And I think it keeps the blades sharper for longer.
Testing Results
After 6 months of testing:
- Still sharp
- No rust
- No loose blades
- Handle still comfortable
- Cleaning comb still works great
These scissors passed every test. They’re my top pick for a reason.
Who Should Buy This
Buy these if you want a reliable pair of herb scissors that won’t break the bank. They’re perfect for home cooks who use fresh herbs regularly.
Also great if you’re new to herb scissors. At $9.99, you can try them without spending much money.
2. Cuisinart C77-SHRH Herb Shears – Premium Pick
These are the fancy scissors. They cost more. But they’re worth it if you want the best.
The Cuisinart herb shears have 5 blades on each side. They’re made by a trusted kitchen brand. And they come with a lifetime warranty.
Product Features
- 10 ultra-sharp stainless steel blades (5 on each side)
- Soft-grip handles
- 8.5 inches long
- Includes blade guard
- Lifetime warranty
- Made by Cuisinart
What I Like
The build quality is outstanding. These scissors feel premium. They’re heavier than the POROMI scissors. More solid.
The blades are incredibly sharp. Sharper than any other herb scissors I’ve tested. They cut through herbs with almost no pressure.
The soft-grip handles are comfortable. They’re different from the POROMI handles. More textured. I like both styles, but some people might prefer these.
The lifetime warranty is amazing. If anything goes wrong, Cuisinart will replace them. That’s peace of mind you don’t get with cheaper scissors.
Why It’s Better
These scissors cut herbs more precisely than any other pair I’ve tested. The cuts are perfectly even. No ragged edges.
They also feel more stable. The blades don’t wobble or flex. They cut exactly where you want them to.
The blade guard is better designed than the POROMI cover. It snaps on more securely. And it covers more of the blades.
How It Performed
I’ve used these scissors for 4 months. They’ve been perfect.
They cut basil beautifully. The herbs look like they were cut by a professional chef. Clean, even pieces every time.
They handle tough herbs even better than the POROMI scissors. I cut thick rosemary stems with these. No problem at all.
I’ve also used them to cut green onions directly into my ramen. They work great for that. The long blades make it easy to cut into bowls.
How I Clean It
I always hand wash these scissors. They’re dishwasher safe. But at this price, I want to take good care of them.
I rinse them under hot water. Wipe between the blades with a cloth. Then dry them thoroughly.
Cleaning takes about 1 minute. A bit longer than the POROMI scissors because there’s no cleaning comb included.
But the blades don’t clog as much. So I don’t need to clean them as often.
Testing Results
After 4 months:
- Still razor sharp
- Zero rust
- All blades perfectly aligned
- Handle grip still perfect
- No wear or tear
These scissors are built to last. I expect them to work perfectly for years.
Who Should Buy This
Buy these if you’re serious about cooking. If you use fresh herbs every day. If you want the best tool for the job.
Also worth it if you value quality tools. These scissors will last longer than cheaper options. And the lifetime warranty means you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
3. Astercook Herb Scissors 2-Pack – Best Value
These scissors shocked me. They’re only $7.99 for TWO pairs. But they work really well.
The Astercook scissors have 3 blades instead of 5. But they have a special anti-clog design that works great.
Product Features
- 3 high carbon steel blades
- Anti-clog upgraded design
- TPR + PP soft grip handles
- Comes with cleaning comb
- 2 scissors in one pack
- Dishwasher safe
What I Like
You get two pairs for less than the price of one POROMI scissors. That’s incredible value.
The 3-blade design actually works better than I expected. Yes, it cuts a bit slower than 5-blade scissors. But not much slower.
The anti-clog design is real. These scissors clog up less than the POROMI scissors. The blades are thicker and spaced differently. Herbs don’t get stuck as much.
The handles are comfortable. Very similar to the POROMI handles. Soft and easy to grip.
The cleaning comb is included. Just like with the POROMI scissors, it makes cleaning super easy.
Why It’s Better
The biggest advantage is the price. You get two pairs for $7.99. That’s less than $4 per scissors.
I keep one pair in my kitchen. And one in my outdoor cooking area. Having two pairs is really convenient.
The anti-clog design is also a big plus. I’ve noticed these scissors need cleaning less often than the POROMI scissors.
And the thicker blades feel more durable. I think these scissors will last a long time.
How It Performed
I’ve been using these scissors for 3 months. One pair in my kitchen. One pair outside.
They cut herbs well. Not quite as fast as 5-blade scissors. But still way faster than a knife.
They work great on soft herbs like basil and cilantro. The cuts are clean and even.
They struggle a bit more with tough herbs. Cutting thick rosemary stems takes more effort with these. But they still get the job done.
I’ve also used them to cut green onions and chives. Perfect for that.
How I Clean It
Same process as the POROMI scissors. I run them under hot water. Use the cleaning comb. Dry with a towel.
Takes about 30 seconds.
I’ve put one pair in the dishwasher a few times. No issues. No rust. Still sharp.
But hand washing is still my preference.
Testing Results
After 3 months:
- Still sharp
- No rust on either pair
- Blades still aligned well
- Handles still comfortable
- Anti-clog design still working
These scissors are holding up great. Especially considering the price.
Who Should Buy This
Buy these if you’re on a budget. Or if you want multiple pairs of herb scissors.
Also great if you’re not sure you’ll use herb scissors much. At $7.99, you can try them without spending much. If you love them, great. If not, you didn’t waste much money.
Perfect for people who cook in multiple locations. One for your kitchen. One for your RV or camping setup.
How to Choose the Right Herb Scissors
Not sure which scissors to buy? Here’s what to consider.
Number of Blades
Herb scissors come with 3 to 5 blades.
More blades mean faster cutting. 5-blade scissors cut herbs in one snip. 3-blade scissors might need two snips.
But 3-blade scissors often clog less. The blades are spaced further apart.
For most people, 5 blades is the sweet spot. Unless you’re cutting really wet or sticky herbs all the time.
Handle Comfort
This is super important. You’ll be squeezing these scissors a lot.
Look for soft rubber handles. They’re much more comfortable than hard plastic.
If possible, try to hold the scissors before buying. Make sure they fit your hand well.
Cleaning
Some herb scissors are a pain to clean. Herbs get stuck between the blades. You need to pick them out by hand.
Look for scissors that come with a cleaning comb. It makes life so much easier.
Also check if they’re dishwasher safe. Even if you hand wash most of the time, it’s nice to have the option.
Durability
Check what the blades are made of. Stainless steel is good. High carbon steel is even better.
Look for scissors with rivets holding the blades together. Rivets are stronger than screws.
A warranty is also a good sign. It means the company stands behind their product.
Price
Herb scissors range from $4 to $20.
Cheap scissors ($4-$8) can be good. But they might not last as long.
Mid-range scissors ($9-$15) offer the best value. They work well and last a long time.
Premium scissors ($15+) are worth it if you cook a lot. They’re built better and stay sharp longer.
How to Use Herb Scissors
Using herb scissors is easy. But here are some tips to get the best results.
Wash Your Herbs First
Always wash and dry your herbs before cutting. Wet herbs can clog your scissors.
Pat them dry with a paper towel. Or use a salad spinner.
Hold the Scissors Over Your Food
You don’t need a cutting board. Just hold the scissors over your plate or pot.
Grab a small bunch of herbs. Hold them over your food. Then snip.
The cut herbs fall right where you want them.
Don’t Overstuff the Blades
Only cut a small bunch at a time. If you stuff too many herbs between the blades, they won’t cut cleanly.
A bunch about as thick as your pinkie finger is perfect.
Cut at Different Angles
Want smaller herb pieces? Cut once. Then rotate the herbs. Cut again.
This gives you more control over the size.
Clean Between Uses
If you’re cutting different herbs, clean your scissors between them.
A quick rinse is usually enough. This keeps flavors from mixing.
Store Safely
Always use the blade cover when storing your scissors. This protects the blades. And protects you from accidental cuts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made plenty of mistakes with herb scissors. Learn from my errors.
Cutting Woody Stems
Herb scissors are for leafy herbs. Not woody stems.
Don’t try to cut thick rosemary stems or thyme branches. You’ll dull your blades.
Remove the leaves first. Then cut them.
Putting Them in the Drawer Without a Cover
I did this once. Reached into my drawer without looking. Cut my finger on the blades.
Always use the blade cover. Always.
Not Cleaning Them Right Away
Herb juices can be sticky. If you let them dry on your scissors, they’re harder to clean.
Rinse your scissors right after use. Takes 30 seconds. Saves you trouble later.
Using Them on Frozen Herbs
Frozen herbs are hard. They can damage your blades.
Let frozen herbs thaw first. Then cut them.
Expecting Them to Work Like Garden Shears
These are delicate cutting tools. Not heavy-duty shears.
They’re perfect for soft herbs. But they’re not meant for tough garden work.
Caring for Your Herb Scissors
Take care of your scissors and they’ll last for years.
Hand Wash When Possible
Dishwashers are convenient. But hand washing is gentler.
Hot water and soap are all you need. Takes less than a minute.
Dry Them Thoroughly
Water can cause rust. Even on stainless steel.
After washing, dry your scissors completely. Pay special attention to the area between the blades.
Oil the Blades Occasionally
Once a month, put a drop of food-safe mineral oil on the blades. This prevents rust and keeps them sharp.
Wipe off any excess oil before using.
Store in a Dry Place
Don’t store your scissors in a damp area. Keep them in a dry drawer or hang them up.
Sharpen When Needed
Herb scissors eventually get dull. Most can be sharpened with a knife sharpener.
Or you can take them to a professional. Costs about $5.
Alternatives to Herb Scissors
Herb scissors aren’t for everyone. Here are some alternatives.
Chef’s Knife
A sharp chef’s knife works great for chopping herbs. It gives you more control over the size.
But it’s messier. And takes longer.
Mezzaluna
This is a curved knife with two handles. You rock it back and forth to chop herbs.
Works well. But you still need a cutting board. And it’s harder to clean than scissors.
Food Processor
A food processor can chop herbs. But it often turns them into mush.
Only good if you’re making pesto or sauce.
Herb Mill
This is like a pepper grinder for herbs. You put dried herbs in and grind them.
But it only works for dried herbs. Not fresh ones.
For fresh herbs, I still think scissors are the best option.
Final Thoughts
After six months of testing, I’m still using all three of these scissors.
The POROMI scissors are in my kitchen drawer. I use them almost every day.
The Cuisinart scissors are for special occasions. When I want perfect cuts. Or when I’m cooking for guests.
The Astercook scissors? One pair is in my kitchen. One is in my outdoor cooking area.
All three are great. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
If I had to pick just one, I’d go with the POROMI scissors. They offer the best balance of performance and price.
But if you cook a lot, the Cuisinart scissors are worth the extra money.
And if you’re on a tight budget, the Astercook scissors are an amazing deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use herb scissors for other things?
Yes! I use mine to cut paper, trim food packaging, and even cut pizza into smaller pieces. They’re also great for cutting green onions and chives directly into your food. Just remember they’re designed for soft materials, not tough cutting jobs.
Do herb scissors really work better than a knife?
For most herbs, yes. They’re faster and less messy. You don’t need a cutting board. And the herbs don’t bruise as much. But for very precise cuts or large quantities, a knife might be better.
How do I clean stuck herbs from between the blades?
Use the cleaning comb that comes with most herb scissors. Run it through the blades and the herbs fall right out. If you don’t have a comb, a soft brush works too. Running water also helps.
Will my herb scissors get dull?
Yes, eventually. But good quality scissors stay sharp for a long time. I’ve been using my POROMI scissors for 6 months and they’re still sharp. When they do get dull, you can sharpen them with a knife sharpener.
Can I wash herb scissors in the dishwasher?
Most herb scissors are dishwasher safe. But hand washing is gentler and keeps them sharp longer. It only takes 30 seconds to hand wash them. I put mine in the dishwasher occasionally, but I prefer hand washing.
Are 3-blade or 5-blade scissors better?
It depends. 5-blade scissors cut faster. But 3-blade scissors clog less. For soft herbs like basil and cilantro, 5 blades work great. For sticky herbs, 3 blades might be better. Both work well overall.
Can left-handed people use these scissors?
Yes! Herb scissors work the same for left and right-handed people. Unlike regular scissors, herb scissors don’t have a specific hand orientation. I’m right-handed, but I’ve used them with my left hand too. They work fine.