Shears Under $200
Honest, sharp thinners and texturisers under $200 — first blenders, apprentice texturisers, and reliable second pairs.
More about Shears Under $200
You don't need to spend a fortune to get real Japanese steel under your fingers. These are the thinners I'd hand an apprentice or recommend as a dependable backup — entry steel done properly, with tooth geometry that makes a beginner's blends cleaner and more forgiving.
Frequently asked
Is cheaper Japanese steel any good in a thinner?
For a first texturiser, yes. Entry grades like 440C and 7CR won't hold an edge as long as cobalt, but well-made ones blend cleanly and teach good tooth control. Our buying guides explain when it's worth upgrading.
What thinner should an apprentice buy first?
Start with one forgiving blender — around 30–35 teeth, which is harder to over-thin with than a wide-tooth texturiser. Everything in this collection fits that first-kit budget, and our cutting-and-thinning sets cover the cutter alongside it.