Crocodile Straight Shear

In June I bought 8.5" Geib Crocodile shears, straight and curved. They came out of the package beautiful, gold. So sharp and lightweight. I was thrilled. I have been a groomer for 24 years, and I have always been a Geib customer. I buy good quality tools because I need them to last. After 6 weeks I noticed that the metal in both shears had faded to a silvery tan color. I was concerned, but since the shears were doing the finishing work I needed I let it go. On week 8 I was scissoring the legs of a std poodle and the screw on the straights loosened up so the blades bent the hair over, didn't cut it. I gently tightened the screw down with my screwdriver and continued. Four cuts and it loosened up again. This pattern continued for 20 minutes. I finally set the shears aside and finished with my Oster purple shears. After the poodle was finished I took a close look at my new Geib shears. I noticed that the blades are manufactured in two pieces fastened together with a screw. In my opinion this creates a weak point in the middle of the shear that can affect the way the shear cuts over time. This is how less expensive shears are made. I noticed chips in the edge of both blades, brittle metal, maybe brass. I use my 6.5" shears for feet because they're heavier stainless steel. The crocodiles were never dropped and I always store my shears in a case and I use a groomer organizer at work. Shears are a huge part of my investment in grooming equipment. I called the seller who said their guarantee was for 10 days only. TEN DAYS! He referred me to the manufacturer, Ed Geib. I sent an email to Mr Geib, who answered later that day. I was told that in his opinion I overused the shears in all the wrong ways and for $27.50 he would sharpen them. This made his warranty worthless, complain and warranty is void. I used the shears for finishing work only. He could not explain why the color changed. He did not offer to replace the shears. If the shears are defective overall, sharpening will not repair them. So I thought about my investment and filed a dispute with my credit card company. Mr Geib also said that I should have bought more expensive shears. I am glad I didn't spend more if the shears are defective and the seller and manufacturer both refuse to back up their product. So far the curved shears look perfect, but the color has changed and I feel that in time they will also deteriorate the same as the straights did. This was a $240 lesson I will remember for a long time.

Pros: Start out great, comfortable, sharp.

Cons: fade, loosen up, brittle cheap metal.

As a groomer for 20 years, I have tried many different shears.

Geib makes the best product for the price. My very favorite are the Geib Super Gators, but Crocodiles are also good.

Pros: great quality

Cons: none