Klein Free-Fall Snip vs Knipex Electrician's Shears: Which Cuts Best?

A good pair of electrician's shears is one of those tools you reach for a dozen times a day without thinking about it. They strip jacket, trim wire, cut cable ties, and handle countless other small cutting tasks. When your scissors are sharp and comfortable, you barely notice them. When they're dull or awkward, every cut reminds you.

We're comparing two popular options in the $25 range: the Klein Tools 21010-6-SEN Free-Fall Snip ($24.97) and the Knipex 9505155SBA Electrician's Shears ($25.43). Nearly identical prices, but distinctly different designs.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Klein 21010-6-SEN	Knipex 9505155SBA
Price	$24.97	$25.43
Origin	USA	Germany
Blade Material	High carbon steel (58 HRC)	Stainless steel (56 HRC)
Serrated Blades	Yes	Yes (fine serration)
Wire Stripping	19 & 23 AWG notches	Cable cutter integrated
Scraper/File	Yes, on both blades	No
Handle Style	Free-fall (loose pivot)	Multi-component ergonomic
Belt Case	No	Yes, included
Best For	Data cable prep	General electrical work
Our Rating	4.0/5	4.5/5

The Quick Verdict

Buy the Klein 21010-6-SEN if: You primarily work with Cat5e/Cat6/speaker wire, need the 19/23 AWG stripping notches, and want the scraper/file for wire prep.

Buy the Knipex 9505155SBA if: You want more comfortable handles for all-day use, prefer the integrated cable cutter, and appreciate the included belt case.

Klein Tools 21010-6-SEN Free-Fall Snip

Overview

Klein's Free-Fall Snip is purpose-built for low voltage work. The "free-fall" name refers to the loose pivot design—the handles fall open naturally rather than springing back. This reduces hand fatigue during repetitive cutting tasks.

Real-World Performance

The high carbon steel blades at 58 HRC are noticeably hard—harder than the Knipex's stainless at 56 HRC. This translates to longer edge retention. After months of daily use cutting jacket off Cat5e and Cat6 runs, these blades stay sharp enough for clean cuts without crushing insulation.

The serrated teeth grip slick cable jacket without slipping, which matters when you're making angled cuts to prep for keystones. The 19 and 23 AWG stripping notches are actually useful for comm wire—most electrician scissors don't have notches sized for data cable conductors.

The scraper and file built into both blades are genuine timesavers. You can clean up wire ends or scrape off label residue without reaching for another tool. It's one of those features you don't appreciate until you use it.

Where the Klein struggles is hand comfort. The handles are compact, and techs with larger hands report the fit being tight when using thumb, index, and middle finger together. The extended handle helps with leverage, but the overall grip area is limited.

Pros

• High carbon steel blades (58 HRC) hold edge longer than stainless
• 19 & 23 AWG stripping notches perfect for data cable conductors
• Scraper and file on both blades for wire prep
• Free-fall pivot reduces hand fatigue on repetitive cuts
• Made in USA with Klein's professional warranty
• Slightly cheaper at $24.97

Cons

• Handle size uncomfortable for larger hands
• No belt case included—easy to lose in tool bag
• Carbon steel requires more maintenance than stainless
• Limited to light-duty cutting (not for larger gauge wire)

Knipex 9505155SBA Electrician's Shears

Overview

Knipex takes a more general-purpose approach with their electrician's shears. The multi-component handles prioritize comfort, and the integrated cable cutter expands the tool's capability beyond simple scissor cuts.

Real-World Performance

The first thing you notice is the grip. The fiberglass-reinforced plastic handles with multi-component construction feel secure even with sweaty hands. They're shaped ergonomically rather than just being straight scissor handles, and the difference shows during long termination sessions.

The fine serration on the blades gives excellent grip on materials without the aggressive bite of some serrated scissors. Cuts are clean and controlled. The stainless steel construction at 56 HRC is slightly softer than the Klein, but the trade-off is corrosion resistance—these won't rust if you leave them on a damp jobsite.

The integrated cable cutter is a genuine addition to capability. It handles solid and stranded wire up to a reasonable gauge, though don't expect it to slice through 10 AWG easily. For comm cable and speaker wire, it's more than adequate.

The included plastic belt case is surprisingly useful. The shears snap in securely, sit accessible on your belt, and the bright contrasting colors make them easy to spot among your gear. It's a small touch that shows Knipex thought about how the tool gets used in the field.

Build quality is immediately apparent—this feels like a premium tool. The fit and finish are tight, the pivot is smooth, and both handles and blades are thick and strong.

Pros

• Ergonomic multi-component handles comfortable for all-day use
• Stainless steel blades resist corrosion without maintenance
• Integrated cable cutter adds versatility
• Plastic belt case included for easy carry
• German engineering with premium fit and finish
• Works well with both left and right hands

Cons

• No wire stripping notches for specific gauges
• No scraper/file features
• Softer 56 HRC steel may need sharpening sooner
• Short cutting edge (about 1") limits some cuts
• Won't easily cut 10-12 AWG despite some claims

Head-to-Head: Cutting Performance

Both scissors handle typical low voltage cutting tasks well—cable jacket, zip ties, tape, and light gauge wire. The Klein's harder steel maintains sharpness longer, but the Knipex's fine serration provides a more controlled cut feel.

For data cable prep specifically, the Klein edges ahead. The 19 and 23 AWG notches are sized for Cat5e/Cat6 conductors, and the scraper helps clean up wire ends before termination.

Winner: Klein 21010-6-SEN for data cable work specifically. Knipex for general-purpose cutting.

Head-to-Head: Comfort and Ergonomics

This is the Knipex's strength. The multi-component handles distribute pressure more evenly and feel natural during extended use. The Klein's free-fall pivot helps with repetitive cuts, but the overall handle size limits comfort for larger hands.

Winner: Knipex 9505155SBA—noticeably more comfortable for all-day use.

Head-to-Head: Build Quality and Durability

Both are professional-grade tools that will last years. The Klein's higher hardness steel theoretically holds an edge longer, but requires more attention to prevent corrosion. The Knipex's stainless construction is lower maintenance.

The Knipex feels marginally more premium in hand, but Klein tools have a proven track record in the trades. Neither will disappoint.

Winner: Tie. Different materials, similar durability expectations.

Head-to-Head: Value

At virtually identical prices ($24.97 vs $25.43), value comes down to which features matter for your work. The Klein includes stripping notches and scraper/file features. The Knipex includes a belt case and better ergonomics.

Winner: Knipex 9505155SBA for the included belt case and comfort. Klein if you specifically need the data cable prep features.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy the Klein 21010-6-SEN ($24.97) if:

• You primarily prep Cat5e, Cat6, or speaker wire
• You value the 19/23 AWG stripping notches
• You'll use the scraper/file features
• You prefer American-made tools
• Edge retention matters more than corrosion resistance

Buy the Knipex 9505155SBA ($25.43) if:

• All-day comfort is your priority
• You want the included belt case
• You prefer low-maintenance stainless steel
• You need the integrated cable cutter
• You have larger hands or grip comfort issues

The Bottom Line

These are both excellent electrician's shears at virtually the same price point. The Klein 21010-6-SEN is more specialized for low voltage data cable work with its stripping notches and scraper features. The Knipex 9505155SBA is a more comfortable all-around tool that's ready to work out of the box with its included belt case.

For dedicated low voltage techs who prep Cat5e/Cat6 all day, the Klein's data-specific features make it the smarter choice. For generalists who want a comfortable, versatile pair of shears for mixed electrical work, the Knipex delivers better ergonomics and convenience.

At $25, either way you're getting a quality tool that will serve you for years.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Where to Buy

• Klein 21010-6-SEN on Amazon → $24.97
• Knipex 9505155SBA on Amazon → $25.43

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can electrician's shears cut Romex or larger gauge wire?

Neither of these shears is designed for Romex or heavy gauge wire. They're optimized for low voltage work—comm cable, data cable, speaker wire, and control wiring. For Romex or larger conductors, use proper wire cutters or lineman's pliers.

How do I maintain carbon steel scissors like the Klein?

Wipe the blades dry after use, especially in humid environments. A light coat of machine oil on the blade surfaces prevents corrosion. Store in a dry location. The Knipex stainless steel blades are more forgiving but still benefit from occasional cleaning and oiling at the pivot.

What does "free-fall" mean on the Klein scissors?

The free-fall pivot design allows the handles to fall open naturally when you release pressure, rather than springing back forcefully. This reduces hand fatigue during repetitive cutting tasks because you're not constantly fighting a spring return.

Are these shears suitable for cutting Kevlar in fiber optic cable?

Neither of these is optimized for Kevlar cutting. For fiber optic work with Kevlar strength members, consider dedicated Kevlar shears like the Jonard JIC-186 which have specialized blades designed for aramid fibers.