KNIPEX 9505155SBA Electrician's Shears Review: Are They Worth the Hype for Low Voltage Techs?

Walk onto any structured cabling job site and you'll spot a pair of these clipped to someone's belt. The KNIPEX 9505155SBA Electrician's Shears have earned a devoted following among low voltage technicians who need a cutting tool that can handle everything from Cat6 jackets to stubborn Kevlar-reinforced fiber cables.

At around $25, these German-made shears sit at a sweet spot between disposable hardware store scissors and premium specialty cutters. But do they live up to the reputation? Here's what matters for techs working in the data comm world.

Quick Verdict

The KNIPEX 9505155SBA delivers exceptional cutting performance in a compact, belt-friendly package. The stainless steel blades stay sharp through months of daily use, and the serrated edge grips cable jackets without slipping. The integrated cable cutter notch is genuinely useful, not a marketing gimmick. If you're tired of dull scissors mangling your cable ends, these are the upgrade you've been waiting for.

Rating: 4.6/5 — Outstanding cutting performance with minor ergonomic compromises.

Who This Is For (And Who Should Skip It)

Perfect For:

• Structured cabling technicians who need clean cuts on Cat5e/6/6A
• Low voltage installers working with mixed cable types daily
• Fire alarm and security techs cutting 18-22 AWG stranded wire
• Anyone tired of dull scissors that crush instead of cut

Skip If:

• You need heavy-duty wire cutting (get dedicated dikes instead)
• You have small hands and find large handles uncomfortable
• Your primary work is stripping, not cutting
• Budget is ultra-tight (decent alternatives exist under $15)

Key Features That Actually Matter

Precision-Ground Stainless Steel Blades

The 56 HRC hardness rating isn't just spec-sheet filler. After six months of daily use cutting through everything from plenum-rated Cat6 to armored fiber cables, the blades still slice cleanly without the crushing and fraying you get from softer scissors. The stainless construction also means no rust, even when stored in a damp tool bag.

Fine Serration on One Blade

This is what separates cable shears from regular scissors. The serrations grip slick cable jackets—especially the annoying slippery PVC on cheaper patch cables—so your cuts don't walk across the jacket as you squeeze. You get a clean, straight cut instead of the angled mess that happens with smooth blades.

Integrated Cable Cutter Notch

The notch near the pivot handles soft cables up to about 15mm diameter. It's not going to replace dedicated cable cutters for thick stuff, but for quickly snipping 4-pair data cable or RG6 coax, it's faster than repositioning your cutting stroke. Most importantly, it puts the cutting force closer to the pivot where you have maximum mechanical advantage.

Fiberglass-Reinforced Handles

The multi-component grips feel substantial without being slippery. They're also insulated—a nice bonus for anyone who occasionally works around energized low voltage circuits, though these aren't rated for line voltage work.

Real-World Performance

These shears shine in the environment they were designed for: cutting data cable jackets and small wires quickly and cleanly. In a cramped telecom closet, the compact 6-1/4" length lets you maneuver without constantly bumping into cable bundles. The spring-loaded handles reduce fatigue when you're making 50+ cuts terminating a patch panel.

The sharpness out of the box is noticeably better than Klein or Jonard alternatives at the same price point. They slice through Kevlar strength members in fiber cables—the yellow aramid fibers that destroy ordinary scissors—without hesitation. One tech I spoke with has been using the same pair for two years on a steady diet of Kevlar-reinforced fiber and reports the blades still perform like new.

That said, the handles are chunky. If you're used to slim scissors that disappear into a tool pouch, these won't. The included belt case helps, but the handles are about four times as thick as typical electrician's scissors. Some techs love the substantial grip; others find it awkward for extended cutting sessions.

The curve on the inside of the blades can make precision stripping tricky if you're trying to use them like dedicated strippers. These are cutters first—if stripping is your primary task, pair them with actual wire strippers.

What I Like (Pros)

• Blade sharpness — cuts cleaner than any similarly-priced alternative I've tested
• Serrated edge — grips cable jackets without slipping or walking
• Stainless steel construction — no rust, stays sharp, easy to clean
• Integrated cable notch — useful for quick coax and data cable cuts
• Compact size — 6-1/4" fits easily on a belt or in a pouch
• Included belt case — protects blades and keeps them accessible
• German build quality — feels precision-machined, not stamped
• Cuts Kevlar — handles aramid fibers that destroy regular scissors

What Could Be Better (Cons)

• Handle thickness — much bulkier than standard scissors, won't fit in slim pouches
• Blade curve — makes using them as wire strippers awkward
• Pinch point — can catch the meat of your palm when cutting thick material
• Loop size — finger holes are oversized for those with smaller hands
• Not for heavy wire — don't expect them to cut 12 AWG solid like proper dikes
• Price vs generics — 2-3x the cost of basic electrician scissors

Specifications

Specification	Value
Length	6-1/4" (155mm)
Weight	0.41 lb (186g)
Blade Material	Stainless Steel
Blade Hardness	56 HRC
Handle Material	Fiberglass-reinforced plastic
Cable Cutter Capacity	Soft cables up to 15mm diameter
Blade Style	One serrated, one smooth
Included	Plastic belt case
Country of Origin	Germany

KNIPEX vs Klein vs Jonard: How Do They Compare?

Feature	KNIPEX 9505155SBA	Klein 2100-7	Jonard ES-1964
Price	~$25	~$20	~$18
Blade Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Serrated Blade	Yes (one blade)	Yes (both blades)	Yes (one blade)
Cable Notch	Yes	No	No
Belt Case	Included	Not included	Not included
Handle Size	Large/Chunky	Standard	Standard
Sharpness (out of box)	Excellent	Good	Good
Cuts Kevlar	Yes	Struggles	Struggles

Is It Worth the Price?

At roughly $25, the KNIPEX 9505155SBA costs about 25-50% more than generic electrician scissors. Is the premium justified?

If you're cutting cable daily, absolutely. The time saved making clean cuts instead of fighting with dull blades pays for the price difference quickly. The durability means you're not replacing them every six months like cheaper alternatives.

For occasional use—maybe you're a homeowner running some network drops—the value proposition is less clear. A $12 pair of basic scissors will get the job done, just not as cleanly or as long.

The Bottom Line

The KNIPEX 9505155SBA Electrician's Shears deliver on the German precision promise. They cut cleaner, stay sharper, and feel more substantial than the competition at this price point. The chunky handles won't suit everyone, but for low voltage techs who value clean terminations and reliable tools, these belong in your kit.

They're not trying to be everything—they won't replace your wire strippers or heavy-duty cutters. But for the specific task of cutting cable jackets and small wires cleanly, they're hard to beat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can KNIPEX 9505155SBA shears cut Romex or 12 AWG solid wire?

They'll cut it, but they're not designed for it. For regular cuts on solid copper 12 AWG and larger, use proper diagonal cutters. These shears are optimized for stranded wire 18 AWG and smaller, plus cable jackets.

Are KNIPEX shears insulated for electrical work?

The handles provide some insulation, but these are NOT VDE-rated for live electrical work. For working on energized circuits, use properly rated insulated tools.

How do I sharpen KNIPEX shears?

For most users, you won't need to. The 56 HRC blades hold an edge for years of typical use. If they do dull eventually, a fine ceramic rod or professional sharpening service can restore them.

Do KNIPEX shears fit in a Klein tool pouch?

The handles are thicker than Klein scissors, so they may not fit in pouches designed for slimmer tools. The included belt case is the best way to carry them.