PSI Barbering Practice Exam

With shear blades, what part of the blade is responsible for the cutting action?

1. Cutting edge

2. Tension screw

3. Pivot point

4. Blade tip

The correct answer is: Cutting edge

The cutting action of shear blades is primarily attributed to the cutting edge. This is the sharpened part of the blades that comes into contact with the hair or material being cut. When the blades are brought together, the cutting edge slices through the hair, creating a clean cut. The design and sharpness of the cutting edge are critical for achieving precise and efficient cutting, as this is where the actual shearing action occurs. The tension screw, while important for holding the blades in the correct position and allowing for proper adjustment, does not contribute to the cutting action itself. The pivot point is where the blades rotate around each other, enabling the shearing motion, but it does not serve as the cutting area. Lastly, the blade tip, which is typically used for detailing and accessing tight areas, does not perform the main cutting function but instead plays a role in finishing work. Thus, the cutting edge is unequivocally the key part responsible for the cutting action in shear blades.