Front-cut nail nippers

A front cutter is a nail nipper with a tapered cutting head. Because the blade meets the nail from above and narrows towards the tip, it reaches places where scissors would have jammed long ago – the nail edge, the corner and badly thickened toenails.

Learn more: spring types, blade shapes, use and care

Single spring, double spring or double lever action?

The spring decides how much hand strength you need – on a front cutter that is the most important difference of all:

  • Single spring – direct feedback, moderate effort. Good for normally firm nails and whenever you want to feel every cut.
  • Double spring – noticeably softer pressure point, pleasant for frequent use.
  • Double lever action – your hand strength is passed through a second lever. This cuts even heavily calloused nails when grip strength is failing. The first choice for older users and for daily work in the practice.

Which blade shape?

  • Straight blade – the standard for toenails. Cutting straight across helps prevent ingrown nail corners.
  • Flame point or tapered tip – reaches into the nail fold and into ingrown corners.
  • Rounded tips – for sensitive skin and for diabetics, so the tip cannot catch the cuticle.

Front cutter or toenail scissors?

As long as scissors cut cleanly through, they are the finer tool – more control over the cutting line. As soon as they jam or the nail splinters while cutting, the nail is too hard for scissors. That is when the front cutter is the right instrument.

How to use it

Soak the nails in warm water for five to ten minutes beforehand – on hard nails that saves you almost a whole class of tool. Then work in several small cuts instead of one big one: set the blade flat, take off only a piece of the nail edge at a time and work from the outside inwards. When you are done, the nail should be flush with the tip of the toe.

Material and care

Our front cutters are made of forged, rustproof surgical stainless steel and can be sterilised. Dry them after use, store them dry and put an occasional drop of oil into the joint – residual moisture in the joint is the most common cause of rust spots. All nippers come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty and a free re-sharpening service within the warranty period.

Matching models

Related guides: Front cutters – the especially sharp nail nippers · What is a front cutter used for? · The best nail nipper · Which nail nipper for diabetics?

Related categories: Nail nippers for thick nails, Corner nippers, Toenail scissors, Nail nippers for diabetics

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