-->
About Us
Cart
Your cart is currently empty.

Language

Currency

About Us

Our Story | ONE SHEAR® — Where Nursing Meets Engineering

Where Nursing Meets Engineering

In 2009, I began my journey as a registered nurse — working in emergency departments and intensive care units where every second mattered. Through years of trauma cases, motor vehicle accidents, and critical interventions, one thing remained consistent: the shears we were given simply weren’t good enough.

The Problem with “Standard Issue”

The disposable trauma shears handed out by hospitals bent, twisted, or dulled after just a few uses. The ones I bought online didn’t fare much better — handles flexed under pressure, pivots bound up in thick fabric, and cleaning them was a nightmare. In the field, we were cutting through leather, Kevlar, seatbelts, duty belts, and even boots — and too often, the tools in our hands failed us when it mattered most.

Foldable shears promised innovation, but came with compromises — multiple crevices that trapped blood, hinges that rusted, and designs that required unfolding before use. Others offered titanium or fluoride coatings that looked good on paper but cracked, peeled, or dulled quickly. Even the more curved, “ergonomic” styles couldn’t cut straight or withstand repeated sterilization.

So I began to ask a simple question:
What if we took the best of the medical, firearm, and knife industries and merged them into one?

The Birth of ONE SHEAR®

That question became the foundation for ONE SHEAR®, a tool born from over a decade of real-world experience and frustration. We studied what worked — and what failed — across every industry that demanded precision and strength. The result was the first trauma shear of its kind, engineered for the professionals who refuse to settle.

Engineering the Edge

We started with the blade — the heart of any shear. After testing countless materials, we chose J2 420HC hardened stainless steel for its perfect balance of durability, corrosion resistance, and sharpenability. Then we applied DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating — a finish previously used in high-end firearms and surgical tools. DLC offered unmatched hardness, scratch resistance, and corrosion protection, making it the most advanced trauma shear coating ever used in the industry.

Next, we reinvented the handle. While polypropylene was the industry standard for its chemical and heat resistance, it lacked grip in wet or high-stress conditions. So we added TPU overlays, creating a soft-touch, non-slip surface that stays secure even when covered in fluids or gloves. This hybrid construction allowed for autoclaving and chemical cleaning without degradation — something few competitors could claim.

Form Meets Function

We didn’t stop at performance — we focused on how the tool integrates into real workflows. Drawing inspiration from the holster and knife industries, we developed the lowest-profile holster system ever made for a trauma shear, using hydraulic press molding instead of cheap ABS plastics. This gave our shears professional-grade retention, a tactical look, and the rugged feel expected by law enforcement and rescue professionals alike.

  • Built-in oxygen key — eliminating the need for a separate wrench.
  • Retention loop for leashes or carabiners, perfect for flight medics and field responders.
  • Custom engraving options for personalization, anti-theft markings, and team branding.

Innovation First. Always.

From day one, ONE SHEAR® set out to lead, not follow. We were the first to introduce DLC-coated trauma shears to the market and the first to engineer a solid steel miniature trauma shear — a concept now echoed by our competitors. But innovation isn’t a one-time milestone — it’s a continuous pursuit.

Our latest evolution, the Tier One Elite, represents everything we’ve learned over years of relentless refinement. Launching in November 2025, it’s our most advanced trauma shear ever — built for those who demand the best in every cut, every call, every critical moment.

Kevin Arnold, BSN, RN

Founder & Designer — ONE SHEAR®

Kevin spent years in emergency and intensive care settings, where equipment failure wasn’t an inconvenience — it was a risk. He created ONE SHEAR® to bridge clinical realities with engineering precision, building tools that perform flawlessly when the stakes are highest.

ONE SHEAR® — Forged from experience. Designed for professionals. Built to last.

© ONE SHEAR®. All rights reserved.
About Us