Abstract: A shear has a first elongate blade having a generally convex work-engaging-cutting-edge and an elongate handle portion and a second elongate blade having a generally convex work-engaging-cutting-edge and an elongate handle portion and a pivot means for pivotally linking together the first and second blades. In closing stroke, the blades are swingable toward each other and their cutting edges oppose each other in facing relationship with the defined included angle between the blades at any point of their intersection having certain value in the order of 17.degree..+-.3.degree.. The combined included angles of the bevels of the cutting edges of the blades is in the order of not less than 80.degree. and not more than 120.degree..