[jacob and Georgina]

what is the best length for dagging shears? is it down to personal preference or is it a case of the shorter the better? can anyone recommend some good ones? i was looking at some `burgon & ball` shears are they up to the job? i made the mistake of buying the cheapest pair possible previously but they are useless and the blades keep crossing over the wrong way!!

[VSS]

Recommend a pair of these 3.5 inch size http://www.burgonandball.com/shop/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=169

[jacob and Georgina]

so that would suggest that you think the smaller shears are more appropriate for dagging? i was looking at this pair but may be to long and make it awkward? http://www.burgonandball.com/shop/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=179

[VSS]

Smaller is defiantely handier for dagging, especially if your sheep have tails. They sit tidily in your hand and are small enough that you can keep them in a handy place should you need them. For most months of the year we have a pair that sit on the dashboard of the Landrover, just in case.

[Moleskins]

Shorter is better, long ones you can forget where the pointed end is as you're concentrating on the part that's cutting

[Fronhaul]

I agree that shorter is better especially with tails.  And that includes primitive tails in my mind as they seem capable of moving what they have at such great speeds on occasions.

[Fleecewife]

Burgon & Ball are a good make.  The ones you are looking at j&G are for shearing where you need to take long sweeps, the stumpy ones are daggers for close, awkward work.  The blades will cross over if you let them open too much between snips - very annoying    Another consideration is the top end, where you can have different configurations of the 'spring' - this is personal choice, depending on your hand size and strength, so best to try them out before buying if you can find some for sale locally.