Crack growth under mode II cyclic loading was investigated in maraging steel, ferritic-pearlitic steel and TA6V. When DKII exceeds a threshold value, cracks do not bifurcate but grow in mode II over a distance which increases with DKII . Shear mode crack growth was much more extensive in maraging steel than in TA6V and ferritic-pearlitic steel. This result is discussed in relation with the cyclic behaviour of the materials and the importance of friction along the crack faces. An alternative approach for the prediction of crack paths when shear mode crack growth is likely to occur is proposed.