Australian clinical practice guidelines recommend excisional biopsy as the most reliable diagnostic method for lesions suspected for melanoma. However, trends indicate increasing use of shave biopsy for thin melanoma diagnosis over time, with reasons still relatively unknown. We aimed to generate an in-depth understanding of the factors influencing shave biopsy use in clinical practice. Using a mixed methods approach, we recruited Australian general practitioners working in skin cancer medicine and dermatologists to complete an online survey (n=62) and follow-up interview (n=15). These data collections focused on the frequency of, and important factors for, the use of shave biopsy. Two-thirds of survey respondents (n = 41/62) noted they used shave biopsy at least sometimes, with over 80% noting clinical characteristics (size, location and signs of invasiveness) of the lesion as important to their decision about using a shave biopsy. Qualitative responses indicated that clinicians were more inclined to use shave biopsy on large lesions, those with no signs of invasiveness and in cosmetically sensitive areas. Half of all survey respondents (50%) noted convenience as being a very important factor for performing a shave biopsy, with qualitative responses highlighting the relative speed of performing a shave biopsy compared to an excisional biopsy was a strong motivating factor for their use. The speed of performing a shave biopsy was particularly important for time-poor clinicians. Clinicians in this study believe shave biopsy has a legitimate role in melanoma diagnosis but further research on the harms and benefits are needed to inform clinical guidelines.