How to look for a really good pair of scissors

golok

golok

Joined
Oct 20, 2000
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I am not a scissors expert but I have seen rows and rows of scissors at supermarkets and other places.

I know hairstylists use their own kind of scissors and tailors have their own special brands and models. But for ordinary Joes like me, what criteria do I use?

I take one look at the rows of scissors and say: "Now which one do I choose? What do I look for?"
 
I have a pair of JA Henkels kitchen shears (scissors) in my kitchen, and some old barbers scissors I got when the local barber retired, in my bathroom.
Between the 2 pairs... I cant imagine needing to cut anything with them that they cant handle. If I do, I have aviation shears and tin-snips in the garage
 
http://www.gingher.com/

Most of their scissors are for fabrics but they do make other kinds as well. A tailor or seamstres usually uses the same pair for most of their career. A good pair will set you back about as much as a spyderco ($50+). They sharpen up like a dream and can get scary sharp. Plus most of them are solid steel with no cheap plastic handles.

Or just get a 3 pack of Fiskars at costco and beat the hell out of em.

N2
 
I've had a pair of Wiss all metal shears for cutting canvas, etc., for almost 40 years. Also have a plastic handled pair of Wiss scissors for almost as long--don't think they make these any more. Both are in excellent condition. Gingher is also supposed to be good.
 
I consider scissors a necessity around the house, I have a bunch, these are the ones that get most use:

Three Fiskars, one large for general use, one small and pointy for detail work and one small rounded point for kids crafts and simple things.

A good Henckels in the kitchen, very nice but expensive and I could get along with a simpler kitchen scissor.

Two German made barbers scissors small and medium, I cut my own hair and trim my beard.

If I had to have only one I would probably choose a medium size Fiskars.

I almost forgot the small scissors in my SAK, always handy.
 
PreMax of Italy makes a nice all forged steel scissor. Dovos are nice for trimming. I use a 30 year old+ pair that still goes strong
 
I have a pair of Wiss scissors for ordinary use. There is also an unbranded Chinese scissors for kitchen use. For cutting my hair, my wife uses shears made by Dovo or Mehaz. My mother-in-law is a retired hairdresser, that's where the shears came from. For doing nails, Dovo shears (I spent $300 for the 11 piece set).
 
I'm certainly no expert on sheers.., but I've got a large and small set of Wiss that I've had about 30 years. Really fine product in my opinion.
 
Checked out a pair of Gingher shears earlier today. looks like real bang-for-the buck stuff. supposedly made in USA (north carolina). I'm planning to order a pair of these over the internet as they're way cheaper that way. The remnant shop wanted about twice what they go for on amazon. I'll post a short review when I get 'em. :)
 
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