Scissor Styles

Scissors for any occasion

Many scissor styles exist, providing various functions and services around the home or at work. Obviously, a pair of scissors' primary function is a tool for cutting relatively thin materials. They can be used to cut paper products, cardboard, metal foil, thin plastic, food, cloth, rope and wire. They are also used for cutting hair and trimming finger and toe nails. However, not every pair of scissors is cut out for every scissor required task. To avoid any confusion about terms, scissors and shears are often used interchangeably, but technically, shears are actually reserved for scissors longer than six inches.

Five of a kind

Paper Scissors vary in size having either sharp or dulled points and are the standard office, school, and home scissors. Most people use these scissors for tasks that their name suggests, cutting paper, but other general uses exist around the home. They may be plastic with steel blades or all metal and come in left-handed or right-handed designs. Using scissors designed for the wrong hand makes cutting difficult for most people.

Fabric scissors have longer blades, but also feature ergonomic plastic handles assuring comfort. Fabric scissors are extremely sharp and should not be used for anything but cutting cloth. Most fabric stores, however, will either sharpen scissors at their store or have someone come in to do the job.

Pinking shears have serrated blade edges that pink or cut paper or cloth with the same serrated or zigzagged pattern. The purpose may be decorative or to help keep fabric from raveling.

Bandage scissors have longer handles and short blades, with one blunt end and a pointed tab on the other end. This allows the user to slip the blade under a bandage without the risk of slicing the patient's skin. These scissors are often found in first aid kits.

Kitchen Shears will come in handy also when working in the kitchen. They resemble paper scissors but with one difference, the location of the pivot. These scissors provide more leverage, thus, more cutting power. Use these scissors to snip herbs, cut twine, trim fat, cut pizzas, and even cut through the breast bone of a chicken.

Selecting scissors

As with any product on the market, prices vary. The quality of the product usually determines the price. First look for a quality national brand name like Gingher or Wiss. Next, determine which scissor is best suited for the task at hand. Blades of scissors dull over time and should be sharpened when necessary. Keep in my mind that most paper scissors are fitted for both left and right-handed users.

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