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Running with scissors

The Bean

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Just caught this program on NHK

Japanology Plus
Scissors
 
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Ton ton

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Oct 16, 2019
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I think every household in America has 2 or more of these lurking in junk drawers. They go back generations! I remember my grandparents squabbling about which was the “good” pair.
This particular pair came along in some mixed flea market tools recently, but I know I have more. I tidied up for a particular project a few weeks ago, and can’t recall what I did with my scissors, or I’d have posted them…
That's the problem with scissors . They disappear along with the 10 mm sockets and wrenches.
 

Catcher1984

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I always knew these as sewing scissors growing up but found out that it’s not common, at least in the states.

This pair I got off Amazon a while ago and love it for precise quick cuts. Made in Japan, but I think its a German or Dutch design originally and they make them in all sizes too! However, it doesn’t stand up to the old pair my mom brought over when she was 20, I wish I could find it :/





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Check out my classified listings!
 

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aggiegrads

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For years, I swore by Klein electrician’s scissors for shop use and general use around the house, but I recently fell in love with Xshears Trauma Shears. These things cut through anything reasonable. I have seen people cut pennies on YouTube but I am not willing to try with mine. They easily cut through paracord, climbing rope, leather, fabric, coroplast, baling wire and many other things that I have tried to cut. My favorite thing to cut with them is the awful, thick PET clamshell packaging.


My house has numerous pairs of Fiskars and Kitchen Aid scissors that came in a five pack from Costco, but the handles are broken on most of them and they all cut like **** compared to the Xshears. I keep them in my first aid kits, with my camping gear, in my car, and on my work bench so that they are always handy when I need them. I have Leatherman Raptors that fit better in my EDC bag, but I prefer the Xshears if they are within reach.
 
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4xdog

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...I prefer the Xshears if they are within reach.

Boy, the Xshears have a lot of positive Amazon reviews fershure. I've never lived long term with angled scissors, and I've other pairs similar to their 2 3/4" blade length and felt that small size was kind of limiting. I guess those two things are non-issues for you?

71PdB+b05hL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
 

ecotec

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That's interesting. Around here scissors go to the same place as 10mm sockets
I solved that problem… with 10mm sockets… with tape measures… with scissors… solved it. Stopped losing them… maybe. It doesn’t even matter… if I lose one… I may never even notice…

On top of every socket set having a 10mm socket… and I have a LOT of socket sets… like a stupid amount. I have spares. I have 27 spare 10mm sockets just in my metric socket drawer. I rarely even have to open this drawer. I usually use socket sets in my cart, on my workbench, or in my hand boxes. I swear… I don’t even remember the last time I lost one. They are scared to run away now.

I put in a picture of just the scissors in my kitchen and garage. There are more in my nightstands, office, and bar…

I do the same with tape measures. I have more than I ever need in the garage… and more in junk drawers, hand boxes, and night stands…
 

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4xdog

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I have a pair of 9" Heritage scissors that I really like.

I'd probably like those Klein Cutlery scissors, too. Long thin blades give a lot of control. The logo of that western New York State looks surprisingly similar to the well-known electrical tools company's. There's a reason for that. The company that began as Expert Cutlery, then Heritage Cutlery, is now part of the "big" Klein. From their website: "In September 2007, Heritage Cutlery was acquired by and began operating under the name Klein Cutlery, LLC. Klein Cutlery is an affiliate of Klein Tools, Inc., a leading manufacturer of hand tools and occupational equipment for professional tradesman."


klein_cutlery_logo.png


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RTM

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Boy, the Xshears have a lot of positive Amazon reviews fershure. I've never lived long term with angled scissors, and I've other pairs similar to their 2 3/4" blade length and felt that small size was kind of limiting. I guess those two things are non-issues for you?
I used to have a similar pair (able to cut a penny, etc) probably 7" tip to top, but doubt they were 2" cutting length. I didn't typically use them for routine cutting. They got hauled out for the special problems, stuff too abrasive for good shears. I have more good garage shears now than I used to before I lost those.

My Fire Captain neighbor swears by something like the Xshears. He was installing turf, and was going to use it to cut the backing to size.
 

RTM

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Here are most of my in house good scissor and shears. Many of these were sent out for professional sharpening. L column top to bottom, 2x Claussing, W.B Belknap, Keen Kutter, United made in Italy. The right hand column are all Wiss, all but 2nd & 3rd are inlaid.

The Claussings are just over 10", with 5-3/4" of blade. The big Wisses on the right are also 10", but with only 4-1/2" of blade, so a bit more leverage for cutting the tough stuff. The one large pair of Wiss is substantially looser in the pivot, so they don't get the fine use that the other pairs to.

I suspect that there are 3-4 other vintage pairs running around the house, somewhere.

PXL_20220816_202953169-XL.jpg
 

aggiegrads

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Boy, the Xshears have a lot of positive Amazon reviews fershure. I've never lived long term with angled scissors, and I've other pairs similar to their 2 3/4" blade length and felt that small size was kind of limiting. I guess those two things are non-issues for you?

71PdB+b05hL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
Not for the things I tend to cut. If I am cutting fabric/cloth for a purpose other than destruction, I would use Fiskars. If I am cutting gift wrap, I would use longer office scissors. As a tool, the Xshears do just about everything that I need. I use them for most tasks that would normally use a pocket knife. Cutting down a box, cutting string/cord, opening a package, envelope, or cutting a tag off of something.
 

LesserSon

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4F769FBF-6F60-4371-A3A3-55AC19427E55.jpeg
These are the weirdest scissors I own. Compton U-Set 10”, 1941 US patent for the tensioner, I think. Check the handles: left-handed openings…but right-handed blades. :headscrat
 

ecotec

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4F769FBF-6F60-4371-A3A3-55AC19427E55.jpeg
These are the weirdest scissors I own. Compton U-Set 10”, 1941 US patent for the tensioner, I think. Check the handles: left-handed openings…but right-handed blades. :headscrat
They were probably just their normal tailor fabric scissors with the grips angled for lefties.
 

LesserSon

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I suppose the spring tensioner would be sufficient to overcome the natural tendency for the blades to gap when used left-handed, especially on yielding material like fabric. But to engineer something so refined and skip the obvious and simple accomodation of reversing the blades…still seems weird to me.
I’ll pass them on to my lefty sister and get her feedback.
 

Mr. Wonderful

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My go to is the Klein high leverage scissors. The Milwaukee brand scissors are great too. The angled serrated pair could take a finger off! For any other lefties out there the Wiss 10" from Home Depot are hard to beat especially for the price!

 
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4xdog

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Daiso, the "Japanese 100 yen store", had these earlier this year. Compact and surprisingly good cutting. Chinese COO, of course. But for notalot (a couple of bucks) they're OK.

i-bDFDkB9-X5.jpg
 
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Dave455

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I use these Facom’s a lot. Although they are snips rather than scissors, they are inexpensive, and will do anything I’d do with scissors.FFE96116-AEB5-4C97-8E09-4772A9266397.jpeg

I like the look of these Engineer PH 55‘s though. Definitely scissors, but heavy duty, and made in Japan.CB88C1D1-6FAB-4063-AD01-DB98B05CDF0C.jpeg
 

ecotec

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I use these Facom’s a lot. Although they are snips rather than scissors, they are inexpensive, and will do anything I’d do with scissors.FFE96116-AEB5-4C97-8E09-4772A9266397.jpeg

I like the look of these Engineer PH 55‘s though. Definitely scissors, but heavy duty, and made in Japan.CB88C1D1-6FAB-4063-AD01-DB98B05CDF0C.jpeg
I have the Matco version. I got them cheap when VIM had them on clearance. I bought a bunch of Matco from VIM on clearance.
 

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Jr5

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Leatherman “Raptor”

Designed for emergency services (that’s what I do for a living)

Can cut anything, seatbelt cutter, automobile window punch.

Heavy duty 👍
 

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Jr5

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0FA08CA5-28D8-42E9-A615-EA600C856778.jpeg
 

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Jr5

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It’s not allowing me to post pics. Either way. Excellent scissors
 

LesserSon

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I’ve been having problems posting full resolution images. Sometimes even after cropping them, especially in 16:9 aspect ratio.
Some unstated restriction, maybe.
 
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Outahere

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....Do you know the difference between scissors and shears? They seem like the same thing. We use the words interchangeably. They are not the same, though. They have different features and are used for cutting different objects. If you want to work with carpet, getting a good pair of shears is a must.

What Are Scissors?

Everyone knows what scissors are, right? Surprisingly, no. Scissors are a specific type of cutting tool. They have a blade length of less than 6 inches, and the finger holes on their handles are equally sized and symmetrical. All-purpose scissors, also known as office scissors, have straight blades. They are generally inexpensive and used for a variety of tasks.

Scissors should not be used on both paper and fabric because that will cause the blades to dull. Dull blades are more likely to rip paper or fabric or leave a jagged edge. If you are working with fabric or carpet, you’ll want a quality pair of shears instead.

Scissors vs. Shears

Shears are more expensive than all-purpose scissors because they are tougher and more versatile. Shears have different sized finger holes. The smaller finger hole on one handle is for your thumb, and the larger is for your fingers. Because you can hold shears using more than one finger, you can apply more pressure and have extra control when you use them to cut. The blade on shears is usually longer and sharper than on a pair of scissors. This will cut cleanly without ragged edges. The sharper blade and better grip makes this the sturdier tool.....
 
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Lee Celtic

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I've been an upholsterer for 38 years and I only use one brand.. I have only bought 4 pairs in this time and I still own and use 3 if them..
Mundial shears currently have a pair of 8" and two pairs of 10".. they are a bit pricey but they last a very long time even in constant use..
 
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4xdog

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I've been an upholsterer for 38 years and I only use one brand.. I have only bought 4 pairs in this time and I still own and use 3 if them..
Mundial shears currently have a pair of 8" and two pairs of 10".. they are a bit pricey but they last a very long time even in constant use..

This Mundial, from Brazil, yes?
 

Lee Celtic

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yes they are from Brazil.. I tried Wilkinson Scissors once but without the serra bottom blade they were not up to the job.. I keep one pair of the 10" for cutting card,zip and thin metal and the other pair for fabric.. they will cut several layers of leather when doing car seats and still cut silk smoothly without snaggs.. very good scissors but they are about £78 a pair now thats about $94
 

no704

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Used to work at an automotive upfitter. One of the designers was gifted the name”Runs With Scissors “ by a Native American guy we worked with !
 

RTM

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Mundial shears currently have a pair of 8" and two pairs of 10".. they are a bit pricey but they last a very long time even in constant use..
available for US purchase here



Remove the filter for other great cutting implements. I bought some 6000 series for my adult children this Christmas.
 

Outahere

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Do you sharpen your scissors with a file or a stone?

This video shows that using a file can give excellent results, which is not what I was expecting to see.

 

RTM

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I usually use a file if the scissors is big enough. On small ones, it’s kinda hard to get the file in there, so I try different things, Diamond stones, etc.
 

genog

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Three Wiss Inlaid
The smaller middle one, is indispensable in the shop. I use it frequently
wiss1.jpgwiss2.jpg
and a couple small unknowns that need to be sharpened
scissors.jpg
 
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