July 02, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Scissors: Matching the Perfect Pair to Every Task

Scissors for Every Slice: Why One Pair Just Won't Snip It!

If you're still using the same Pair of Scissors for Pet Grooming everything from gift wrap to chicken bones, there's a better way. While scissors may seem straightforward, the world of shears is surprisingly intricate. Whether you're crafting, cooking, or tackling specific tasks, having the right tool—sharp, ergonomic, and purpose-built—is essential. We've scoured, snipped, and researched to bring you the ultimate guide to the perfect scissors for every job. Say goodbye to struggling with dull, flimsy scissors on cardboard boxes—you deserve precision in every cut.

Scissors Galore: Unveiling the Perfect Pair for Every Purpose

For effortlessly tackling tasks from opening plastic packaging to precise paper cutting, a reliable pair of sharp scissors is indispensable. Meg Muckenhoupt rigorously tested over 20 models for Wirecutter back in 2017, assessing their ability to cut through materials like paper, cardboard, duct tape, cable ties, denim, and beyond. Among them, Fiskars's renowned 8-inch Original Orange-Handled Scissors stood out for its exceptional performance.

In subsequent tests, the Fiskars Original Orange-Handled Scissors continued to excel across all common cutting chores. They effortlessly sliced through paper, cardboard, tough plastic packaging, and more, consistently delivering clean, precise cuts. Its large, ergonomic handles ensure a comfortable grip, facilitating easy control of each cutting motion. Left-handed users need not worry, as a dedicated version caters to their needs as well.

The iconic Fiskars scissors feature a unique adjustable pivot screw, allowing users to tighten them if they loosen or disassemble them effortlessly for blade sharpening. While Fiskars offers a dedicated sharpener for their scissors (though untested by us, available in many crafts stores and cutlery shops), the stainless steel blades, though slightly softer than some competitors', might require more frequent sharpening. However, the simple process of sharpening these blades ensures their continued effectiveness, making the investment in occasional maintenance well worthwhile.

 

It's noteworthy that all Fiskars scissors are backed by a lifetime warranty, covering defects in materials and craftsmanship when purchased from Fiskars or authorized sellers. Notably, this warranty does not extend to sharpening services, reinforcing the value of regular maintenance for long-lasting performance. Shop Now

Top Choice for Precision: Superior Fabric and Sewing Scissors

A high-quality fabric scissor is engineered to deliver immaculate, fray-free cuts with precision. Featuring long, thick blades positioned closely together to create tension, these scissors ensure stability while cutting. The flat bottom blade enables seamless maneuverability across fabric surfaces, laying flat against the table for enhanced control.

Interestingly, our expert sewists endorse our top pick overall, the Fiskars Original Orange-Handled Scissors, as the ideal choice even for novice fabric cutting. However, it's advised to designate separate pairs if using the same scissors for general cutting and fabrics to maintain blade sharpness and integrity.

According to updates writer Abigail Bailey, drawing from her experience at a fabric and craft store, including years of quilting, Fiskars stands out despite the availability of cheaper alternatives. Abigail highlights the durability and value of Fiskars scissors, suggesting they are a worthwhile investment for beginners and seasoned crafters alike.

Jackie Reeve, Wirecutter’s seasoned quilt and textile expert, relies on her trusty Fiskars scissors for nearly two decades of flawless fabric work. With regular sharpening and careful handling, they have remained in impeccable condition, standing as a testament to their enduring quality and performance.

For those seeking an exquisite gift for a dedicated sewist, the Gingher Knife Edge Dressmaker’s Shears (8-inch) offer unparalleled craftsmanship. Crafted from forged steel, these shears boast a flat bottom blade that ensures steady, precise cutting. The rounded handle enhances comfort and accommodates ambidextrous use, as endorsed by Abigail, who has cherished her pair for three years.

Describing the experience, Abigail praises the Gingher scissors for their effortless glide through fabric, likening the cutting process to slicing through butter with unparalleled smoothness. For discerning fabric enthusiasts, these shears combine durability with exceptional cutting prowess, making them a cherished tool in any sewing kit.

Elevating Crafting Precision: Tools for Experienced Crafters

Jackie Reeve, Wirecutter's seasoned expert in quilting and cutting crafts, advocates for a shift to rotary cutters and self-healing cutting mats for consistent quilters. Her preference lies with Olfa rotary cutters, a brand widely praised within the quilting community for their reliability and performance.

Rotary cutters excel in speed and precision, allowing swift, clean cuts through large fabric pieces. Their sharp blades are interchangeable, enabling Jackie to maximize blade life by reserving the sharpest ones for fabric and preserving duller blades for paper patterns.

In addition to rotary cutters, Kase Wickman, author of Wirecutter's fiber craft kits guide, recommends the Deein Sewing Scissors (4.1-inch) as a valuable complement. These scissors feature sharp, pointed blades crafted from high-carbon steel, paired with an ergonomic, easy-to-grip handle. Keeping a pair with your crafting materials ensures convenience, eliminating the need to search for full-size scissors when snipping threads or yarn—though safe storage remains essential.

Together, these specialized tools enhance precision and efficiency in cutting crafts, catering specifically to the needs of seasoned crafters and quilters aiming for impeccable results.

Superior Culinary Cutting: Top Kitchen Shears

Essential for Kitchen Mastery: Prime Choice Kitchen Shears

Maintaining hygiene and safety standards, dedicated kitchen shears are indispensable for cutting food and packaging with precision. Unlike conventional scissors, they are optimized for handling slippery and dense foods. Their pivotal design places the fulcrum further from the handles, enhancing leverage for effortless cutting through tough materials.

Critical to their functionality, kitchen shears must feature blades that can be easily disassembled for thorough cleaning. This prevents the accumulation of food particles and bacteria, ensuring safe food preparation.

In a comprehensive 2017 test by Meg, 16 pairs of kitchen shears were put through rigorous trials, from snipping delicate chives to cutting through challenging items like marshmallows, green beans, and whole chickens. Emerging as the top performer then and maintaining its acclaim, the OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors (8.75-inch) continue to be our go-to choice in the test kitchen.

OXO's kitchen scissors boast sharp, stainless steel blades with micro-serrations for secure grip on slippery raw meats, while their detachable blades facilitate effortless cleaning. The handles are generously sized and slightly cushioned, ensuring comfort during extended use. Backed by OXO’s satisfaction guarantee, these shears excel where others of similar performance fall short.

In summary, OXO Good Grips Kitchen Shears stand as a pinnacle of functionality and reliability, embodying the essential qualities sought after by discerning culinary enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Distinguished by their multifunctionality, the OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors stand out as an essential tool in any kitchen arsenal. Crafted with small divots above the pivot screw, these shears double as an efficient herb stripper, swiftly removing fresh herbs from their sturdy stems.

Ciara Murray Jordan, an associate staff writer specializing in kitchen tools, attests to the durability of OXO kitchen scissors, having used her pair for six years with no signs of wear despite frequent use. From effortlessly cutting bacon directly into pans to last-minute scallion garnishes and even slicing pizza, Ciara finds these shears indispensable for minimizing the need for additional cutting boards.

While recommending hand-washing to maintain longevity (as they are not dishwasher-safe), the OXO kitchen scissors feature micro-serrated blades that can pose a slight challenge during cleaning. However, their sharpness and reliability, coupled with OXO's commitment to user satisfaction, make them a standout choice for culinary enthusiasts seeking efficiency and durability in kitchen shears.

In summary, the OXO Good Grips Kitchen Shears excel in versatility, ergonomic design, and robust functionality, making them a preferred companion for a wide range of kitchen tasks.

Top Pick for Young Crafters: Premium Kids' Safety Scissors

Essential Crafting Tools for Young Creators: Top Kids' Safety Scissors

In households with young children, having safe and effective scissors is crucial for fostering creativity—whether they're crafting valentines, snowflakes, or pumpkins out of construction paper. To identify the best options, we consulted elementary school teachers and enlisted two dozen kids aged 4 to 11 to put them to the test in our office, crafting paper creations and a bit of confetti chaos.

While blunt-tip scissors are typically safer, it's paramount to educate young ones on proper scissor safety and supervise their usage closely to prevent accidents or impromptu haircuts.

After extensive crafting sessions, our Wirecutter young testers identified two standout pairs of safety scissors, with preferences varying by age group. Children aged 5 and under favored the ergonomic feel of the Fiskars Softgrip Blunt-Tip Kids Scissors (5-inch). They noted that these scissors cut effectively but required a bit more effort during the opening and closing motion, especially when tackling folded paper for intricate designs like snowflakes.

The Fiskars kid scissors proved adept at completing tasks despite the added resistance, highlighting their durability and suitability for younger hands exploring the joys of arts and crafts.

Optimal Comfort and Performance: Leading Kids' Safety Scissors

In the pursuit of safe and effective scissors for young crafters, comfort and ease of use are paramount. After extensive testing with children aged 4 to 11, we've identified top choices that cater to different age groups and preferences.

For younger children, ages 5 and under, the Fiskars Softgrip Blunt-Tip Kids Scissors (5-inch) stood out for their large finger loops and soft silicone grips, which enhanced comfort during extended crafting sessions. Available in both right-handed and left-handed versions (with a pointed tip for lefties), these scissors ensured ease of use and precise cutting.

Older testers, ages 6 to 11, unanimously favored the Lakeshore Best-Buy Blunt-Tip Scissors (5-inch) for their smooth cutting ability and ergonomic design. Despite some feedback about the handles being slightly small, the loose hinge mechanism facilitated effortless cutting of various shapes from single sheets or folded paper. Suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users, these scissors provided comfort and reliable performance across different crafting tasks.

In our evaluations, we found the School Smart Pointed Tip Kid Scissors lacking compared to our top picks. Testers reported discomfort with the soft overmold grips and noted that the cutting performance fell short of both the Fiskars and Lakeshore options.

Overall, whether for younger or older children, ensuring comfort, safety, and effective cutting performance are essential criteria in selecting the best kids' safety scissors for nurturing creativity and skill development in young crafters.

Ultimate Portability: Top Travel Scissors

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

When you're on the move, whether for leisure or business, having a reliable pair of travel scissors is invaluable. You never know when a stray thread might need trimming or a creative spark strikes. However, navigating airport security regulations means your usual pair of scissors won't make the cut for carry-on luggage.

TSA-compliant scissors are a must, with the requirement that blades be less than 4 inches from the pivot point. Larger scissors can still accompany you in checked baggage if securely wrapped, but accessibility during flight is restricted.

Following thorough testing of three TSA-compliant options, our top recommendation is the Coghlan’s Folding Scissors (3.15-inch). Deputy editor Annemarie Conte found these scissors to strike the perfect balance of quality and usability. Crafted from stainless steel, they offer a comfortable grip, fold compactly for easy storage, and are ideal for various tasks including on-the-go crafting like making friendship bracelets. Designed for ambidextrous use, they also include a convenient one-year limited warranty.

In summary, the Coghlan’s Folding Scissors are tailored for travel convenience, ensuring you're always prepared for crafting emergencies or creative moments wherever your journey takes you.

Prime Selection for Precise Hair Care: Superior Hair Scissors

For those opting to trim their own hair at home as a cost-effective measure, choosing the right tools can make a significant difference in achieving salon-worthy results. While clippers suffice for shorter cuts, longer or textured styles demand precision hair scissors.

Patty Mocarski, a respected stylist from NYC’s Little Space Salon, recommends the JW Shears Craft X Series Shear (5.5-inch) for tasks like trimming bangs and snipping split ends. Though untested by us, these shears boast sharp blades and a comfortable design with a built-in finger rest, backed by a lifetime warranty.

Additionally, Mocarski suggests the Erbe Matte Finish Inox Stainless Steel Nail Scissors for novice home hairstylists maintaining bangs. These scissors, crafted from stainless steel, feature smaller blades compared to traditional shears, offering control to prevent overcutting. They also come with a lifetime warranty and can double as nail scissors, though nail clippers are recommended for optimal nail care.

In conclusion, investing in quality tools like the JW Shears Craft X Series and Erbe Matte Finish Inox Nail Scissors ensures you're well-equipped for successful home haircuts, minimizing salon costs without compromising on style and precision.

Premium Precision for Workshop Excellence: Top Shop Shears

In workshops filled with power tools, sanding paper, and wood scraps, the need for precise cutting tools varies significantly from traditional crafting. Our team of tool experts emphasizes that for these tasks, a utility knife surpasses the utility of shop shears or scissors.

Senior staff writer Doug Mahoney, renowned for his insights into utility knives, underscores their versatility: "Most of the time it’s not a job for scissors, it’s a job for a utility knife." This sentiment aligns with our top recommendation, the Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage, praised for its ergonomic design and safety features.

Utility knives excel in tasks ranging from breaking down cardboard boxes to cutting materials like drywall, carpeting, rope, and roofing shingles. Their multifunctionality makes them indispensable in a workshop setting, handling diverse cutting needs efficiently.

While a multi-tool with mini scissors can serve for quick fixes on the go, larger projects necessitate dedicated tools such as aviation snips, pruners, or wire cutters. These specialized tools provide the precision and durability required for more substantial tasks beyond the capabilities of general-purpose scissors or utility knives.