Information About Scissors And Shears

If you’re going to do any sewing, you need some scissors. In fact, even if you aren’t doing any sewing, every household needs some scissors! Everyone needs at least one pair of scissors, because they are such a useful tool.

Scissors vs. Shears

First off, though people often use the names interchangeably, scissors and shears aren’t really the same thing and are meant to perform different tasks. Shears are best for heavier cutting jobs, while scissors handle the lighter work.

Shear Strength.

A pair of shears is generally 6 inches or more in length. There is a small ring handle for the thumb, and a larger one for inserting two or three fingers, to enable you to hold the shears. Holding the shears by placing your fingers through these rings gives better leverage to perform the heavier tasks for which shears excel

Scissors Are Smaller.

Scissors range in length from 6 inches on down to 3 inches or even less. Not only are scissors smaller than shears, they also have handle rings of equal size.

Choosing Quality Scissors and Shears.

Most scissors are made of steel. Two main types of steel, carbon and stainless, are used in the manufacturing of scissors. The first type of steel, carbon steel, is used to make scissors with the blade and the handle formed in one continuous piece. Carbon steel is quite strong and retains a sharp edge better. Carbon steel shears and scissors are usually plated with nickel or chromium to prevent them from rusting.

The other type of steel scissors are those made from stainless steel. A plastic handle is usually fitted to the metal blade. Stainless steel scissors aren't as sturdy and don't retain a sharp edge as long. They’re also harder to re-sharpen. Stainless steel scissors, however, are generally cheaper than carbon steel scissors.

Kinds of Scissors And Shears.

There's a wide variety of shears and scissors available. Here’s a small sampling:

• Applique Scissors: Offset for level cutting
• Bent Handle Dressmaker Shears: Allow the cutting blades to rest flat on the table
• Easy Grip Scissors: With larger handles for those having difficulty holding scissors
• Embroidery Scissors: Used for cutting embroider threads
• Finishing Shears: Either as pinking or scalloping shears, used to cut ravel-resistant seams
• Heavy-duty Shears: For cutting leather, upholstery, drapery, etc.
• Thread Snipping Scissors: For cutting loose threads off sewing

There are also shears made for left-handed people, household scissors (all-purpose, poultry shears, etc.), electric scissors, scrapbooking scissors, paper scissors for children and more.

For just about any task, there’s some kind of scissors or shears that will do the job.

How To Care For Shears and Scissors.

The cardinal rule of scissor use: Scissors and shears should ONLY be used to cut the materials for which they were designed.

Positively do NOT use shears meant for cutting fabrid on household task like cutting paper. If you use scissors for something other than the materials they were intended to cut, that will dull the blades.

Scissors and shears should be kept dry and dust free, with an occasional oiling at the screw. Keeping scissors and shears in a safe place like a sewing basket, or with higher quality cutting instruments, the box they came in, will help protect the points. It's also important to store scissors in the closed position. Setting down scissors and shears in the open position is a fast way to dull the blades.

High quality scissors and shears can be re-conditioned by the manufacturers or other companies providing that service.This will make your shears and scissors as sharp as new.

Scissors And Shears Summed Up.

For scissors to be used round the house, cheaper scissors work fine. It's not a problem to replace them if they become broken oe dull. A good set of shears is a wise investment for cutting material and other sewing tasks.

Well cared for scissors and shears will reward you with a lifetime of easy cutting.  That will make your sewing a shear pleasure.