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Tools & Supplies

Scissors and Shears Source List

These links guide you to purveyors of high-quality cutting tools.
Threads #198, Aug./Sept. 2018

Sewers take their cutting tools seriously. If you’re looking for a new pair—or new pairs—of scissors or shears, try some of these manufacturers.

How to choose and use scissors and shears

For in-depth information on scissors and shears, read Judith Neukam’s article “Cut Right,” Threads #198, Aug./Sept. 2018. You’ll find out which blade style and metal content to select, what size works for your needs, what type of handles are available, and how to care for your shears so they last a lifetime.

Find tips on accurate cutting, in “Cutting Out” by Jan Bones from Threads #85, Oct./Nov. 1999.

Sources for scissors and shears

These sites sell scissors, shears, and accessories. They also offer servicing for older pairs.

BestmadeCo.com: Kevlar scissors and shears, from 5 inches to 10 inches.

ClaussCo.com: Numerous styles of titanium-bonded shears.

ErnestWright.co.uk: Beautiful British-made shears and scissors.

FamoreCutlery.com: Sells many types, including a selection of left-handed scissors; offers a full range of sharpening and reconditioning services.

Fiskars.com: A variety of scissors and shears including those with soft handles, sharp points, and spring-action shears.

Gifaz.com: Italian-made scissors; search under “Sarto e Lavaro” for sewing tools.

Gingher.comThe favorite of sewers for more than a half century. Everyone praises the 8 1/2-inch, 7-inch, 5-inch scissors, their tailor points, and embroidery scissors. Buy them used if they are not abused. Gingher.com offers a reconditioning service for their scissors. The scissors maker is now a subsidiary of Fiskars Brands, Inc.

Gingher 8-inch high-carbon steel knife-edge shears
Gingher 8-inch high-carbon steel knife-edge shears

HavelsSewing.com: Durable stainless steel shears and scissors in dozens of sizes and shapes.

KaiScissors.com: These professional blades are high-carbon steel and stay sharper longer. Available in lengths from 4 inches to 12 inches, they cut fine and heavy fabrics. Kai also sells true left-handed shears, in which the blades, not just the handles, are reversed.

Kai 7205 8-inch high-carbon steel professional shears
Kai 7205 8-inch high-carbon steel professional shears

KarenKayBuckley.com: Microserrated scissors in several sizes, with soft handles.

KretzerUSA.com: Offers a fine selection of German-made tailor shears.

MerchantAndMills.com: Intriguing assortment of English scissors and shears, from small to large sizes.

Mundial-USA.com: An extensive selection of cutting tools including forged, industrial, titanium-coated blades, and cushioned handles.

Shozaburo.co.jp: Japanese scissors under $200. These shears are made specific to the nature of the fabric being cut.

WestcottBrand.com: Westcott claims its titanium-bonded blades provide three times the strength of stainless steel and they resist corrosion.

Whiteley.co.uk: The William Whiteley company has been making scissors for 257 years with satisfied users including Queen Victoria. They continue to innovate with new materials and manufacturing methods. Their website offers fascinating videos on how scissors are made.

WissTool.com: Premium scissors, shears, and nippers.

WolffIndustries.com: Sells several brands of scissors—including its own line, sharpening aids, and lubricant oil.

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  1. User avater
    MaxScott | | #1

    Great article.

  2. User avater
    RealEstateAgent | | #2

    I really didn't know there was so many different scissors. I enjoyed reading this!

    Thank You

  3. Moos | | #3

    Shears or sissors made in Japan, Their steal is melted 22 x more times, then the ones made in Germany.
    Therefore the steel becomes weaker and may have more air-pits in the steel. cant always see those pits. Haven forbid if you buy the ones made in China! I do love the Gingher shears. havent bought one, sins they became part of Fiscar.

  4. mamamere | | #4

    My Gingher shears are the ONLY ones I've ever had that are truly left-handed (ie, perfectly a mirror image of right-haded shears), and much more comfortable and accurate to use than either the Singer or the Fiskars shears I've had previously. If you're a lefty, and want to know what real lefty shears are, go try a Gingher at one of your local fabric stores.

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