Some Good Shop Scissors, Basic to Luxury

Everyone needs a decent pair of scissors in the shop, and it’s a tool that is often overlooked or skimped on (like erasers or good pencils). This entry is a look at four scissors we use in our workshop for cutting patterns, snipping veneer and the occasional miniature sword fight.

Japanese & Chinese Gardener’s Scissors

I bought a set of these in the 1990s from Lee Valley, and I’m amazed at how durable they are. Like a Japanese chisel, the scissors are made with soft iron but have hardened steel cutting edges. The scissors are ambidextrous, which is a must in a shop with left-handed people.

The large handle openings allow you to use the scissors while wearing gloves, a definite plus. Also, I just really love the way they look. The copper rivet at the scissors’ hinge has patinated nicely, as have the bright steel cutting edges.

After years of use, some pairs began to loosen up to the point where they weren’t working well. The fix was easy: I placed the scissors on a steel plate and hammered the rivet a few times. This tightened up the scissors and made them work like they were new.

At about $10 a pair, these scissors are a fantastic value. We hang them on the shop wall so anyone can use (or abuse them). They endure shop life quite well.

Klein 2100-5 Electrician’s Scissors

Another pair of ambidextrous scissors, the Kleins are made in the U.S., cost about $20 and are intended for low-voltage work (co-axial etc.) You will get zapped if you cut live electrical cables.

The 2100-5 is the 5-1/4"model. Klein also makes them in larger sizes. And that’s something to talk about. My hands are on the small size (for someone who is 6'3") and the handle openings on the Kleins are a little snug. So if you go with the Kleins you might want to step up to the 2100-7.

Here is the part of the program where I talk out of both sides of my mouth. The small Kleins are my first choice for traveling because they are so compact.

The scissors are nickel-plated, which is a plus in a rough workshop environment (or outdoors). The scissors are well-made and cut well through difficult materials. Plus, it’s so nice to have a U.S.-made option when buying tools. Thanks, Klein.

Italian Tailor’s Shears

These scissors were recommended to me years ago, and they have been through a lot. They are unbranded and are sold by many suppliers. You’ll find them stamped “Hot Drop Forged Italy” on one side and 530-C-7 on the other. You can find them all over eBay for about $8 a pair.

They are handed, as you can see from the photo. And they are well-polished and comfortable, especially considering the price. Of all the scissors we use, these are my least favorite. They are a little dull now and have been relegated to my office until I find the time to sharpen them.

The other minus is the screw at the pivot. The slot is so narrow, there’s only one screwdriver in our entire shop that can tighten/loosen it. These aren’t bad scissors by any means. But they are the lesser of this group.

Ernest Wright Turton Scissors