Chapter 1
The ancient mechanics of shearing
Chapter 2
The physics of the perfect cut
Chapter 3
Specialized blades for every craft
Chapter 4
Superstitions, symbols, and safety
YOUR GOAL
Master of The secret world of scissors
Ch 3 · Specialized blades for every craft
sonia Specialized Craft Scissors
Stop the fraying, stop the fraying, zigzag blades cut on the bias.
sonia Surgical scissors use ultra-hard tungsten carbide inserts and curved tips to protect delicate tissues.
sonia Japanese bonsai shears feature short, sharp blades and wide loops for maximum control and clean cuts.
Fun Fact
Pinking shears: Pinking shears cut fabric in a zig-zag pattern to prevent the threads from fraying without needing a hem.
Glossary
pinking shears (noun)
Shears with saw-toothed blades that cut a zigzag edge on fabric to prevent fraying. Louise Austin patented the first design for these textile cutters in Washington in 1893.
Shears with saw-toothed blades that cut a zigzag edge on fabric to prevent fraying. Louise Austin patented the first design for these textile cutters in Washington in 1893.
Quiz
Which type of scissors features long, thin, curved blades designed specifically for cutting delicate tissues?
Quiz
Why do traditional Japanese bonsai shears have exceptionally large finger loops and short blades?
Quiz
Which type of scissors is designed with a flat, blunt bottom blade to slide safely under bandages?
Quiz
What material is often added to the cutting edges of high-end surgical scissors to keep them sharp?