Chapter 1
The ancient mechanics of shearing
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Chapter 2
The physics of the perfect cut
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Chapter 3
Specialized blades for every craft
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Chapter 4
Superstitions, symbols, and safety
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YOUR GOAL
Master of The secret world of scissors
Ch 1 · The ancient mechanics of shearing
sonia Ancient Shearing Mechanics
One piece of bronze (one piece of bronze!) / Bends to cut and springs right open (springs right open, yeah!)
sonia During the Han Dynasty, Chinese artisans independently developed iron scissors featuring comfortable circular finger loops.
Fun Fact
Ancient shears: Ancient Egyptian shears from 1500 BC were made from a single piece of bronze, using a spring-like metal loop rather than a pivot pin.
sonia Romans revolutionized cutting technology around 100 AD by introducing pivoted cross-blades connected by a central pin.
Glossary
shears (noun)
A cutting instrument in which two blades slide past each other, typically operated by hand. Around 1500 BC, ancient Egyptians crafted bronze spring-loaded versions to cut textiles and animal hair.
A cutting instrument in which two blades slide past each other, typically operated by hand. Around 1500 BC, ancient Egyptians crafted bronze spring-loaded versions to cut textiles and animal hair.
sonia Drag the pivot point on different shears to learn how levers multiply your cutting force.
Quiz
What metal was primarily used to make the earliest known spring shears in ancient times?
Quiz
In 1761, who became the first to industrially manufacture cast steel scissors in Sheffield, England?
Quiz
Which ancient civilization is credited with inventing the earliest spring shears around 1500 BC?