Scissor Styles

One of our most basic tools for scrapbooking is a pair of good, sharp scissors. We all have our favorites. I firmly believe that there is a proper tool for every job, and the same holds true for scissors. I don't have one favorite pair; in fact I have multiple pairs and I use them for different projects.

When purchasing any cutting tool you want to keep in mind the type of materials you'll be working with. Certain materials need special scissors. As with any tool, you are better off purchasing the best quality that you can afford. Choose a brand that can be cleaned and sharpened versus one that must be replaced once dull. With proper care a high quality pair of scissors should last you many years.

Sticky Materials - One pair of scissors I have is used only for cutting sticky items. These are small and have Teflon-covered blades so that they don't get as sticky when cutting sheets of double-stick adhesive or other tacky products. Honey Bee by Cutter Bee[K1] and Tonic Studios both have Teflon-coated blades. Each one has a unique feel and shape. Try them out to find one that feels good in your hand.

Rubber Stamps - Another favorite pair of scissors I use only for mounting my rubber stamps. These have a larger handle and thicker blades. They also have a very pointed tip for getting into tight areas to remove unwanted rubber from around my image. I purchased these scissors directly from my stamp representative, but you can also find them online and in stores dedicated to stamping supplies. KAI Scissors are a very popular brand that is worth trying out.

Hand Fatigue - If you have problems with hand fatigue when cutting I suggest you try Fiskars Softouch Scissors. These do not have your typical finger-and-thumb-style handle, so you can alter your grip to avoid cramping. Also, this product has an adjustable screw to fine-tune the tension, and a cushioned, spring-loaded handle. This handle style reduces the amount of work your hands have to do during the cutting process. The larger-sized blades are my favorite general-use scissors, while the smaller micro-tipped style I use for paper piecing and detailed cutting.

Metal, Wire & Plastic - Another must-have on my tool list is a pair of titanium-blade scissors, such as those sold by Cutter Bee. These are used for cutting thin metals, wire, and plastic. These are great for snipping shanks off the back of buttons or hand-cutting shapes from metal mesh or shrink plastic. These materials will quickly nick, scratch, and dull your general-use scissors. Investing in a pair of titanium-blade scissors is a smart investment if you like to use these materials in your crafting.

Fabric - Lastly I keep two pairs of scissors in my stash dedicated to fabric use. These are Fiskars-brand scissors with a traditional handle. One pair has a straight blade and the other is a pair of pinking shears. These are used on all fabrics including felt, tulle, ribbon, and canvas. When picking out a pair of pinking shears look for a comfortable handle and an extended bottom blade for easier use.

I hope you'll take some time to take stock of your cutting tools. Have them sharpened and cleaned, or purchase some new ones that catch your eye! Having the proper tools for the job makes your scrapbooking easier and more fun, and after all isn't that what crafting is all about?