Scissors are a common tool that we all use. They are great for cutting paper, hair, food, fabric, and other things.
For scissors to be able to cut things, they must have blades and sharp edges.
About Scissors and Their Edges:
Scissors do have edges, and there are multiple kinds. Different scissor edges will accomplish different tasks and have varying levels of sharpness. Scissors have edge types like bevel, convex, semi-convex, and serrated edges. The convex scissor edge is the sharpest of all edges.
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How Many Edges do Scissors Have?
Scissors have multiple edges, and not all of them are sharp.
The blade of the scissor is where you will find the edges of these scissors, and there are multiple types of scissor blades.
These types include:
- Bevel Edges
- Convex Edges
- Semi-Convex Edges
- Serrated Edges
Bevel Edges:
Bevel edges are the most common type of scissor edge. There are also two types of bevel-edged scissors, single bevel, and double bevel.
Single bevel blades are sharp on only one side, while double bevel blades are sharp on both and shaped like a “v.”
These blades are easier to sharpen than other blades and can be used for various purposes.
This type of scissor edge is more durable than the other types. While the cutting edge is very sharp, the edge’s angle helps increase durability.
Convex Edges:
Convex edges were made popular in Japan and are the sharpest type of edge for a pair of scissors.
Convex edges have a slight inward curve to them. These scissors are great for making precise cuts, like when cutting hair.
One downfall to this type of scissors is that they can dull very easily and must be sharpened more often.
Semi-Convex Edges:
These edges are a hybrid of full convex edges. These have a less drastic curve.
The benefit of these blades is that they are easier to sharpen than the convex blades and sharper than the bevel-edged blade.
Serrated Edges:
Serrated edges are another type of blade you can find on a pair of scissors.
Scissors with serrated edges are those with notched edges or saw-like teeth. A good visual example of this is the serrated edge of a bread knife.
What Is the Sharpest Edge of the Scissor?
As previously mentioned, the sharpest edge you can get with a pair of scissors is a convex edge.
Applying too much pressure to these scissors or keeping them loose in a drawer can cause them to dull and lose their edge.
Constant sharpening and proper care will mitigate these issues but not prevent them entirely.
Why are Some Scissor Edges Angled?
Now that you know about the different types of scissor edges, the question is, why?
Some reasons that scissor edges are angled include:
- Sharpness: Angled scissors’ edges are sharper than those that aren’t.
- Smooth Cutting: These scissors also make the smoothest cuts because of their sharpness.
- Ease of Sharpening: Due to the angle, these scissors can also be much more intuitive and easy to sharpen.
These reasons make angled scissor edges a great choice for most projects in which you would need clear and crisp cuts.
Scissors and Their Handles
Just like there are different blades, there are also different types of scissor handles, and how those handles line up can be very important.
Traditionally, these scissors can come with two different types of designs, either bent or straight.
Bent Scissors
Bent scissors are those that are angled where the blade meets the handle.
This design makes it so the blade can stay on the tabletop as you cut.
This is great for cutting fabric because you can keep your fabric in place while cutting in a straight line.
Straight Scissors
Straight scissors have their blades completely in line with the handle.
This is used for various other purposes, but it can be challenging if you work with something.
It would be best if you kept the scissors flush with the table.
Types of Scissors:
Many types of scissors can assist with whatever craft or sewing project you are working on.
Some examples include:
- Embroidery Scissors: designed to clip threads and cut delicate fabrics.
- Pinking Shears: has a zigzag and saw tooth blade and is used when trying to cut a non-fray fabric or reducing fraying in other fabrics.
- Sewing Scissors: made for sewing in general, one of the blades is rounded at the end to prevent any snags with the fabric you are cutting.
- Tailor’s Shears: made with a heavier blade, these scissors are used for rigid or thick fabrics, like denim.
- Trimmers: These blades are tapered at the end to prevent snagging the fabric you are cutting.
Caring for Your Scissors:
Remember many things when taking care of your scissors so they last a long time.
These things include:
Using Them For Their Intended Purpose:
If you have purchased fabric scissors, you should only use them to cut fabric.
You can damage the blade if you cut anything else with them, even paper.
Keeping Them Clean:
You will want to wipe your blade clean after each use.
Lose fibers staying on your scissor blades can compromise the blade.
Proper Storage:
Keeping your scissors stored properly can increase their longevity.
Keeping them loose in a sewing kit or a drawer can cause them to be damaged much faster than if you keep them in a case.
Be Careful When Cutting:
There is a lot to consider during the sewing process, and your scissors are one of them.
Be sure when cutting fabric that you are careful not to get pins and needles between your scissors and the fabric you are cutting, as this can damage your scissors.
Sharpen Them When Needed:
Keeping your scissors sharp can help extend their lifespan. When your scissors no longer cut like they used to, make sure to sharpen them.
They even make scissor sharpeners for this purpose!