Scissors are one of those things you don’t think about but are in fact an indispensable part of your household. That’s why searched around and looked into what makes a great pair of scissors. We chose to stick to general use scissors and found that the best ones are durable, comfortable, safe for all members of the family, and cut through anything from paper to cardboard.
That might mean you need titanium-coated stainless steel blades, a left-handed grip, or a mechanism that makes use easier for arthritic users. Keeping these things in mind, we’ve handpicked a few of our favorite scissors, including our number one pick, Livingo's Heavy Duty Scissors.
Quick List - Top Scissors
Thornton’s Art Supply
Works Well for Arthritic or Pain-Prone Hands
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But if you’re looking for something a little more durable, look for carbon steel (which is incredibly strong but has the tendency to rust when not properly cared for), fluorine-coated stainless steel (which resists sticky residue from tape and glue), or titanium-coated stainless steel (which makes stainless steel three times more durable).
Some scissors are shaped to fit right-handed people, which can make them uncomfortable for lefties. So, households with left-handed people may want to look for ambidextrous scissors or even left-handed scissors.
If you have arthritis or weaker hands, look for scissors with a larger handle to blade ratio as that will give you more leverage and require less force. You could also look for spring-action scissors.
If they’re going to be tucked away in a drawer, feel free to go as large as you want. But if they’re going to be in a pen cup on a desk, a slightly shorter pair will ensure that the cup won’t tip over.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a trusty pair of scissors that goes around with you to work or while traveling, you’ll need something compact. You can get folding scissors or pen-shaped scissors to carry around in a pencil case.
If you’re planning on flying with them in a carry-on, remember that their blades have to be less than four inches long.
If you’re worried about kids reaching their hands into a drawer and cutting themselves, look for scissors with a protective case over the blades. Or, look for ones that have a latch to keep them firmly closed while they’re in storage.
You could also look for scissors with a rounded, blunt tip, but you may be hard pressed to find one in a size that’s also comfortable for adults.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Livingo Heavy Duty Scissors | ![]() | Extra Sharp, Heavy-Duty Scissors | |
2 | Slice Large Ceramic Scissors | ![]() | This Pair is Effective and Safety-Focused | |
3 | Thornton’s Art Supply Multi-Purpose Spring Action Scissors | ![]() | Works Well for Arthritic or Pain-Prone Hands | |
4 | YAZEMKEL Left-Hand Scissors|3 pack | ![]() | A True, Left-Handed Scissor | |
5 | Fiskars Amplify Mixed Media Shears | ![]() | Cuts Thicker Materials and Remains Comfortable | |
6 | AmazonBasics Multipurpose Office Scissors|3 pack | ![]() | A Budget Bundle With a Decent Edge | |
7 | KitchenAid All Purpose Shears|KE351OHERA | ![]() | All-Purpose Kitchen Shears Fit for Large Hands | |
8 | Plus Pen Style Compact Twiggy Scissors with Cover | ![]() | Compact and Pen-Style Scissors are Great for Small Cut Jobs | |
9 | It’s Academic Pillow Grips 8-Inch Scissors with Comfort Handles | ![]() | Soft, Springy Handles That are Easy on the Hands | |
10 | firiKer Folding Scissors | ![]() | Foldable Scissors Perfect for Traveling |
Although plenty of blades are made to be ambidextrous, these were made to be completely optimized for the left-handed. The handles are ergonomic, ensuring an easy, comfortable grip, and the blades are long for efficient cutting. The scissors come in a pack of three, so you won't have to worry about losing or breaking a pair.
Some reviewers do mention that they weren't super comfortable to hold; it does take a little while to get used to them if you've gotten used to using regular, right-handed scissors all the time. But most left-handed reviewers truly liked these scissors, saying that they were a game-changer and really convenient and easy to use compared to regular scissors.
Although these scissors may be labeled as kitchen shears, they work on plastic and paper and are truly all-purpose. They're micro-serrated on the blade and the handle is made to be soft for the hands, but stable enough to cut thick meats. They're also dishwasher safe but are recommended to be hand-washed.
Reviewers say that the blades do not have a long life, as they do tend to rust quickly. However, others say they are comfortable and work well for those with larger hands. They're sharp enough to cut through most anything and are of good quality. You can choose from 10 other colors, too.
These scissors resemble a pair of glasses when folded and are perfect for travel. They make a great novelty gift for friends and family, and they're perfectly sharp and handy for when you need to cut something when you're on the go.
Some reviewers do say they can be a bit hard to fold up. Make sure you're handling them carefully when attempting this, or you might cut yourself! Reviewers like keeping them in the car, in drawers, or in their sewing kits. They also say they're exceptionally sharp.
If you're in need of more goods for your office, or if you just love stationery, then we have more amazing picks for you to check out!
No. 1: Livingo|Heavy Duty Scissors
No. 2: Slice|Large Ceramic Scissors
No. 3: Thornton’s Art Supply|Multi-Purpose Spring Action Scissors
No. 4: YAZEMKEL|Left-Hand Scissors|3 pack
No. 5: Fiskars|Amplify Mixed Media Shears
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