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Steve D · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 590 Location: USA GA Newnan

Squid mentioned in another thread that he has several pairs of scissors but always seems to pick up one of three particular pairs. We all have our favorites for various reasons. Sometimes its the way they feel, soemtimes its the shape or length of the blade, sometimes its both or could be something completely different.

I have 5 pairs of scissors. Two I use exclusively for fly tying and 3 for kitebuilding. We also have one pair around the house for general use - anything from cutting fabric to wrapping paper.

My all-time favorites are a very short pair of Fiskars that I use for fly tying. I've probably had then 20 years, they are still sharp, and they fit my fat little fingers better than any others.

Next in line is a pair made by Anvil. Great scissors and are quickly becoming my go-to pair for fly tying. Just out of the package I wasn't too pleased with the points but that issue was resolved with a few minutes effort with a small flat file.

As for kitebuilding scissors - I have a pair of Fiskars about 4.5 inches long that do quite well. They don't fit me as well as my other Fiskars but they are quite sharp and work nicely with Ripstop and threads.

The other two pairs are new (heck I don't even remember the brand) and I don't have a good feel for them yet. However, I'm not too impressed with the finish work so I don't see them becoming favorites.

All that said, what are your favorite scissors (can be in general or for a particular application) and why?

Stan · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2003 11:55 am Post subject:

1. Standard Fiskars or copies of them for cutting sailcoth.

2. Asian scissors for heavy cutting. These are the kind with the bent steel loop handles pivoting on copper washers with a rivet.
The short blades are incredibly stiff, and they're cheap!

3. Surgical scissors for aplique and thread tail trimming. Also great for small kites or fighters.

4. An Xacto knife for those things scissors can't do. With a metal ruler it makes perfectly straight cuts.

Stan

Kitesquid · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2003 12:35 pm Post subject:

reverse applique: Gingher G-5

or zwilling j.a. hencklels in a 5" and 6" model

Heavy cutting I have a LARGE pair of wusdof shears

Thread nipping: a small pair of Gingher thread snips.

kite retreat loaners: A pair of cheep, dull, rusty, and possibly broken scissors to loan to the kite builder sitting next to me that forgot theirs at home. This item is needed more often than not, as “the other guy” frequently forgets his scissors at home and I hate to loan out expensive, sharp and sometimes brittle tools. Plastic children’s scissors are preferred as the bright colored ones can be easily seen and the rounded points help keep “the other guy” from hurting themselves and others. Very Happy

_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

Steve D · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 590 Location: USA GA Newnan

Thanks Squid - I totally forgot to mention the half-dozen or so pair of kids scissors that I somehow end up using at my house....Some cut better than others. Some probably too good!!

Progcraft · Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2003 5:14 pm Post subject:

My company gave us all $250 in gift certificates as a Christmas bonus. The ceritifcates are good at any store in our largest shopping mall (which is the second largest shopping mall in Western Canada).
There is a knife store in the mall that sells only knives, swords and scissors. So, I'm going to use a couple certificates and get me a nice pair of scissors (or two) and maybe one of those DuoSharp diamond hones.

he he.

P.

Kitesquid · Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2003 7:57 pm Post subject:

Builder Smurf,

You are SOOOOO Lucky. We dont get Christmas bonuses.

And for our anniversays with the company we get a note from the vice prez and a nice company ball point pen....

You are SOOOOOO lucky.
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

Steve D · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 590 Location: USA GA Newnan

Don't feel bad Harold, you're doing better than we are.... Crying or Very sad

Progcraft · Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2003 10:05 pm Post subject:

I can't believe it!!! The Knifery didn't have any applique scissors at all!!! And only a very small selection of diamond hones. Not even the double sided fine/extra fine one.
I didn't get anything. Sad

Yeah, the bonus is quite nice I must say. Odd that it's in gift certificates, but very nice. Smile

P.