Before married I bought a very expensive pair and ruined the blade on neting for the petticoat of my wedding gown. I sent them to the company and paid a hefty price to be redone. Since then they lay in storage for only very fine satins and silks. I've found for everyday use inexpensive- not the cheapest but not the top of the line wor just as well and I don't cry when one of the kids hapens to grab them or my husband uses them on a fabric that damages the blade. At the begining of the school year Walmart carries a pencil pouch size sewing kit for college bound kids averaging around 7.00. The scissors in them though not high quality are good enough for every day. When they get dull I run them through my round flint stone knife sharpener.