For applique and other hand sewing I love my Ginghers (4" with leather sheath). My pair is about 15 years old and have never had them sharpened. I don't like the larger all metal scissors as they tend to be heavy, My fave larger scissors are the Fiskars soft touch, makes cutting very easy (I have many pairs of large scissors, but I always grab these). Get the best you can afford, they will last forever. And ONLY use them for fabric.