This may sound weird but the best thread snips I have found are the little scissors that you buy for cutting your toenails! They are very sharp and a compact size. I have a few pairs because you can ge them at the dollar store. They even fit in where all my machine feet go so I kow they are always handy! I have seen some decorated ones at Fabricland and such but I figure for a $1 I am not out much when they get dull!! But for the record I have been using the one pair for about a year now!!