Gay is correct. I have a couple of pairs in different sizes and they do make trimming around in the hoop applique much easier than the straight scissors. With the little curve at the tip, they don't "bite" into the bottom fabric, just snip along the applique.
I don't use them in any other way so can't say if they would be helpful to a non machine embroiderer. According to a google search, the 4 inch size runs anywhere from $20 to $25, so $10 sounds like a good deal to me.
I would buy them.
Murphy