Love my Ginghers. I have four pair, 1 pair of pinking shears and a small pair. But, like many of you have said, at times they are too heavy when my hands are aching. I need to gear towards those with springs that pop back open in order to save my thumb. At WalMart I have purchased a small grey pair with orange in the finger/thumb slots for under $7 made of titanium. My friends tell me they hold their edge really well. I also like Snip Eze Embroidery Snips. At JoAnn Fabrics they run about $18 but at my local Bernina store they are about $10. They are very light weight and spring loaded. Only should be used on threads though. I have found that I can get really close to where I want to snip the thread. Linda