When I looked at the Gingher site (a couple of years ago) they strongly suggested sending them to Gingher for sharpening.

I should have asked, is there a size you would suggest for a "first good scissors"? Thanks Quilter 1234

Depends on what you are using them for. I seem to use mostly the smaller size for snipping & applique cutting. Rotary cutter has replaced use of larger Ginghars pretty much.

I like Ginghers too. They make a number of different styles, and I like all the ones I have gotten. A good first pair would probably be a basic 8 in. type. The Ginghers I use for sewing only. I don't know about what would be best for crafting. Have you looked at Michael's? Even the basic orange-handled scissors have worked well for me.

i'm quite happy with my $2 imitation fiskars. they work well for any task. the best part? when my evil twin loses a pair i don't have to choke her. :lol:

For a good pair of not expensive scissors see if you can find the Elan brand. They're extremely good for things like silk and satin because they have a serrated edge. I've seen three different styles of the Elan scissors. I have the large size and the small embroidery size and love them. Ginghers are good but they can be ruined fairly easy.

I have sent Ginghers back that a child got ahold of and used improperly and they returned them like new and it was very reasonable. Most of my Ginghers are twenty five to thirty years old and were made in Germany. Don't know about the newer ones.

I love Ginghers but the larger pair are quite heavy, so my favorite pair is the 5"

Around here my favorite is SHARP ones! Can't keep people from using them incorrectly!

Having said that....I have a very old pair of Belding Corticelli and they are still amazing. I'm not sure the company even exists. I've had them about 40 years.

Gingher are good and I really don't have any complaints about Fiskars. That is what we used in our drapery business and they lasted for many many years.

Ginghers are the way to go! You won't be sorry.