Scissors: Do yourself a favor
02-05-2026, 05:40 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Peoria, IL -- Midwest Transplant
Posts: 7,259
Depending on what you do, good scissors (properly maintained and sharpened) are a must and an unbelievable difference.
Mostly for what I do, is about the rotary cutter and I'm fine with basic Fiskars (I have a sharpener) for thread snipping and etc. But if I went back to garments or costuming, I'd be wanting a couple of nice pairs of scissors. I do believe in changing blades often, that a blade is about/less than half a yard of fabric, but can make 5 yards of fabric icky to sew with if past it's point (or being asked to do too many layers).
A lot of my long-time Gingher using quilter friends are buying new/smaller/specialty scissors from Kai.
Mostly for what I do, is about the rotary cutter and I'm fine with basic Fiskars (I have a sharpener) for thread snipping and etc. But if I went back to garments or costuming, I'd be wanting a couple of nice pairs of scissors. I do believe in changing blades often, that a blade is about/less than half a yard of fabric, but can make 5 yards of fabric icky to sew with if past it's point (or being asked to do too many layers).
A lot of my long-time Gingher using quilter friends are buying new/smaller/specialty scissors from Kai.
02-05-2026, 06:35 AM
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 17,810
I have the batting scissors. I don't cut batting regularly, but when I do the scissors whip through even the thickest batting like butter. No jagged edges and no getting bogged down. I bought them about 20 years ago at Paducah Quilt Show from Quilt in A Day shop. They still cut like new. Price is still on the plastic sleeve. $44.99. The price I see now is about $60 on the website. I would buy them again.
02-05-2026, 06:42 AM
#14
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 10,668
As a quilter, rotary blades are what i use the most for cutting. Howeve I did check the Ginghers out on Amazon and just ordered a pair of their knippers for cutting threads when quilting. I have two other pair from another company, but blades are getting dull on them and for the cost of having them sharpened was about equal to a new pair. Will let you know how I like them when they arrive.
02-05-2026, 10:43 AM
#15
Power Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 27,271
I'm sorry to hear that Fiscars is now making Ginghers.
Ginghers are not all the same... quality depends on where they were made. I have bought about 6 pairs over the years, and my favorite and still sharpest were made in Italy. Others from countries like Brazil, not so much. I learned to check the country, stamped on the blade.
Ginghers are not all the same... quality depends on where they were made. I have bought about 6 pairs over the years, and my favorite and still sharpest were made in Italy. Others from countries like Brazil, not so much. I learned to check the country, stamped on the blade.
02-05-2026, 05:11 PM
#17
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Reno, Nv
Posts: 16,884
I love Ginghers so much I have the snips, pinking, 6 inch and my original dressmaker's size. They are wonderful tools and have lasted me around 30 some years so far.
I agree, don't fool around get a good pair of scissors.
I agree, don't fool around get a good pair of scissors.
Last edited by RedGarnet222; 02-05-2026 at 05:14 PM.
02-06-2026, 06:14 AM
#18
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 17,810
I doubt every brand has a big scissor manufacturing plant. Most massed produced scissors are made in the same plants just with different specifications. I've notice thinner blades on many good brand then they use to be. A vendor told me scissors are made to be replaced. Most can't be sharpened without damage. The brand would go broke in today's world if they lasted for a lifetime.
02-06-2026, 06:18 AM
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Carroll, Iowa
Posts: 3,979
I have a good pair of some sort of scissors but I mostly use rotary cutters to cut fabric. I have all 3 sizes too. I still have my very 1st pair of scissors still in their case as I always put it back when finished with them. That has to be close to 50+ years now and not a spot of rust on them. I had pinking shears also kept in their case but gave them to my sister. Bought them about the same time so basically the rule is for most, if you take care of them, they will take care of you.
02-06-2026, 08:45 AM
#20
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Central Ohio
Posts: 15,763
I have Ginghers I believe were made in Germany? Could be wrong about that. I've had them for 30 some years.
My favorites though are Kai. They are lightweight and cut beautifully. So do the Ginghers but they're heavier.
My favorites though are Kai. They are lightweight and cut beautifully. So do the Ginghers but they're heavier.
