Scissors

Scissors are a hand-operated cutting instrument consisting of a pair of metal blades pivoted so that the sharpened edges slide against each other when the handles (bows) opposite to the pivot are closed. Scissors are used for cutting various thin materials, such as paper, cardboard, metal foil, cloth, rope, and wire. A large variety of scissors and shears all exist for specialized purposes.

History

The earliest known scissors appeared in the Middle East 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. These were of the 'spring scissor' type comprising two bronze blades connected at the handles by a thin, flexible strip of curved bronze which served to hold the blades in alignment, to allow them to be squeezed together, and to pull them apart when released.

Types of Scissors

There are many types of scissors used for different purposes. Some of these include:

• Hair-cutting shears: These are scissors specifically designed to cut hair.
• Kitchen scissors: Kitchen scissors are intended for cutting and trimming foods such as meats.
• Garden scissors: Garden scissors, also known as pruning shears, are used to trim plants.
• Sewing scissors: Sewing scissors have a specific design that allows for the precise cutting of fabric.
• Safety scissors: Safety scissors are a type of scissors that are designed with a rounded tip to prevent accidental injuries, especially for children.

See Also

• Shears
• Knife
• Blade

Scissors Resources
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