Cutting tools have been a constant for every culture around the world throughout the ages. They've been needed for cutting up meat (vs traditional tearing with your hands and teeth), found in use, for agriculture, textiles, shearing coats of livestock, food, and hair.
Practically, every industry can be found having a use for scissors, again, around the world. They were once, only available to those in Guilds and merchant circles.
Superstitions were created around scissors. Usually recommending and/or advising placing scissors under your pillow, or gifting scissors with money in return, to be wary and avoid scissors that could 'cut in half' friendships, pain, joy, luck and prosperity. These beliefs in the omens about scissors, were probably more to spread messages of, respect this tool. Do you notice how we, or others, take scissors for granted?
Where Scissors began?
The construction of scissors began, by connecting two blades with a flexible metal loop, that required hand strength, to perform a cut, called 'spring scissors'. This would be the basic design, for many years. It's believed that scissors had traveled through trade, exploration and with the Romans.The Roman iron workers would eventually build upon, and re-design this tool, two crossed blades with a fulcrum but did not close. Even the doomed city of Pompeii, has been found to have had iron blades that were riveted to a bronze spring. In Finland, Fiskars would open an iron forging smithy, in 1649, manufacturing scissors, another company in Hangzhou, China made scissors since 1663 plus William Whitely and Sons (Sheffield) Ltd., would make scissors in 1760.
Today's modern pivoted design, is believed to have started in 1761, by Robert Hinchliffe, in London, and manufactured in larger numbers. They are still in business and considered one of the oldest scissor manufacturing company, in the West though there may be some disagreement. Scissors are still that one seriously awesome tool, that is greatly appreciated and worth owning.
Let's fuss about our Scissors
Ownership of scissors shows us two blades, made of steel. We also know, that steel can rust, and! through long time use, the blades will dull. As we have learned in life, all good things must come to an end, including our beloved scissors but! we can extend the life of our scissors with learning how to care for them. For this case, I will stick to fabric scissors aka fabric shears since I'm one of many, sewing enthusiasts. It's important to take care of our fabric scissors and/or shears, and recommended as follows:- Avoid water and
moisture to help prevent rust. Rust spots can accumulate around the
'pivot' point (that little center screw), so use a steel wool brush,
to clean it up.
- Sticky with some sort
of residue (glue from self-adhesive something or other?) then use a
little water to wipe it off and dry thoroughly.
- Wipe the blades
regularly especially if cutting through brittle types of man-made
fabrics. Pieces of fabric lint can build up around the pivot.
- Keep blades sharp. A
few various recommendations such as, cut through folded sandpaper,
foil, or my favorite, use a diamond file, your friendly
neighborhood professional sharpener or purchase scissor sharpener tool. Check to see what works best
for you.
- Store in a dry
container.
- Do not use fabric
scissors for anything else other than fabric.
- Keep extra scissors
nearby for specific cutting of threads, paper, cardboard.
- Pay attention to that
pivot screw. It may need tightening or loosening but be careful
since blade alignment may be set off.
- Oil the pivot screw
with 1-2-3 or sewing machine oil.
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