A new style of scissors is now available. These scissors are the size and shape of a pen (you can see it in the picture above). Several companies distribute these Japanese scissors, including Merry L. This type of scissor is properly called a snip. It works by squeezing, instead of by the usual cutting motion.
The coolest thing about these snips is the lever packaging. Most snips have short, uncovered blades. Because of the construction, the blades don’t open very far. However, the uncovered blades can be a hassle in project bags or purses. The picture above shows this problem clearly.
With the snips closed, the top covers the blades and allows you to carry them in any bag or purse. Remove the cover, and the blades are exposed. But the snips are not ready to use. You’ll need to release the lever in order to allow one blade to move. The other blade stays fixed. To cut threads, press the lever.
It doesn’t take much strength to push the lever and cut your threads. This makes it an ideal solution for those with poor hand strength. These snips are far easier to use than any other scissors made for arthritis I have used.
The blades are very short. Because of this, they can only be used to cut thread ends or stitching lengths of threads. The blads won’t open far enough to cut through most threads, and they are not long enough to make them useful for cutting canvas.
I’m delighted with these snips and I highly recommend them.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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