this post was submitted on 25 Dec 2023
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Buy it for Life

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These cheap scissors are held together with a screw (instead of a rivet), which means they can be tightened when they get loose and sharpened when they get dull. (www.scotchbrand.com)
submitted 2 years ago by plenipotentprotogod@lemmy.world to c/buyitforlife@slrpnk.net
25 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

I'm aware that the plastic handles probably disqualify these from being true "buy it for life", but the exciting thing for me is that they are relatively cheap and can be found on the shelf in most stores with an office supply section. It's an unfortunate reality that the vast majority of BIFL items are special order and cost several times more than their mainstream equivalent, so I wanted to shout out Scotch brand for maintaining such good serviceability on an item you can literally pick up at Walmart.

I just pulled apart a pair of these which was cutting horribly, gave each blade a couple passes on an oil stone, then reassembled and tightened them up with a drop of oil in the joint. They cut as well as the day they were bought, and the handles are still in good shape so I could see doing this several more times before I even have to consider replacing them.

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[–] arin@lemmy.world 13 points 2 years ago

You should really get scissors with higher quality hard steel so you don't need to sharpen the soft easily dulled steel cheap scissors. Your advice is not bifl but frugal at the cost of time effort

[–] the_artic_one@programming.dev 11 points 2 years ago (2 children)

I like these scissors but I feel like the screw works itself loose far too quickly.

[–] Orbituary@lemmy.world 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Loctite.

[–] the_artic_one@programming.dev 0 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Wouldn't that prevent the scissors from opening?

[–] evasive_chimpanzee@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Because no one has explained it, loctite comes in different strengths. Red is supposed to be permanent, blue is supposed to be able to break free again. For this application, you'd want blue to hold the nut in place.

[–] tyrant@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago

There are a hundred different types of loctite. Some for small bolts and some for large. Just because it's red doesn't mean it's permanent.

[–] nocturne213@lemm.ee 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Some loktite on the threads maybe?

[–] Mr_Blott@lemmy.world 9 points 2 years ago

In the UK or EU, Whiteley is the brand to look for

[–] highenergyphysics@lemmy.world 4 points 2 years ago (2 children)

If you need something a bit more bulletproof, Kershaw makes a fantastic set of general purpose scissors. They come apart without tools for cleaning and sharpening and it’s proper knife steel as well.

[–] plz1@lemmy.world 0 points 2 years ago

Thanks anon, I love my Kershaw pocket knives, but never thought of them for scissors.

[–] Kolanaki@yiffit.net 3 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

All but one of my scissors has a screw to take them apart for cleaning/shaprening. The one that doesn't is a super old pair of barber shears like from the 50's and is also rusted as fuck. Do they even still make scissors held together by rivets?

[–] Drusas@kbin.social 2 points 2 years ago (2 children)

If you want truly buy it for life scissors, you want hand forged Japanese scissors.

[–] Septimaeus 4 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (2 children)

Like mall ninja scissors? Or are hand forged scissors a real thing?

[–] Honytawk@lemmy.zip 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Hand forged by the Gods in the depths of Hades over a live volcano, using meteorite metal that fell from the sky and imbued with divine cosmic magic.

[–] Drusas@kbin.social 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I'm not sure what you mean by mall ninja scissors, but yes, hand forged scissors by expert blacksmiths is a real thing.

[–] IMongoose@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I got these for hunting/cooking:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001DINYHE

I really, really like them.

What would you recommend for more general purpose scissors?

[–] Drusas@kbin.social 1 points 2 years ago

I'm talking scissors that cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, so I myself have not purchased any at this point. Maybe someday.

[–] Lumisal@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

Just wanted to point out there's scissor sharpening tools that don't require the scissors to be taken apart

[–] astanix@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago

I have maybe 5 pairs of these scissors across various rooms in my house. They are cheap and decent.

[–] ghost_towels@sh.itjust.works 0 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I am an industrial seamstress and have been using the same pair of scissors for 20 years. Not everyday as I’ve had some other jobs here and there, but they are still my go to for anything sewing. They are Wiss 10”. Under $100 bucks and very much worth it.

That being said, if you can take these apart and sharpen them then that’s a good deal!

[–] Peppycito@sh.itjust.works 0 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

I have Wiss and like them. I have Mundial and like them. I bought some Kai and freakin' love them. Way, way lighter (to abate that repetitive stress) and super sharp. A little harder to sharpen because the steel is so hard and when they chip they chip bad, but they are amazing. Highly recommended.

Also an industrial seamster

[–] ghost_towels@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

Yes! I have a smaller pair of the Kai and you are not wrong about them. So damn sharp. I use those for small precise cuts. I’d like to get a bigger pair but then I’d feel like I’m cheating on the Wiss. Which is ridiculous lol.

Also, what kind of seamster? I’m a sailmaker, but I’ve “retired” from that and just sew for myself now.

[–] Peppycito@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Another boat industry professional! I make marine canvas and upholstery!

[–] ghost_towels@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 years ago

Nice!! I never got too much into canvas, just the stuff that goes with sails. Sailcovers and stack packs, winch covers, that kind of thing. Nothing with frames. That’s some 3D wizard magic right there! Always so impressed with beautiful canvas. Really cool the 3D modeling stuff some of the guys near me are using for patterning, so precise. I do need to make a new dodger, bimini and enclosure for my boat so I’m going to be doing it whether I like it or not soon! Also cushions.. lol