Replies

1. 
   decoratrice | Dec 28, 2009 11:28am | #1

   I swear by Ginghers. As for pinking shears, I have tried many (but not Ginghers), and the only type that works for me is the rotary shear. Plus, they look so cool! Who came up with that idea, I wonder? I also use a rotary cutter, but when I need to pink, I can't see how a pinking blade on a rotary cutter would do the trick.

2. 
   MargieT | Dec 29, 2009 06:05pm | #2

   I love my Ginghers scissors. I have had them for about 3 years and they have never needed resharpening. I also use a rotary cutter [great for cutting difficult fabrics] and I occasionally use pinking sheers.

1. 
   cookymom | Dec 29, 2009 09:34pm | #3

   I have a pair of Marks shears and they have lasted 20 years. I now use a rotary cutter for quilting and for cutting large pattern pieces. If you have the Stretch and Sew weights, a large mat, long ruler and a rotary cutter, it will shorten the time you spend cutting out the pattern. Use the shears for smaller pieces such as facings and sleeves.

   Carol

3. 
   ohiostar | Dec 30, 2009 11:33pm | #4

   I have a few pinking shears and each one has qualities. I have and old pair oof Wiss. Ok, but nothing to write home about. The Ginghers are my biggest disappointment. They can really only cut one layer of COTTON fabrics. Polys dull them with one run through. I have a pair of orange handled Fiskars and a rotary cutter. I love the Fiskars because they don't discriminate on fabric types, just like the rotary blades don't: always ready to cut.

4. 
   kbalinski | Jan 01, 2010 01:37pm | #5

   I used to love my Ginghers... until I bought a pair of Kai scissors. Just amazing, and they have a wide variety of sizes. Just Google their name, you'll find them in a heartbeat. I think they offer free shippiing year round, too. Good luck!

1. 
   Morgangale | Jan 04, 2010 11:08am | #6

   I agree about the Kai scissors. They are my favorites now. I have been a gingher user but Kai's are nice and pointy for great control. The only problem I have had is when I took them to be sharpened locally and they put them back together wrong!

   Is their website secure?

1. 
   kaylanc | Jan 12, 2010 08:42pm | #11

   Send those poor damaged Kais to

   Kai/Kershaw Knives

   Warranty Department,

   18600 Southwest Teton Avenue

   Tualatin, OR 97062-8841

   (503) 682-1966

   And they'll fix or replace them as part of their lifetime warranty. I believe there's a small charge for return postage, like about $5, but don't know for sure... they're local-ish to me and I just haul mine in for sharpening once a year or so.

   Definitely my favorites, better than Gingher or Wiss imo.

1. 
   Morgangale | Jan 13, 2010 04:35pm | #12

   Thanks. I'm on it!
   Thanks. I'm on it!

5. 
   ThreadKoe | Jan 04, 2010 03:57pm | #7

   Like many well used tools, the balance and intended use of the scissors makes a great difference in preference. I actually own several pairs, for different purposes. I love my fiskars for synthetic and knit fabrics, but go back to an ancient pair of unknown make for my cottons and wools. I have a great pair of older Singers that works well for most natural fibres, except the really heavy ones. Best bet is to see if you can try out several pairs, to see which fit your hands best. Cathy

6. 
   Palady | Jan 09, 2010 02:40pm | #8

   Being off line for a bit & "learning" to navigate our "new" platform this comes in some days later.

   One of my treasures is a pair of Wiss scallop scissors. A very surprising Christmas gift from DH circa 1965(?) I fell short of even realizing they were available!

   Mother treasured her Wiss scissors. Pinkers included. Hers were a Christmas gift from my Dad circa 1938. They're now in my daughter's hands.

   My Wiss pinker's are nestled with the scallops.

   http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36209829

   nepa

   ETA - In reply to the inquiry. Gingher's are pricey but worth the monies. MO. Fiskars are somewhat less, & work. Again MO. I've used both. What matters most is that your sewing scissors be used ONLY for fabric. for cutting patter ntissue or other paper, use a pair dedicated to this function. I have yet to use Kia's.

   As for pinking sheers - MO, it depends on the fabric you use. Also the machine. If you can zz or overcast an edge, this suffices in most situations. Also, with a serger, pinking sheers use would be minimal.

   You might find a rotary cutter with a pinking blade will fit your need. Rotaries by Olfa or Fiskar's work well. Each has accessory blades.

   nepa

1. 
   Teifi | Jan 10, 2010 01:34pm | #9

   Hi

   Not sure I am adding anything very new to the posts already in place, but here is my experience. I don't suppose you will find them now but I use 'Magbel' shears for cutting out. They were made in Sheffield (England) and mine belonged to my grandmother. They are at least 60 years old and still cut beautifully. If you get a chance of this brand as a second hand option I would snatch the sellers hand off!

   On a more helpful note I also use modern Fiskars and Ghinger. Ghinger are definitely the better scissor. They fit the hand well and have an absolutely superb edge. Mine are a small pair I use for accurate trimming and they are the best I have. I have used them for several years now and inherited them from my Mum who used them for a few years before than. They are still razor sharp and have never been sharpened.

   Having said all that if budget is tight I wouldn't discount Fiskars, mine have a good edge, work really well and are pretty comfortable to use. They are certainly more than adequate for most sewing jobs.

   However if you want something which is a joy to look at and a joy to use, my advice is to save up the pennies and go for Ghinger!

   Colleen

7. 
   tzipi | Jan 10, 2010 02:25pm | #10

   I want to thank everyone for all of their advice for buying new shears. In the meantime, I have found a place to sharpen my old Weiss straight and pinking shears and i am considering options of what to buy.

   I really appreciate the suggestions. Will let you knwo how it all goes.

   Tzipi