When you're looking for a new (or your first) pair of scissors, you'll want a pair that will be able to cut through anything that comes your way. It's tough to know exactly what you'll need to cut through in the future, but you can best set yourself up for success by selecting some scissors that can cut through most materials — this is the reason to buy "all purpose" scissors.
A dinky pair of scissors may cut through paper so that you can make a homemade birthday card for a family member, but will they help you complete future projects involving other materials? We've collected the sharpest scissors on the market and have reviewed them for you below. From our list of the best all purpose scissors, we hope you'll be able to effortlessly pick out the pair that works best for you.
Despite all falling under the classification of "all purpose," the scissors we've reviewed for you fill slightly different niches. They'll all be able to cut through everyday materials, but some are a bit more heavy-duty, and some have different shapes and extra features.
When selecting a pair of all purpose scissors, try to imagine how you'll need to use the scissors in the future. If you'll likely never need to cut through super tough materials, you can safely opt for some of the lighter, simpler scissors.
Below, you'll find our detailed reviews of the best all purpose scissors on the market.
Top Picks For Best All Purpose Scissors
|
Ranking |
Name |
Price Range |
Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Super Scissors |
$20 - $25 |
Amazon Price
|
|
|
Fiskars 8 Inch Amplify Mixed Media Shears |
$15 - $20 |
Amazon Price
|
|
|
Tonic Studios Tim Holtz 817 Non Stick Micro Serrated 7" Snips |
$10 - $15 |
Amazon Price
|
|
|
iGearPro Ultra Sharp Multi-Purpose Scissors |
$10 - $15 |
Amazon Price
|
|
|
Westcott 8" Straight Titanium Bonded Scissors |
$5 - $10 |
Amazon Price
|
Super Scissors
Price range: $20 - $25
*at the time of publishing
ABOUT THIS PRODUCT
With a name like Super Scissors, these scissors have a lot to live up to. These scissors are the heaviest of the bunch we've reviewed, but with great weight comes great responsibility. These heavy-duty scissors are "high carbon steel," which is supposedly stronger than the stainless-steel that makes up most scissors.
We found these scissors' 9-inch blades capable of cutting through anything from leather and fabric to your ordinary kinds of paper. The handles are rubberized, making them quite comfortable. We think the Super Scissors are the best all purpose scissors for these reasons.
WHAT WE LIKED
- These scissors are built to last — we imagine they'll remain sharp for years at least.
- Super Scissors can cut through anything (fabric, leather, cardboard, etc.) with ease — many people love using these as fabric scissors
- This pair of scissors allows for precise cutting of most materials. Unless you need to cut out small details (there are scissors with smaller blades for that), these scissors will probably be sufficiently precise.
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Since these scissors are not stainless-steel, you'll have to take better care of them to keep them from deteriorating.
- These aren't the most ergonomic scissors. They may be uncomfortable, especially for those with arthritis or smaller hands.
Fiskars 8 Inch Amplify Mixed Media Shears
Price range: $15 - $20
*at the time of publishing
ABOUT THIS PRODUCT
The Fiskars Mixed Media Shears might sound more intimidating than they actually are. These scissors boast premium-grade, stainless-steel blades as well as a special technology designed to amplify the force of the scissors. This means that less effort is needed on your behalf to cut through tough materials. These scissors can cut through tougher materials such as fabric, canvas, and chipboard as if they were paper. They aren't the lightest pair of scissors, but they aren't exactly heavy either.
WHAT WE LIKED
- These are ideal all purpose scissors — they can cut through both light and heavy materials.
- These scissors comfortable grip and sharp blades allow you to cut precisely.
- If their ability to cut wasn't enough, these scissors come with a lifetime warranty.
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- The "amplify" feature of the scissors wasn't as effective as Fiskars claims.
- The grip could be more comfortable.
- These scissors aren't very comfortable for left-handers.
Tonic Studios Tim Holtz 817 Non Stick Micro Serrated 7" Snips
Price range: $10 - $15
*at the time of publishing
ABOUT THIS PRODUCT
Despite the product's complicated name, these Tonic Studios Snips are not complicated at all. These scissors' symmetrical grips make them suitable for both left and right handed folks. The handles are also on the larger side, making them great for hands of all sizes.
These scissors are among the lightest scissors you can find. Their weight, coupled with the amount of leverage they provide while cutting, make this pair of scissors ideal for anyone with arthritis.
They don't offer the cleanest cut, however. If you need a high level of precision, you may want to look elsewhere.
WHAT WE LIKED
- Usable by anyone — left-handed, right-handed, those with arthritis, people with small hands, people with large hands, etc.
- The non-stick surface works great at keeping materials off the blades.
- Small blades make these scissors great for cutting anything — even when cutting in tight places, the blades shouldn't get in the way.
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- The scissors' serrated teeth can be difficult to clean.
- The non-stick coating on the blade will eventually wear off — but, you should get at least a year or more out of them.
- The scissors cut easily but aren't the most precise scissors available.
iGearPro Ultra Sharp Multi-Purpose Scissors
Price range: $10 - $15
*at the time of publishing
ABOUT THIS PRODUCT
Though marketed as being multi-purpose kitchen scissors, these iGearPro Multi-Purpose Scissors work for other purposes as well. They are capable of cutting herbs, bones, poultry, vegetables, as well as paper and other materials. The scissors can even be used to crack nuts and open bottles.
Its micro-serrated blades prevent slipping while cutting, and the ergonomic grips will keep the scissors from slipping out of your hand. These scissors work for both left and right-handed individuals, which is a nice touch.
WHAT WE LIKED
- These scissors are quite durable and should last you a long time.
- This pair of scissors can be easily used by both left and right-handers.
- The scissors sport extra features and can be used to crack nuts and open bottles as well as cut.
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Despite being meant for kitchen use, the scissors do not come apart for easier washing.
- Some tougher, non-kitchen items can be somewhat difficult to cut through.
Westcott 8" Straight Titanium Bonded Scissors
Price range: $5 - $10
*at the time of publishing
ABOUT THIS PRODUCT
These Westcott 8" Scissors are the simplest scissors of the bunch. They've got a nice comfy grip, stainless-steel blades, and can cut through many kinds of materials.
They may not be as sharp and powerful as the other scissors' we've reviewed, but they are the least expensive and get the job done. You can probably get two pairs of these scissors for less than the cost of some other pairs of scissors.
Whether you work in an office or attend school, these scissors will cut through any stationary and materials you'll likely encounter. They can certainly cut through fabric and leather, but it won't be as easy a task with these scissors as with a stronger pair.
WHAT WE LIKED
- The price of these scissors is good when compared to the scissors' quality.
- These scissors can cut through all kinds of stationery and some tougher materials.
- This pair of scissors is light and compact enough to store anywhere — or throw them in your purse or backpack to take them to work or school. And they aren't so sharp that they'll cut through things when not in use.
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- These aren't the most powerful scissors on the market — you may want to look elsewhere if you'll be using scissors for more than office and school-related projects.
- These scissors likely won't last as long as a sturdier pair of scissors.
What to Look for in All Purpose Scissors
Size
Scissors come in all shapes and sizes. There isn't a best size when it comes to scissor blades. However — it all depends on what you'll be cutting, and how precisely you need to cut. Scissors with shorter-length blades make precision cuts easier for smaller art projects — short-blade scissors are often helpful for cutting small, detailed patterns from fabric and paper.
Ergonomics
Some of the scissors we've reviewed work great regardless of your handedness, but others only feel comfortable in the hands of right-handers. Keep the shape and ergonomics of a pair of scissors in mind as you browse the scissor market.
If you're the only one that will use the scissors, you're free to cater to your own preferences. Take into account anyone else you think may need to use the scissors though. Left-handers can have an unpleasant time using scissors designed specifically for right-handed folks, so consider purchasing a pair of scissors with symmetrical grips that can be comfortably used with either hand.
When it comes to arthritis, you'll want comfortable scissors that require as little force to operate as possible. The "cutting power" of a pair of scissors comes from its leverage, so you'll want to find a pair of scissors with larger handles or smaller blades to increase the leverage you get when you cut. Try searching Amazon reviews for "arthritis" to see how comfy a pair of scissors is to use for other individuals with arthritis.The Tonic Studios scissors we reviewed were the best pair (from the pairs we reviewed) for those with arthritis.
There are fabric scissors available with bent, ergonomic handles which are supposedly the most comfortable for those with arthritis. If you will be cutting a lot of fabric and suffer from severe arthritis, you'll want to look into scissors of this kind.
Durability
Cheaper scissors may cut just as well as other scissors, but they won't last as long. The scissors we reviewed are all quite durable, but some proved to be more durable than others. If you are a frequent scissor-user, you'll probably want a pair of scissors that is sturdy and durable.
Another way to make your scissors last as long as possible is to keep separate scissors for certain materials. Each of the above scissors work great as "all purpose" scissors, but over time, cutting various kinds of materials can wear them down. Tougher materials will wear the blades down more quickly than soft materials, naturally. If you plan on using your scissors for fabric, especially, you may want to use them only to cut fabric — even cutting paper can wear them down more quickly.
Wipe your scissors down to ensure they are both dry and clean after each use. Water can obviously damage scissors, but lint and other particles can also prevent scissors from cutting as well as they should.
Ability to Cut
Most scissors can easily cut paper. If you imagine you'll need to cut through tougher materials, keep the strength of the scissors in mind. Some of the more heavy-duty scissors can easily cut through thick leather and multiple layers of fabric. You don't have to buy dedicated fabric scissors because there are plenty of all purpose scissors out that that will cut just as well.
Non-stick blades can come in handy when you're tasked with cutting things that otherwise could stick to the blade — tape, stickers, paper with glue on it, etc. If you're into arts and crafts, you'll want to pay extra attention to the finish on the scissors' blades. For cutting tougher materials like leather, fabric, and cardboard, you likely won't need non-stick blades, but it's easy enough to check if a pair of scissors has them anyway.
Conclusion
We believe the Super Scissors were the best all purpose scissors of the bunch. If you have arthritis or intend on using your scissors mainly in the kitchen, these may not be the scissors for you. For all other scissor-connoisseurs, however, you'll find the Super Scissors capable of cutting through anything you need them to and will last a long time while doing so.