Hello everyone! This is N from the 2nd floor Sewing Tools and Supplies section.
Today, I’d like to introduce you to scissors—an essential tool when cutting fabric or thread!
But first, let me ask you a question:
do you know how many different types of scissors we carry in our store?
The answer is… about 150 types!!

As you can see in the photo, our 2F floor has scissors displayed from one end of the section to the other.
Because of this, customers are often surprised by the variety, and sometimes tell us how hard it is to decide which scissors to choose.
With so many kinds available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, right?
So in this column, I’ll be sharing an overview of the different types of scissors and tips on how to choose the right one.
I’ll also introduce some staff-recommended favorites, so I hope you’ll stay with me until the end♪
目次
- What Are Scissors?
- How to Choose Scissors
- Types of Scissors – Part 1: Tailor’s Shears
- Scissors Type ② Thread Snips
- Scissors Type ③ Embroidery Scissors
- Scissors Type ④ Craft Scissors
- Specialty Scissors
- Recommended Scissors by Our Store Staff – Top Picks!!
- How to Keep Your Scissors in Top Shape
- Get Your Hands on Easy-to-Use Scissors!!
What Are Scissors?
Scissors work by bringing two blades together, allowing you to cut paper, fabric, thread, and more.
Unlike cutting with a single blade, the “lever principle” makes it possible to cut with much less effort. It’s said that the very beginning of scissors goes back to sheep shearing.。
The Shapes of Scissors
Scissors can be broadly divided into two main shapes: U-shaped and X-shaped.
U-shaped

The U-shaped type refers to traditional grip shears. If you do sewing or crafting regularly, this style might feel familiar.
One of their key features is that they allow you to cut precisely, even in narrow or tricky spots.
X-shaped

On the other hand, the X-shaped type is the style of scissors most people are used to seeing. For example, tailor’s shears, dressmaking shears, and general fabric scissors all belong to this category.
These days, many X-shaped scissors are designed with added features like comfortable grips and slip resistance, making them practical and easy to use.
Both types share the same basic mechanism: two blades crossing to make a clean cut. But because their shapes differ, the way they feel in use can be quite different.
Nowadays, you’ll probably encounter X-shaped scissors much more often, while U-shaped grip shears have become a rarer sight.
The History of Scissors
The history of scissors goes way back to before the Common Era.
The oldest ones we know of are U-shaped scissors from ancient Greece, around 1000 BCE. Meanwhile, the oldest X-shaped scissors found so far date back to ancient Rome, around 27 BCE.
So even though they popped up in different eras, it’s pretty amazing to see that scissors have been around for such a long time.
In Japan, the oldest scissors are said to be “Nigiribasami” (pincer-type scissors), which were introduced from China around the 6th century.
X-shaped scissors close to the modern style have also been found in the Shōsōin treasure house, so it’s thought they were already in use during the Nara period.
But it wasn’t until the Meiji period that scissors really became widely used, just like we know them today.
Materials of Scissors
Most scissors are made from either steel or stainless steel.
Among these, steel is considered high-quality and is often used for premium scissors.
Steel is a type of iron that has strong durability, and depending on the amount of steel content, it can be categorized with different names.
It also has the property of becoming harder when more carbon is added or when it goes through heat treatment.
Other metals can also harden, but steel is said to be superior in this regard.
When you actually try using a pair of steel scissors, you’ll really notice the difference in quality compared to those made from other materials!
How to Choose Scissors
Choose by Purpose
The material and finish of the scissor blades can affect what you can cut. For example, scissors with non-stick or fluorine coatings can handle sticky tape and other adhesive materials without any problem!
Try picking scissors that match the items you want to cut, and consider using different pairs for different tasks♪
Choose by Dominant Hand

Make sure to check whether the scissors are designed for right-handed or left-handed use! Most scissors sold on the market are designed for right-handed users.
There are also scissors that can be used comfortably by either hand, so be sure to check the packaging.
Don’t Forget the Handle Shape!

Especially if you’ll be using scissors for a long time, make sure they feel comfortable and won’t tire your hand.
If the handle shape doesn’t fit your hand well, it can cause pain during use.
If the handles feel small or cramped, it’s better to choose a pair with larger handles!!
Types of Scissors – Part 1: Tailor’s Shears
SHOZABURO(庄三郎) Tailor’s Shears / Rasha Cutting Shears
- Product number: A240 , A260
- Size: A240 / 240mm , A260 / 260mm
- Material: Premium blade steel
These are precious scissors carefully crafted by skilled artisans. As tailor’s shears, the familiar Rasha Cutting style is known for its weight and sharp cutting – truly the ultimate “tailor’s shears.” The precision and smooth cutting are backed by tradition, making even thick fabrics easy to slice through.
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Chuko OnlineSHOZABURO(庄三郎)SlimLite

- Product number: SL220-240
- Size: 220mm 240mm
- Material: Stainless steel
The overall shape is slimmed down to reduce weight. These scissors are known for their light and smooth cutting feel.
Takumi no Waza (匠の技) Artisan-Grade Professional Fabric Shears
- Product number: G5145
- Size: 217mm
- Material: Stainless blade steel
High-quality stainless steel scissors with blades and handles made as a single piece.
Thanks to heat treatment, they resist rust and maintain a sharp cutting edge for a long time. Even thick denim can be cut cleanly.
The final sharpening and adjustments are done by experienced specialists by hand.
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Chuko OnlineCANARY Bond Free PRO 245mm
- Product number: HSE-245F
- Size: 245×85×15mm/175g
- Material: Blade / High-quality stainless steel with high-quality fluorine coating, Handle / ABS resin
These scissors are coated to prevent glue from sticking. They can easily cut slippery fabrics like vinyl.
Perfect for cutting fabric and ribbons, as well as cutting masking tape, fusible interfacing, and other materials.
The thumb handle has a slight concave shape that fits naturally in your hand, so you won’t get tired even after long use.
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Chuko OnlineMisuzu (美鈴)”Silky” Left-Handed Shears
- Product number: FMS824-1
- Product name: 美鈴シルキーハサミ 左手用 210mm
- Size: 全長210cm
- 素材:Blade / Stainless blade steel , Handle / ABS resin
These left-handed scissors are perfect for Japanese or Western sewing, crafts, patchwork, and even office use.
They’re lightweight, functional, and beautifully designed – ideal for women too! Made of stainless steel, they resist rust, are easy to care for, and keep a smooth cutting performance.
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Chuko OnlineMisuzu (美鈴) Patchwork Shears
- Product number: FMS884-01
- Product name: 美鈴 パッチワークはさみ 185mm
- Size: 185mm
- Material: Stainless steel
One of the blades has a serrated edge, so it grips the fabric firmly and cuts cleanly without slipping.
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Chuko OnlineScissors Type ② Thread Snips
Thread snips are said to be among the most difficult scissors to make.
Since the number of skilled craftsmen who can make them is decreasing, they are now very rare and valuable items.
SHOZABURO(庄三郎) Thread Snip Morimachi(守町) Oxidized Black
- Product number: MI105
- Size: 全長約105mm
- Material: Stainless blade steel
These scissors have a delicate cutting edge.
The “Morimachi(守町)” type is a short-blade style, also called the Kanto type. It features a short blade and a large grip.
SHOZABURO(庄三郎) Thread Snip 長刃 Oxidized Black
- Product number: NI105
- Size: 105mm
- Material: Stainless blade steel
These scissors also have a delicate cutting edge. The “Long Blade” type is called the Kansai type. It has a long blade and a slim, streamlined overall shape.。
Functionally, there’s little difference in cutting performance.
You can simply choose the blade length that feels most comfortable for you!
Misuzu (美鈴) Thread Snip Oxidized Black
- Product number: FMS511
- Size: 105mm
- Material: Premium blade steel (SK5)
This is a standard type of thread snip with a rust-resistant blackened finish.
The blade and handle are molded from the same high-carbon steel, making it a sturdy construction.
Clover H-Thread Snips – Curved Blade
- Product number: CL36-363
- Size: 105mm
- Material: Blade / Steel , Handle / Olefin resin
Thanks to the curved blade, you can cut threads along the fabric without damaging it.
Misuzu(美鈴) “ChokiChoki Gold” Thread Snips
- Product number: FMS504
- Size: 105mm
- Material: High-carbon stainless steel
Made of stainless steel, these scissors are highly resistant to rust.
They come with a rubber cap that feels comfortable and reduces fatigue. The blades use high-carbon stainless steel and are fully heat-treated in an electric furnace.
Scissors Type ③ Embroidery Scissors
Prym Crane Embroidery Scissors
- Product number: PRM611445
- Size: Total / 90mm , Blade / 25mm , Handle Φ15mm
- Material: Steel
These are a must-have for embroidery.
Even when not in use, their beautiful design makes you want to just look at them.
They have excellent sharpness, allowing precise, millimeter-level work, so delicate tasks are easy to handle.
The scissors have a solid weight, which prevents wobbling while cutting.
Misuzu(美鈴)Embroidery Scissors – Curved Blade


- Product number: FMS832
- Size: 105mm
- Material: Stainless steel
Thanks to the curved blade, you can finish threads without damaging the fabric.
Spring Thread Snips
- Product number: MIS8083
- Size: 120mm
- Material: Stainless steel (24K gold-plated)
The curved blade allows for easy cutting with just a light squeeze from the outside. It’s gentle on fabric, and the delicate tips are perfect for patchwork and embroidery.
Misuzu(美鈴) Quilt Cut Scissors


- Product number: FMS891/892
- Size: 170mm/125mm
- Material: Blades / Stainless steel , Handle / Resin
Made from delicate yet strong steel, these scissors can cut through 4–5 layers of fabric with ease.
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Chuko OnlineScissors Type ④ Craft Scissors
”Hobby Craft Choki” Multipurpose Scissors

- Product number: FMS330HN
- Size: 160mm
- Material: High-carbon blade steel [Hard chrome finish] , Soft-grip handle
These scissors are sharp and resistant to rust.
They feature a soft, hand-friendly grip, and the wider surface that touches your fingers helps reduce strain during long use or when cutting tough materials.
They can handle a wide range of items, from thin fabrics like gauze to tougher materials like PP bands.
Misuzu(美鈴) Stainless Steel Pinking Shears

- Product number: FMS818
- Size: 210mm
- Material: Blade / Stainless steel , Handle / Resin
Perfect for cutting ribbons and wrapping!
The zigzag cut prevents fraying along the fabric edge.
CANARY Bond-free for ultra-fine designs
- Product number: HDSB-100
- Size: 105mm
- Material: Blade / Stainless blade steel , Handle / ABS resin
The stainless steel blades are coated with a fluorine finish, allowing smooth cutting even through adhesive tape.
The thin, sharp blades and voluminous handles make it easy to control the tips.
Boldly ground tips reduce cutting resistance while giving a clean finish to the cut material.
Leather Cutting Shears
- Product number: FMS894
- Size: Total / 180mm , Blade / 45mm
- Material: Blade & Rivet Pin / Stainless steel , Handle / PP resin
The design keeps leather from slipping, enabling straight cuts without tilting.
Unlike traditional “clamp and cut” scissors, these are “pull-to-cut” scissors.
The upper and lower blades are different lengths, allowing you to cut various materials with a single pair—leather, synthetic leather, rubber, even PET bottles!
We also use these scissors in our store when selling leather tape.
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Chuko OnlineSpecialty Scissors
Thread Snips with Seam Ripper

- Product number: NI-02427
- Size: Total / Approx. 101mm、Blade / Approx. 35mm
- Material: Blade / Iron , Handle / Plastic
These are thread snips designed with a ripper at the tip that lifts the thread, while the scissor blades cut it cleanly.
They allow you to trim only the seams without damaging the fabric.
It’s a convenient 2-way tool that works both as a ripper and as thread snips.
“Dan-chan” Cardboard Saw with Cap
- Product number: HDC-191C
- Size: 190mm
- Material: Blade / Stainless blade steel , Handle / PP resin
The serrated blades on both sides can open cardboard and cut PP bands.
It also comes with a cap, making it easy to carry around.
CANARY Micro Scissors
- Product number: HCA-35EU-BU ~ HCA-35EU-P
- Size: 35mm
- Material: Blade / Stainless blade steel , Handle / ABS resin
Measuring just 35mm in total length!
You can cut simply by pinching with your thumb and index finger.
Despite its tiny size, it can cut threads, tags, and paper cleanly. Super convenient for carrying around!
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Chuko OnlineRecommended Scissors by Our Store Staff – Top Picks!!
So far, we’ve introduced a ton of different types of scissors, but you might be thinking, “Which one should I actually choose?”
Don’t worry! Our professional sewing staff have carefully selected their top picks for you!!
★☆ Tailor’s Shears category★☆A240/A260 Tailor’s Shears / Rasha Cutting Shears

From the Tailor’s Shears category, the Shōzaburō scissors crafted by Japanese artisans were chosen as Best 1!
With fewer skilled craftsmen able to make scissors these days, these are truly precious.
They aren’t cheap, but the solid weight and excellent cutting performance make them a beloved classic.
★☆ Multipurpose Scissors category★☆FMS330HN ”Hobby Craft Choki” Multipurpose Scissors

From the Multipurpose Scissors category, the Craft Choki scissors with a variety of colors were selected!! These scissors feature sharp blades that resist rust, plus a soft, hand-friendly grip.
Even with little force, you can feel how sharp they are! A versatile pair of scissors like this is super handy to have at home.
★☆ Quilting Scissors category★☆FMS891・892 Misuzu(美鈴) Quilt Cut Scissors


For the Quilting Scissors category, these scissors were chosen!!
They can cut multiple layers accurately and maintain the same shape when cutting, making them perfect for quilting projects.
How to Keep Your Scissors in Top Shape
To keep your scissors in good condition for a long time, regular care and careful handling are really important.
Have you ever noticed your scissors aren’t cutting as smoothly as before?
If you use them often—or cut a mix of paper, tape, and fabric with the same pair—they might start to feel dull.
Loose screws can also make scissors feel less sharp.
Why Don’t Scissors Cut Well?
There are two main reasons scissors lose their sharpness:① chipped blades and ② buildup of dirt or adhesive.
Small chips can happen over time from friction, and dirt or sticky residue can make cutting difficult.
Now, we’d like to share some tips to solve these common problems!
When Your Scissors Feel Dull, Use a “Scissor Cleaner”!

A scissor cleaner is great for removing sticky residue from tape, fusible interfacing, and other debris on your blades. It contains silicone, which also helps prevent dirt from sticking.
Plus, it includes a rust-preventing agent to protect your scissors from corrosion.
Try Getting Them Sharpened!
Some specialty stores and sharpening shops offer professional scissor sharpening. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but leaving it to a skilled craftsman ensures a safe and perfectly sharp finish.
Prevent Rust on the Blades!
Just a Few Drops of “Sunland Sewing Machine Oil”!
For rust prevention, simply add a few drops of oil to the screw area or the back of the blades.
This handy lubricant can be used not only on scissors but also on sewing machines, knitting machines, tools, and even bikes or motorcycles.
It’s highly lubricating and won’t cause discoloration even if it gets on fabric.
Wrap with “Iron Friend(アイロンの友)” for Extra Protection!
By simply wrapping your scissors with the product “Iron Friend(アイロンの友)” (Item No.: MZ-06357) for storage, you can prevent rust.
The cloth contains silicone (MF blend) and helps prevent rust on scissors and needles, while also improving the glide of your iron!
What You Can Do Every Day…?
Handle Your Scissors Carefully—Don’t Drop or Treat Them Roughly!

Scissors can chip if dropped. Since they’re sharp tools, never point the blades at anyone or walk around holding them open.
When not in use, close the blades and store them in a case.
Treat them carefully so you don’t hurt yourself, others, or your belongings.
Don’t Cut Paper with “Tailor’s Shears”!
The tailor’s shears we carry are designed for cutting fabric, so avoid using them on paper or sticky tape. Doing so can damage the blades and make them harder to cut with.
To keep your scissors in good shape for a long time, make sure to clean and handle them carefully every day.
Recommended Storage for Scissors and Other Tools
A magnetic tool holder is a great choice for keeping your scissors organized!
When you’re focused on your work, it’s easy to leave tools lying around here and there—sometimes even in places where they might accidentally fall. With a storage item that has a built-in magnet, you can safely keep your scissors in place just like in the photo. It’s also convenient since you can store other magnet-friendly tools together in one spot!
And if the surface is made of silicone, like the one shown here, you don’t have to worry about the blades of your scissors getting scratched.
Get Your Hands on Easy-to-Use Scissors!!

When you’re looking for scissors, be sure to check out our selection♪ From scissors for sewing and dressmaking to ones for crafts and office work, Nihon Chuo Button carries a wide variety!
Our knowledgeable staff at the store can also recommend the perfect pair for you.
Be sure to take a look♪
This column is also highly recommended!
Here, we introduce some vintage sewing tools, including an extra-large pair of scissors that we received about 40 years ago to commemorate Shozaburo’s 60th anniversary.
By comparing these items from the past with those of today, we hope you’ll enjoy seeing how sewing and crafting tools have evolved over time.
We also share products and special offers on Instagram.
Please follow our Instagram account here!
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