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Member since 10/24/06
Posts: 10
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Posted on: 12/30/06 1:41 PM ET
I'm trying to decide what brand/model shears to buy for cutting fabric. The ones I've seen and liked in my local fabric store are Gingher 8" knife edge dressmakers shears. They also have one that has one serated blade and one knife edge blade . . . is it better to get the ones with the serated edge or go with both blades knife edge? Is one more versatile than the other?
Are there any other brands or models people would suggest instead of the Gingher ones?
Thanks
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 12/30/06 2:18 PM ET
In reply to Miramar
I think that you will get people who like many different brands of scissors. I have two pair, 8 inch Henkels that I bought about 18 years ago and my grandmothers Ginghers (I have no idea how old they are).

The Henkels are lightweight and I find that they tend to pull thicker fabric and are a bit more work to use. They also need sharpening more often.

The Ginghers are incredible, they cut through thick, thin, slippery fabrics equally well. They hold an edge for a long time. These are the ones I reach for first.

I have not tried any other brands of scissors as the Ginghers meet all my needs.
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Member since 7/7/05
Posts: 292
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Posted on: 12/30/06 3:23 PM ET
In reply to Miramar
I like my Kai shears a lot. I have the 8 inch and the 6 inch. I also have Gingher (old and needing to be sharpened, and I do like them, too). I have some very old Wiss pinking shears that I seldom, actually never, use anymore, but I can't bring myself to part with them. I also have Mundial shears, but the screw connecting the blades continually works itself loose. Right now, I tend to reach for the Kai shears first. I've been very pleased with them. (Had never heard of them until someone mentioned them here on Pattern Review.)
  
Member since 10/24/06
Posts: 10
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Posted on: 12/30/06 4:06 PM ET
Great, thanks for the suggestions.
Any thoughts on whether it is better to go with a full knife edge shear or go for one with the lower blade serated??
Thanks.
  
Member since 3/7/05
Posts: 109
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Posted on: 12/30/06 4:12 PM ET
In reply to Miramar
I love my Kai scissors. I came across and tried out a pair at the ASG conference this past Aug. They are very comfortable and lightweight. I now enjoy cutting out my fabric pieces. :)
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Member since 12/6/03
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Posted on: 12/30/06 5:41 PM ET
I have Gingers, but I understand that they may be being made out of softer material now than they used to. There was a discussion at the expo in Cynthia Guffey's class about that. She used to use Gingers, but said they would not hold the sharpening for long. She recommended the Kais and said they rarely needed sharpening.
I have a wonderful machine dealer and they have been sharpening sissors for years and really know how to do it well. Sew, for me sharpness is not an issue. I think however, I am going to get myself a pair of Kais soon.
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Member since 1/25/04
Posts: 507
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Posted on: 12/30/06 7:12 PM ET
I would first buy knife edge scissors for they will be used for most of your needs. I have a pair of serrated edged scissors. I use them when working with Chiffon and other fabrics that tend to move as you cut them. The serrated edge keeps it from shifting allowing for a cleaner cut. They are trickier to sharpen (not sure if they can be), so I wipe off with a soft dry cloth and store them in the original box to keep sharp. I really don't use them as much as I thought I would but are very useful when I do.
Scissors are very tactile, they should feel good in your hand or you won't like to use them. Kai's are becoming more popular, they hold their sharpness and the rubberized handle is comfortable. Try to handle several different scissors before you decide.
-- Edited on 12/30/06 10:03 PM --
  
Member since 6/22/04
Posts: 4602
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Posted on: 12/31/06 9:46 AM ET
Ginghers are nice enough and if bought on a 50% off sale are reasonably priced. A basic knife edge is a staple in the sewing room. The serrated edge is more of a specialty tool.

Today's Ginghers are not your grandmother's Ginghers, though. They aren't even your mother's Ginghers. I have 25 year old Ginghers and I have 5 year old Ginghers and they do look the same. But on closer inspection the older ones are slimmer at the tips and are more balanced and comfortable in the hand.

I like that Ginghers have a true left hand scissor where the blades are mirror images of right hand, not just right hand scissors with left hand handles stuck on them. Something to consider if you are left handed.
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Member since 9/19/06
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Posted on: 12/31/06 12:29 PM ET
Awhile back Gingher switched all their production from Germany to outsources.
the typical silver handled dressmaker shears are made in Mexico now and are nowhere near the quality of the old Ginghers. Some of the smaller embroidery scissors are made in Italy, and they seem to be of better quality than the ones made in Mexico.
I have a pair of knife edge that are stamped "made in Brazil" and the blades were great, until dsd's used them to cut the plastic price tags off their jeans GRRR.

I agree with SewLiz that the serrated are special use only, not for everyday cutting. The serrated blades are made specifically for cutting slippery silk and poly satins (charmeuse) and chiffons.

Next up for my workroom I want a pair of those huge Wiss dressmaker shears. They still make them, I know, because they get them for the students at the fashion design program here at WashU
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Marji

  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 380
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Posted on: 12/31/06 9:17 PM ET
Just thought I'd mention that New Year's Day, Hancock's has all their scissors 50% off.
  
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