Choosing the Right Scissors for Cutting Rubber
Millions of products people use daily are made of rubber or rubber composites—everything from tires and hoses to footwear, seals, and medical components. These materials are essential to industries such as automotive, medical, aerospace, plumbing, agriculture, and more.
Wolff Industries has long supplied rubber manufacturers with the best scissors and sharpening solutions, adapting and innovating to meet evolving industry needs. Because not all rubber materials are the same, it’s important to choose cutting tools designed specifically for the material type.
Understanding Different Types of Rubber Materials
There are many types of rubber, each with different cutting characteristics:
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Natural rubber – harvested from rubber trees and used in products like tires, footwear, and gaskets.
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Synthetic rubber – petroleum-based rubbers such as silicone or nitrile, known for durability and temperature resistance.
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Rubber composites – reinforced with additives like carbon, clay, metal, or thermoplastics to improve strength and conductivity.
As materials become more advanced, the need for specialized scissors increases. Wolff Industries carries several options designed for composites and can even modify standard scissors in-house for unique cutting applications.
Best Scissors for Cutting Natural Rubber
Natural rubber products like seals, mats, and bands can typically be cut with standard polished-edge scissors. The key consideration is scissor size:
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For trimming and flashing removal (common in rubber manufacturing):
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For shorter blades with larger, ergonomic handles:
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Premium option: KAI 7100
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For cutting large sheets or mats (6” or greater blades):
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KAI 7000 Series (available in 4"–12")
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Wolff 6000 Series (available in 9"–10")
Wolff also offers both bent and straight handle orientations to suit operator preferences and cutting angles.
Choosing Scissors for Rubber Composites
Rubber composites can challenge traditional blades by causing slippage, resin buildup, or blade damage. For these applications, Wolff Industries recommends modified or corrugated scissors that grip the material more effectively.
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For materials reinforced with metal or Kevlar:
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Corrugated blades are ideal—Wolff can corrugate the thumb blade, finger blade, or both.
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The KAI 7240AS scissors are designed specifically for aramid and other strong materials.
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For extremely tough composites:
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Double-corrugated blades, such as the Wolff 6278M, offer superior grip and control.
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For sticky or resin-filled materials:
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The Teflon-coated Wilkinson 3700 scissors resist buildup and keep cuts clean.
This “hammer and anvil” approach—where the thumb blade grips and the finger blade slices—ensures smoother, more controlled cuts.
Ergonomics: Reducing Fatigue During Rubber Cutting
Cutting rubber materials often involves high-volume, repetitive motion. Wolff’s industrial scissors are designed with ergonomic handles to reduce fatigue and minimize the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Popular ergonomic options include:
Each design is tested for comfort and efficiency, helping teams maintain productivity during long shifts.
Keep Scissors Sharp: Maintenance and Sharpening Training
A reliable scissor-sharpening program ensures longevity and safety. The Wolff Twice As Sharp sharpener has been trusted across industries like rubber manufacturing, textiles, and meat processing for decades.
Key features include:
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Standard clamp for small to medium scissors (up to 12")
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Wide clamp option for added stability on larger shears
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Extensive training options: video tutorials, full-day on-site training, or virtual sessions
Proper sharpening prevents inefficiency and injury. Wolff’s sharpener training and resources empower teams to maintain cutting tools at peak performance.
Why Rubber Manufacturers Trust Wolff Industries
Wolff Industries is a global leader in industrial scissors and sharpening systems for the rubber industry. With decades of experience and unmatched customer service, we help businesses find ergonomic, economical, and efficient cutting solutions.
Whether you need scissors for cutting rubber, composite materials, or a sharpening system to maintain them, Wolff Industries has the expertise and tools to help your operation run smoothly.