Industrial Scissors Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Industry is defined as “economic activity concerned with the processing of raw materials and manufacture of goods in factories.” It is also defined as “hard work”. At Wolff Industries, we specialize in hard-working industrial scissors designed for processing and manufacturing. This article explains how to find the right pair of scissors for your specific industrial application.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Industrial Scissors
- Ergonomics
- Quality of Steel
- Blade Length
- Modifications
- Handle Size
- Handle Material
- Weight
- Leverage
Ergonomics
Ergonomics – is it safe and efficient? Our scissors check both of these boxes. Wolff handles are, in fact, so ergonomic that they have received our officially trademarked Ergonomix® branding. Our handles are designed to keep the hand in proper alignment while using, which feels far more natural and comfortable, especially for extended use.
Steel Quality
Low-quality steel means frequently dulled out and easily damaged blades and a shorter overall lifespan of the scissors. Our scissors, on the other hand, are made with high-carbon 420 stainless steel. This steel has a Rockwell hardness rating of 58, directly in the sweet spot of hard enough to hold a sharp edge for a long time, but not so hard that cracking or chipping occurs. In comparison, your typical cheap titanium scissors have a hardness rating in the low 40s, too soft to hold an edge for long or to be re-sharpened more than a couple of times.
Blade Length
For those of us whose exposure to scissors has been limited to the cheap, uncomfortable pair of orange Fiskars in the pencil cup, proper blade length might be an odd concept. But the reality is that blade length can significantly help or hinder the user. Blades that are too short may cause cuts to be uneven and choppy, and will most assuredly cause hand fatigue from all the extra cuts. Blades that are too long can be terribly unwieldy, depending on the task at hand. They can also eliminate the ability to make precise cuts or to cut near other objects or materials.
Blade Modifications
Blade modifications must be considered for many types of cutting jobs. To prevent slippage when cutting, a form of corrugation is needed. When protecting the material the lower (thumb) blade is cutting against, a ball tip is probably the safest option. If the safety of materials or coworkers is being considered, a blunt or rounded blunt tip will give peace of mind. Additionally, there are industrial applications that call for a curved tip. We offer both left-curved and right-curved scissors. These scissors are best suited for precision tasks.
Handle Size
It’s a little-known fact that scissors can come in different handle sizes - a feature especially helpful for our meat processing customers, who employ a diverse workforce with a wide range of hand sizes. One reason Wolff has completely taken the processing scissors market is that we offer ours in small, medium, and large sizes. This may seem like a mundane feature, but it reduces fatigue and injury for many people every day.
Handle Material
Handle material is also a vital consideration when searching for the right industrial scissors. Wolff brand scissors have chemically-bonded, thermoplastic handles. The comparison in hand comfort between our material and any of your standard scissors brands is like night and day. When it comes to high-usage industrial work, our comfortable handle material is the difference between a person having a great day or an exceedingly terrible day.
Weight
Large, all-metal shears are a bit of a classic in the furniture and textile industries. They are valued for their long life and considerable cutting power. The problem is, they are very heavy. It’s crucial to consider the weight of your scissors, as it can be a huge factor for injury. As an excellent alternative to all-metal shears, Wolff proudly offers the KAI 7000 series. Expertly crafted with high-carbon molybdenum vanadium stainless steel, these blades are arguably the best and the lightest on the market.
Leverage
The cutting jobs that require more force may be best approached with high-leverage shears. These typically feature shorter blades, which increase the cutting power. Two great high-leverage options for different types of material are the Wolff 6278 and the Wolff 775.
Why Choose Wolff Industries?
Wolff Industries is not only the premier manufacturer and provider of industrial scissors, but we are also your go-to support system for anything scissors or sharpening-related. We have been in business for over 40 years and have over 100 years of combined experience. Our customer service team, account managers, and professional sharpeners are always ready to help you with whatever you need. While we love to help people and businesses begin their own sharpening program with our Twice As Sharp industrial scissors sharpener, we also offer affordable sharpening services. If you decide to purchase a Twice As Sharp or other machine, we offer full-day training with our sharper-in-residence, who has over 30 years of experience in the industry. We hope informative articles like this one help our customers find the perfect pair of scissors for their cutting needs. Sometimes, however, it can be a bit overwhelming, and that’s when you should call us.
It's always best to buy products from people who are authorities and experts on those products. This is why Wolff Industries should always be the first one you call for any of your scissors, knives, or sharpening needs. Click below to browse our extensive catalog of industrial scissors.