No one knows who actually invented scissors. However, Robert Hinchliffe of Sheffield was credited for making the first modern-day scissor and is known as the father of modern scissors. He introduced steel scissors and manufactured them in 1761.
Scissors are hand-operated tools consisting of a pair of metal blades pivoted. When the handles bring together, the sharpened edges glide against each other. Scissors are often used for cutting materials like cardboard, metal foil, cloth, rope, wire, paper, etc.
Not all scissors are the same. Haircutting scissors are slightly different, and they are made with specific blade angles to cut hair, whereas kitchen shears are called kitchen scissors and are made for cutting and trimming food items, including meats.
When Were Ancient Egyptians Used Scissors?
- A. 1500 B.C.
- B. 2500 B.C.
- C. 500 B.C.
- D. 1000 B.C.
Modern scissors are crafted ergonomically with rubber handles and thermoplastic that allow the user to get the power grip.
Who Invented the First Scissor?
It is unclear when scissors were first invented, but it was traced back to Ancient Egypt in 1500 BC. These scissors were known as spring scissors that were made of bronze blades attached at the handles with a thin flexible strip of curved bronze. It works when the strips of bronze are brought together and squeezed, and it is released to pull them apart.
History of Scissors
Shears were commonly used in the second century A.D and were introduced by a Roman settlement in Trabzon. The Egyptian styles of scissors reflected the original Egyptian art.
The earliest type of scissors was invented in Mesopotamia from 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. These scissors were known as spring scissors. These scissors were used until the 16th century. But pivoted scissors of iron or bronze were used in which blades were pivoted where the handles and tips were connected. These kinds of scissors were introduced by the Romans in 100 AD. These scissors were not only used in ancient Roman but also in Japan, China and Korea. This idea is still followed in modern scissors.
Early Scissors Manufacture
Spring scissors were produced by heating a bar of steel or iron that helped to shape and flattening its ends into sharp blades during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The middle of the bar was made by heating, flattening to make the spring, later it was cooled and reheated for flexibility.
The Hangzhou Zhang Xiaoquan Company in Hangzhou in China started making scissors in 1663.
William Whiteley & Sons (Sheffield) Ltd was manufacturing scissors since 1760, soon the company began trading. The first trademark was 332 and it was permitted in 1791. The company is continuing their scissor manufacturing and was known as the oldest scissor company in the west.
Pivoted scissors were not produced in large numbers until 1761.
Robert Hinchliffe of Sheffield made the first pair of modern-day scissors. They were designed with polished and hardened cast steel.
In the 19th century, scissors were made with elaborately decorated handles. They were manufactured by hammering steel on specific surfaces called bosses to make the blades. Handles have rings which are called bows, created by punching a hole in the steel.
In 1649, an ironworks was established in the village of Fiskars. A new owner began the first cutlery works in Finland in 1830, producing scissors and other items with the Fiskars trademark.
Different Types of Invented Scissors
- Pinking Shears
- Crafting Scissors
- Embroidery Scissors
- Dressmakers Shears:
- Small Snips
- Industrial Scissors
- Tailor Scissors
- Left Handed Scissors
- Rotary Cutters
- Seam Ripper
- X-ACTO Knife