Few hand tools have made as much of an impact on civilization as scissors. As far back as the eleventh century, scissors have been mentioned and used worldwide.
Scissors are one of the more fascinating hand tools. Throughout history they have been used as a tool, a traditional gift, an art object, and after the industrial revolution, a specialized utensil for advanced and delicate work. A brief look at scissors shows a wide range of uses for such a simple tool.
Back in the eleventh century, simple scissors were made by the craft guild for scissor-makers. Designs were simple and elegant with the focus on function rather than form. Further back in history, ornate scissors have been found in Turkey from the second century and there are beautiful examples in several museums of Chinese scissors from the Tang Dynasty (7th to 9th century).
But in Europe, scissors were used mostly by the lower classes until the development of communication with Eastern countries. Calligraphy came into style among the upper classes and more delicate, flexible scissors were developed that could work with paper. Decorations were added and designs began to include more ornate styles. Around the fourteenth century, scissors in an elegantly decorated leather sheath were a mandatory part of an admirer’s “love box”, a present sent to a lady of rank from a potential suitor.
Hand tools are usually a part of everyday work for those who deal with the daily routines of life, but they’re not always highly decorated. After scissor designs became more ornate due to the demands of the upper classes, the more intricate designs trickled down to everyday use. Curled handles, etched images and intricate fretwork was added to the scissors, making them works of art to rival their historical counterparts in the Far East. For a few centuries, scissors were made with decorations and added embellishments, bringing a taste for decoration into everyday life and adding a bit of beauty to daily routines.
The industrial revolution brought scissors back to a cleaner, more functional design. Today’s scissors are made from a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, and have an enormous range of uses. From angled micro scissors used in medicine and electronics to long blade scissors that make crafts easier, there are beautifully designed scissors to meet any need in any field. Scissors are hand tools that have a long history of making life easier, and today’s versions are more diverse than ever.
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