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Practically every home has at least one pair of scissors in it. Whether they're a frequently used staple on your home office desk or just lying around in your kitchen's designated junk drawer, your family is sure to get weekly use out of them and they might even be a hot commodity if you live with DIY-crafters or experimental at-home cooks.
While some are designed specifically for kitchen use and others for cutting hair, a good pair of multipurpose scissors is a necessity to have around the house. Whether you need a pair for basic things like opening packages or want some scissors when you are altering clothing for the perfect fit, these scissors will make any cutting task a breeze.
The Best Scissors
What to Consider
The first thing to figure out is what size scissors you need. Most of our picks have 8- or 10-inch blades—which is standard for an average pair—unless you’re in need of a more specialized pair, which may have non-standard dimensions. On top of that, you’ll want to consider the material of the blade and whether or not it will be strong enough to cut the materials or food you need. The majority of our selections are made of stainless steel and coated with titanium to ensure their durability. Plus, most have non-stick properties that make them effective at cutting through adhesives.
How We Selected
We chose scissors that can satisfy a variety of uses—from cutting fabric and herbs to multipurpose options—to ensure there's a pair for every type of buyer. Each pair of scissors covered below is also relatively inexpensive, with few exceeding $30. They also come in different colors, blade sizes, and can be suitable for left- and right-handed users. Read on to learn about our top recommendations, as well as what to consider before making a purchase.
For more great back to school gear, check out our picks for the best pencil cases, calculators, and backpacks.
Pros
- Come in a pack of 3
- Handle is suitable for left- and right-handed use
Cons
If you’re looking for an all-around great pair of scissors, then these ones from Scotch are your best bet. They have 8-inch-long titanium-fused stainless-steel blades and they’re powerful enough to cut through paper, fabric, and photos. This pair is useful for any craft or household project that’s in need of a precise cut, ensuring a sharp, clean finish. The soft-grip handle makes cutting more comfortable and manageable, and they’re designed for both left- and right-handed use.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9.6 x 6.2 x 1.34 inches |
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Blade material | Stainless steel |
Blade length | 8 inches |
Pros
- Sharp blade
- Strong
Cons
- Pricier than other options
If you’re looking for a pair of heavy-duty scissors—and are willing to spend a little more on them—then this pair is for you. The 10-inch titanium-coated blade is three times as strong as regular stainless steel, ensuring the scissors' longevity.
The scissors are strong and durable enough to cut through paper, cardboard, fabric, and plastic, and the precise blades make for a smooth cut. There’s also an adjustable pivot that allows for fine tuning, and an ergonomic ring design for comfort.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 10 x 4 x 0.5 inches |
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Blade material | Stainless steel |
Blade length | 10 inches |
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Pros
- Great multipurpose pair
- Affordable price
- Available in several colors
Cons
If the drawer in your kitchen that’s filled with random household items is in need of a pair of scissors, then these are a must-have.
The all-purpose shears have an 8-inch blade that is made of stainless steel and have micro-serrations to make some of the toughest cuts, such as through meat or strong wires. They have a soft grip that makes cutting more comfortable, and a blade guard is included for when they need to be stored away. Plus, they’re available in six colors. Once these scissors have been put to use enough times, they can be thrown in the dishwasher to give them a thorough cleaning.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 8.72 x 3.62 x 0.63 inches |
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Blade material | Stainless steel |
Blade length | 8 inches |
Pros
- Very inexpensive
- Come in a pack of 2
- Fun colors
Cons
A good pair of scissors doesn’t have to break the bank. Case in point: these top-rated Amazon Basics scissors—which come in a pack of two—cost just over $6 at the time of this writing. The pack comes with 8-inch scissors that are good for cutting paper, fabric, cardboard, photos, and more, and are suitable for left- and right-handed use.
The titanium-fused, stainless-steel blades remain sharp for over 100,000 cuts, meaning you can use these over and over for years to come. Plus, the soft-grip handles make them comfortable to use, so your hands won’t get sore after a while.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 8.38 x 3.13 x 0.43 inches |
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Blade material | Stainless steel |
Blade length | 8 inches |
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5
Best Multipack
Westcott 8-Inch Non-Stick Scissors
Pros
- Good price for a pack of 6
- Non-stick blades
Cons
If you have a surplus of household projects and crafts on your plate, it's wise to keep more than one pair of scissors around the house. This pack of six is a must-have in your home, and they’re great for cutting through tape, Velcro, and other adhesives. The 8-inch nonstick blades are made of a titanium-bonded stainless steel, making them strong and durable enough to handle an array of tasks, and their soft-grip ergonomic handles makes cutting comfortable.
If you don’t want six pairs of scissors strewn in your junk drawer, there are two- and three-pack options available to purchase.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 16 x 10.5 x 1 inches |
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Blade material | Stainless steel |
Blade length | 8 inches |
Pros
- Very strong
- Great for cutting fish, poultry, packaging, and vegetables
Cons
Calling all cooking connoisseurs: Do you have a pair of scissors to cut through meat, vegetables, packaging, and more? Well, this pair can do it all with its 8-inch hardened stainless-steel blades; they’re extra sharp and durable, and can handle the toughest cuts in the kitchen. They have an ergonomic handle that’s shaped for comfort, as well as a soft grip coating with cushioning pads for extra stability and pressure relief. The scissors come in a pack of two and are available in a range of fun colors.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 8.66 x 3.93 x 0.75 inches |
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Blade material | Stainless steel |
Blade length | 8.5 inches |
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Pros
- Smooth cut
- Bent handle helps keep fabric flat
Cons
- Only suitable for fabric
- Somewhat pricey for a single pair
Designed to make smooth, long cuts, these scissors are a must-have for those who work with fabric, and they're great for cutting multiple layers in a single go. They have 8-inch blades that are made of stainless steel with a double-plated chrome-over-nickel finish. The bent handle helps hold fabric flat while it’s being cut to avoid any mishaps. The scissors also come with a nylon sheath to protect the blades when they’re not in use.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 0.8 x 3.9 x 10 inches |
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Blade material | Stainless steel |
Blade length | 8 inches |
Pros
- Time-saving tool
- 5 blades
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Only really useful for cutting herbs
Save some time cutting up your herbs and quickly dice them with these shears. They’re equipped with five blades—which equates to 10 knife chops per cut—and can quickly and easily dice your favorite herbs, from basil to chives. The shears are made of high-quality food-safe stainless steel and they come with a handy cleaning comb to remove any excess leftovers from the blades. They also have an ergonomic handle that is comfortable and has a good grip, and they come with a protective cover for safe storage.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 8.6 x 3.4 x 1.1 inches |
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Blade material | Stainless steel |
Blade length | 8 inches |
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Pros
- Two types of tips to choose from
- Come with safety covers
- Affordable price
Cons
- Very small
Novice and pro quilters, knitters, and sewers always need a pair of scissors handy for their next project, so this 2-in-1 set is a must-have. It comes with one pair of scissors with a curved tip and one with a straight tip—both are made of durable stainless steel that can cut through yarn, fabric, and more. The handle is designed to be comfortable and ergonomic, and comes in a variety of bright, fun colors.
Each pair comes with a safety cover so they don’t accidentally poke through or cut anything when they’re not in use, and they're compact enough to be easily stored along with other crafting materials.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | Not listed |
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Blade material | Stainless steel |
Blade length | 3.5 inches |
Pros
- Blades are designed to be extra safe
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Only good for kids
Looking for a great pair of scissors that your little ones can use safely? Look no further. This pair from Fiskars is designed with safety-edge angled blades with a blunt tip for added protection. The scissors have a large finger loop and an ergonomic thumb loop to provide a comfortable fit for your kiddo’s hands, and they can accommodate both left- and right-handed users. They’re available in four colors and are recommended for those ages 4 and older.
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 0.44 x 3.75 x 7.19 inches |
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Blade material | Not listed |
Blade length | 5 inches |
Kylee McGuigan
Associate Commerce Editor
Kylee McGuigan is an associate commerce editor for Hearst Magazines’s Enthusiast Group. She works with content for brands such as Popular Mechanics, Best Products, Bicycling, and Runner’s World. Kylee graduated from Penn State in May 2020 with a degree in journalism and a minor in French. During her undergraduate career, she spent a majority of her time writing for, and eventually editing, VALLEY Magazine: Penn State’s only student-run fashion and lifestyle magazine. She has produced content ranging from beauty and health, to lifestyle and self-improvement. After spending four years in the happiest of valleys (State College, PA), she moved back home to South Jersey—otherwise known as the famous “outside of Philly” area. Kylee can be found working out of her local Starbucks with her best friend, an iced chai in hand, and endless hours of music playlists to get her through the day. When she’s not working, she is more than likely on her daily walk in her neighborhood, at Orangetheory, binging Sex and the City or Gossip Girl, checking out local coffee shops, or trying new bars and restaurants in the city with friends and family.