Wenger serrated scissor blades...

[neillcurrie]

....they are often stated as being self-sharpening.
Is this actually a fact, and can anyone explain how their serrated blades can self-sharpen, whilst Vic blades, apparently, do not??

[Fattsgalore]

Been wondering this my self. I dislike Wenger 65mm scissors with a passion.
Kind of why I don't like Wenger as a whole, and was disappointed Victorinox kept the scissors design.

[sticktodrum]

I imagine that the tiny serrations interact to provide a close shearing surface, and that interaction corrects minor points of wear from shearing a material.

I haven't tested them extensively, so I can't say with certainty...

[NutSAK]

I could never stand using Wenger's scissors long enough to put any wear on them...  I dislike them in any size.

I agree with sticktodrum's assessment, but I think "self sharpening" is a bit of a misnomer.

[Fattsgalore]

I could never stand using Wenger's scissors long enough to put any wear on them...  I dislike them in any size.

[Nhoj]

I believe it's the fact that the spring for the scissors is angled where the handle comes in contact with it which pushes the blades into each other, sharpening them.

[Lynn LeFey]

I really WANT to like the Wenger scissors, but I very much don't. I DO prefer the backspring to the vic's, but that same backspring also causes the odd bobbing motion on the tool when cutting. I was also not terribly impressed with how well they cut, brand new.

I own 2 of the 65mm tools with scissors. I ought to give them a more rigorous test, but I just don't like them. Sorry this doesn't much help the conversation.

I don't really see how a scissor blade would self-sharpen, but that doesn't mean it's not possible. If it were grinding away metal on the blades, wouldn't that change the angle of the blade cutting surface, and make it work LESS well?

[enki_ck]

I've EDC-d a Wenger Forester for 12 years in true sense of EDC. It was my only SAK and I used it for everything. I used those scissors on paper, plastic, stranded wire, tin cans, beer cans, ... I seriously abused those scissors. I still have that SAK, and the scissors are still sharp. The only thing I damaged on them was the rivet that got loose cause of all the thick and heavy material I cut but I re-peened it easily. Not sure how the self sharpening system works, probably something on the lines like Sticktodrum described, but it works. I think the CRKT Edgie uses something similar.

I agree, the 65mm aren't good, but I vote the 85mm highly. They might not cut as cleanly as Vic 91mm, but they'll outperform them in a long run on durability.   

[Syph007]

I always felt the self sharpening claim to be dubious at best.  I dont see how that would work.  I tried to like the scissors as well, but never could get used to them.

[ianbalgobin]

Don't have much experience with the Wenger Scissors.  I've only got the 65mm (?) nail clipper version.  I do like the serrations on the scissors, but I don't have much faith that they'll self sharpen.  And serrations make it harder to sharpen them yourself.

[NutSAK]

I really WANT to like the Wenger scissors tools, but I very much don't.

I adjusted your comment to fit my thoughts.  Though I respect Wenger's quality, ideas and innovations, I don't believe there is a single Wenger tool that--for me--operates as well as its Victorinox counterpart.

The scissors are a fantastic idea, with a much more "permanent" spring solution, but the end result just doesn't work very well, and I also dislike the "bobbing motion" that you mention.

[PTRSAK]

wow, what have I stumbled on here...  Wenger haters anonymous?   


but yeah,  the wenger scissors are a "love en or hate em"  kinda tool...   I like them, more like mini shears.  but Vic's are better for fine work.
Both have a place in my world.

[sticktodrum]

Wenger's alox SAK was better than Vic's Soldier. 

*runs away and awaits the  *

[Lynn LeFey]

I don't mean to throw hate at them. They're just not my thing. The world is vast, and there are many people with many tastes. If someone likes, or bette LOVES, Wenger scissors, then I'm all for it. To each their own.

NutSAK, I'd like to see Vic take on the locking flathead/caplifter design from Wenger. One of the few things I think I like better from Wenger. I also very moderately favor the more recessed toothpick and tweezer. They seem less likely to be inadvertently lost. I prefer the Wenger can opener strictly AS a can opener, but prefer Vic's overall as a multi-function tool. It's a pretty respectably useful philips driver, for instance.

[Romanoat]

Wenger scissors cut phone wire (satin and cat3) better than Vic scissors. Ask me how I know lol. The scissors on my champ have some chew marks now, but they still work well enough. I've taken to using the scissors on my evogrip 18 now and there's not a nick in the blades. I cut a lot of phone wire everyday. For more detailed paper work, Vic wins, but shear (get it  ) strength and longevity goes to wenger for sure.

[kkokkolis]

My daughter abused a CT35, cutting wire and denting the scissors at many places. Just 10 minutes with a diamond file were enough. I reconfigured and sharpened the edges.
My Swisschamp's scissors work great after 17 years of service. I just cut my nails with it. As sharp as my one year XLT or close. But I am fond of my Vics and I don't abuse them.
Wenger Scissors are nice but for me the Victorinox are the measure of all others.

[NutSAK]

Wenger's alox SAK was better than Vic's Soldier. 

*runs away and awaits the  *

I agree that the awl on the SI was better.  But look how much farther Victorinox went with ALOX...

NutSAK, I'd like to see Vic take on the locking flathead/caplifter design from Wenger.

You have if you have a 91mm that was made in the mid-2000s or later.  Vic redesigned the caplifter with a notch that fit into a groove in the newer backspring to make it much less susceptible to fold.  It doesn't "lock", though.  I've been carrying a Vic for 30 years and have never injured myself from a tool folding up, so it doesn't make much difference to me.

Like I stated before, I respect Wenger innovation (locking tools, slip-joint pliers, etc.)  I just don't find that any of their tools work as well as Vic's for me, with the exception of the awl on the 93mm models.

As far as the can openers go....  Vic's small screwdriver is the main consideration that has always kept me from carrying Wengers.  95% of my use of that tool is turning screws.  I can open a can just fine with either of them.

[sawman]

The Wenger scissors are garbage at best. They don't cut fingernails and they're worthless!

[Lynn LeFey]

The Wenger scissors are garbage at best. They don't cut fingernails and they're worthless!

But... how do you REALLY feel?

[Fattsgalore]

I thought I was the only one who disliked Wenger scissors with a passion, nice. I am among like minded people.

I will add I do like the shape of their blades though. A bit more belly makes for a good slicer.

[Nhoj]

I really like the Wenger scissors. I don't know if they really self sharpen but it doesn't matter to me that much. Once you get used to the bobbing, Wenger scissors work excellently. 

[Caranthanus]

It seemed like something was missing ... 
Hope it's sufficient for the purpose 

85mm wenger (s557) vs 91 victorinox (Ranger)

85mm wenger

91mm vic

65mm wenger (pocket tool chest) vs 58mm victorinox (minichamp II)

65mm wenger

58mm vic

[Caranthanus]

I like both of them, although I usually carry vics, at least the small one.
Someone sometime need a clear cut, not serrated traces   
For opening the packages I use both, the small ones,
depends which I grab frst 
So I'm somehow with enki_ck,
and those are two different and intersting tools 

[Syph007]

65mm wenger
(Image removed from quote.)

Wow I dont think I ever looked at the wenger scissors up close before.  They really are very serrated.  I dont see how that self sharpens, but I do see how it would prevent the nicks you get if you cut wire etc.

[Caranthanus]

Wow I dont think I ever looked at the wenger scissors up close before.  They really are very serrated.  I dont see how that self sharpens, but I do see how it would prevent the nicks you get if you cut wire etc.

Those was SwissChamp in magnifying action ... 
You see, perhaps you should change your mind about the plastics on SAKs 
or you'll have to hurry up the production of the magnifier metal frame 

And, as you said, the serrated one are great for that kind of tasks