Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => Swiss Army Knights Forum => Topic started by: NutSAK on February 26, 2014, 05:00:50 PM
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It seems that, besides the blade and opener layers, the SAK scissors are very popular with MTO members, and SAK buyers as a whole. This shows in the popularity of models such as the Climber, Explorer, Compact, Huntsman, 93mm customs, etc.
I'm not one to use scissors much, as I find that I can accomplish most cutting duties with a blade. The only thing I use scissors for on a regular basis is to cut my fingernails, and the 58mm scissors work well for that. I'm curious... What types of duties do MTO SAK users typically employ their larger 91/84mm scissors to accomplish?
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While I don't have the larger scissors, I use the 58mm scissors as my only set at school. Always light duty stuff but they get used for all of my paper cutting and then for nail trimming. I agree with you though, for almost all cutting jobs, blades are just as effective. I would say that scissors, for certain jobs, are more precise and definitely more people friendly if that is a concern.
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Nylon zip ties, most fabrics, paper, thin plastic, hair, small pruning, I use mine excessively, even the 58mm's. :salute:
Also candle wicks and origami, if you need them for that, I don't usually. ;)
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My wife uses mine all the time to clip coupons, save that money woman, so I can buy another sak !!
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I've actually noticed that the 58mm scissors can do the job of their bigger brothers, or rather the same task I'd ask of the 91mm scissors I could ask of the 58's and they accomplish it just as efficiently.
In general I ask scissors to open small bags of what ever. Mostly candy, but I'm off the sweet as of now. Sheet plastic, certain packaging where I feel a blade may penetrate and damage the goods. (also use the cut&picker for this, more so even) I prefer scissors to cut twine, thread, string, cord, etc... Nails in a pinch. No paper cutting with SAK scissors, prefer dedicated scissors for that. Fabric... anything thin, or flat. Hences sheets of plastic, cord, etc...
Oh and nose hairs and some other grooming task
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My wife uses mine all the time to clip coupons, save that money woman, so I can buy another sak !!
It sounds like you need to buy her a SAK. My wife loves her Executive--they have nice mid-size scissors.
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While there are a great number of things a blade can do to replace scissors, in many instances, the scissors are safer.
Primarily, I use scissors to cut paper (clip a coupon, for instance), taking plastic tags off new items, trimming stray threads (like on buttons). My husband repeatedly tells me he uses his for trimming nose hairs. Sounds funny, but it's just one of those facts of being a human, and not something most people would want to attempt with a blade, I think.
In many cutting tasks, scissors are more precise than a blade, particularly if you're somewhere without a surface to cut against.
Honestly, for pretty much everything I just mentioned, the Vic 58mm are fine. Sometimes better, since they're so small (making them easier to maneuver, so more precise).
For heavy duty cutting, like zip ties, I honestly (and vastly) prefer the Leatherman Micra, Style CS, or SOG Crosscut. They eat zip ties much better than the Vic 91mm scissors.
The 91mm scissors, versus the 58mm, really only win greatly, IMO, when cutting a LOT of material, where the blade stroke length starts being noticeable.
I don't know how to gauge their benefit versus folks who don't like blades, since I prefer scissors over blade, and carry a scissor-based MT, so I very VERY rarely pull a blade out in public. I suspect, since I don't really recall any negative reactions, scissors must be preferable.
Hope this helps some.
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While there are a great number of things a blade can do to replace scissors, in many instances, the scissors are safer.
Primarily, I use scissors to cut paper (clip a coupon, for instance), taking plastic tags off new items, trimming stray threads (like on buttons). My husband repeatedly tells me he uses his for trimming nose hairs. Sounds funny, but it's just one of those facts of being a human, and not something most people would want to attempt with a blade, I think.
In many cutting tasks, scissors are more precise than a blade, particularly if you're somewhere without a surface to cut against.
Honestly, for pretty much everything I just mentioned, the Vic 58mm are fine. Sometimes better, since they're so small (making them easier to maneuver, so more precise).
For heavy duty cutting, like zip ties, I honestly (and vastly) prefer the Leatherman Micra, Style CS, or SOG Crosscut. They eat zip ties much better than the Vic 91mm scissors.
The 91mm scissors, versus the 58mm, really only win greatly, IMO, when cutting a LOT of material, where the blade stroke length starts being noticeable.
I don't know how to gauge their benefit versus folks who don't like blades, since I prefer scissors over blade, and carry a scissor-based MT, so I very VERY rarely pull a blade out in public. I suspect, since I don't really recall any negative reactions, scissors must be preferable.
Hope this helps some.
This expresses my thoughts completely, and more eloquently than I could. :)
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While there are a great number of things a blade can do to replace scissors, in many instances, the scissors are safer.
Primarily, I use scissors to cut paper (clip a coupon, for instance), taking plastic tags off new items, trimming stray threads (like on buttons). My husband repeatedly tells me he uses his for trimming nose hairs. Sounds funny, but it's just one of those facts of being a human, and not something most people would want to attempt with a blade, I think.
In many cutting tasks, scissors are more precise than a blade, particularly if you're somewhere without a surface to cut against.
Honestly, for pretty much everything I just mentioned, the Vic 58mm are fine. Sometimes better, since they're so small (making them easier to maneuver, so more precise).
For heavy duty cutting, like zip ties, I honestly (and vastly) prefer the Leatherman Micra, Style CS, or SOG Crosscut. They eat zip ties much better than the Vic 91mm scissors.
The 91mm scissors, versus the 58mm, really only win greatly, IMO, when cutting a LOT of material, where the blade stroke length starts being noticeable.
I don't know how to gauge their benefit versus folks who don't like blades, since I prefer scissors over blade, and carry a scissor-based MT, so I very VERY rarely pull a blade out in public. I suspect, since I don't really recall any negative reactions, scissors must be preferable.
Hope this helps some.
This expresses my thoughts completely, and more eloquently than I could. :)
+1 Same here.
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...I very VERY rarely pull a blade out in public. I suspect, since I don't really recall any negative reactions, scissors must be preferable.
I use a blade in public frequently and, in the area I live in, I have never experienced a negative reaction doing so. By using the same reasoning, should I suspect that the blade must be preferable?
:D ;)
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I rarely use the scissors. If I do its for precise cutting or my fingernails. And I can use a blade for my fingernails. Its one of those tools nice to have. But if the multi doesn't have them, no problem.
Using scissors instead of a blade to appear more "friendly" to "nonknife people", never gonna happen with me. Never did care what people think of the knife or tool I used.
that's us mobile
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When do I prefer scissors?
1. Removing sutures from animals/children.
2. Cutting down in dark tight spaces when my other hand will be in there (ie some autopsy work)
3. Loose threads
4. Large bolts of cloth
Otherwise, I prefer a knife blade. Public perception be damned. >:D
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I carry an Executive for hair trimming duties. I have a beard and sometimes a few hairs get a little wild.
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I cut wire with mine daily. Vic and wenger. Mostly smaller gauge stuff. No larger than, say, 18g.
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While I agree that a blade can be used for most cutting tasks, some things are just safer and or easier with scissors, such as:
- trimming fingernails and or hangnails
- trimming hairs
- removing tags or loose threads from clothing (especially if done while someone is wearing said clothing)
- cutting straws to length (They tend to want to flatten or fold if a knife blade is used. This is also an example of an activity where 91mm scissors are better than 58mm, since the 91mm will go cleanly through the entire straw in one snip, while the 58mm may not be able to cut deeply enough in a single stroke to do this.)
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Thanks for the replies, all! :tu:
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Gift wrapping,cutting helicopters out of people's hair,cutting plasters and pill packages,handy in the kitchen for opening food packaging, trimming decals for model kits...
Being in the UK,blade exposure needs to be approached with caution( although I tend to get a lot of positive feedback at work from customers),scissors are just plain handy!
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I rarely use the scissors. If I do its for precise cutting or my fingernails. And I can use a blade for my fingernails. Its one of those tools nice to have. But if the multi doesn't have them, no problem.
Using scissors instead of a blade to appear more "friendly" to "nonknife people", never gonna happen with me. Never did care what people think of the knife or tool I used.
that's us mobile
ROGER THAT !
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I think the main thing I hadn't considered here is that many of us live in areas where people find the appearance of a knife blade threatening. That's easy for me to forget since a blade is commonplace in my area of the world.
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cutting helicopters out of people's hair,
OK, you didn't think you would be able to just post that without expanding on it, did you? :pok: :pok: :)
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cutting helicopters out of people's hair,
OK, you didn't think you would be able to just post that without expanding on it, did you? :pok: :pok: :)
Believe it or not...just what it says :shrug:
Far too often the guys 'demonstrating' the r/c helis screw up,and get the heli caught in a lady's hair.
They've tried the same smurf with me from time to time,but its surprising how quickly a MP400 or 600 explains things :dd:
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Ask Farmman,he'll back me up on this :rofl:
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Nylon zip ties, most fabrics, paper, thin plastic, hair, small pruning, I use mine excessively, even the 58mm's. :salute:
Yeah, good point on the zip ties. They're great for getting in small little spaces to clip 'em.
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I rarely use the scissors. If I do its for precise cutting or my fingernails. And I can use a blade for my fingernails. Its one of those tools nice to have. But if the multi doesn't have them, no problem.
Using scissors instead of a blade to appear more "friendly" to "nonknife people", never gonna happen with me. Never did care what people think of the knife or tool I used.
that's us mobile
My thoughts exactly! I rarely use my scissors, (although I'm glad they're there if ever I need 'em) but I use my knife all the time.
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1. I get looks if I use a knife, because people are lame :(
2. Scissors are like a 3rd hand. If you have to hold something that moves a bit or is slippery with one hand and then try to cut it vertically.
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1. I get looks if I use a knife, because people are lame :(
2. Scissors are like a 3rd hand. If you have to hold something that moves a bit or is slippery with one hand and then try to cut it vertically.
I hear this a lot but have never had this happen to me perhaps it's because I live in texas.
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Trimming fingernails and hangnails. Trimming skin when a cut is healing and the dry layers are pealing back. Trimming my mustache, nose and ear hair. I DARE anyone to try to do those last three with a knife blade!
I also find scissors work better for small precision work on flexible things, like narrowing a bandaid, cutting moleskin, that kind of thing. And I'm less likely to knick the wire if I'm using scissors to cut the insulation and pull it off. Or if I'm cutting wires that are soldered to something on the other end, I'm less like to break that- I can always splice in a new wire with my EDC electrical tape, I don't EDC a soldering iron.
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I don't see much here that I can't easily accomplish with 58mm scissors... Cutting large pieces of fabric, I suppose is one but I never do that.
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Just thought about this: I'd rather hand (certain) people a pair of scissors to trim things than I would a knife blade (especially one of mine as they are kept very sharp). There are some people I wouldn't trust with a butter knife, let alone any of the blades I keep on my person.
There is also the double-take factor. I'm not living in a heavily restricted area (like the UK), but there are some people that get really nervous or start asking a lot of questions when I use a knife (other than a SAK or MT) to perform a task. Sometimes, I just don't want to put up with it or explain how it is perfectly legal and acceptable for me to carry a knife. In those cases, the scissors get the call.
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I don't see much here that I can't easily accomplish with 58mm scissors... Cutting large pieces of fabric, I suppose is one but I never do that.
I agree that most everything can be done with the 58mm scissors. The main reason I insist on full-sized scissors is because I'd rather carry an extra layer than an extra tool (even a little one like my alox Classic). Naturally, your mileage may vary.
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I hate the "because they are people friendly" answer. No offense to anyone, but in my personal life if someone is uncomfortable with me using one of the most primitive tools ever created than thats there problem. People are to sensitive and its not my responsibility to make other people feel comfortable.
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I agree that most everything can be done with the 58mm scissors. The main reason I insist on full-sized scissors is because I'd rather carry an extra layer than an extra tool (even a little one like my alox Classic). Naturally, your mileage may vary.
I have to agree with this. Plus living in the UK having two knives on you even one as small as a 58mm classic could quite possibly get you in a awkward situation with people.
The only way I could be a knife less mod.
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I hate the "because they are people friendly" answer. No offense to anyone, but in my personal life if someone is uncomfortable with me using one of the most primitive tools ever created than thats there problem. People are to sensitive and its not my responsibility to make other people feel comfortable.
Preach it!! I'm sick and tired of people being "offended." If you don't like it; leave.
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I hate the "because they are people friendly" answer. No offense to anyone, but in my personal life if someone is uncomfortable with me using one of the most primitive tools ever created than thats there problem. People are to sensitive and its not my responsibility to make other people feel comfortable.
Preach it!! I'm sick and tired of people being "offended." If you don't like it; leave.
I don't mean to be argumentative but if I took that stance at work I would loose my job.
Please keep in mind this forum has a very large international cross selection of members who come from countries with different laws & customs to America, what is socially acceptable where they come from could could be VERY different to were you live.
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From now on I will wear knives all over my body, as a luxurious coat of pointy steel feathers. That'll teach them.
Really, though, I just like minimizing the number of things in my pockets. Hell, I don't even like carrying a cellphone. It's a pretty simple equation for me: two pocket knives is more than one pocket knife. Amalgamation time!
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From now on I will wear knives all over my body, as a luxurious coat of pointy steel feathers.
:worthless:
:rofl:
EDIT: Also, Syph probably has enough blades for your coat. :D
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I hate the "because they are people friendly" answer. No offense to anyone, but in my personal life if someone is uncomfortable with me using one of the most primitive tools ever created than thats there problem. People are to sensitive and its not my responsibility to make other people feel comfortable.
Preach it!! I'm sick and tired of people being "offended." If you don't like it; leave.
I don't mean to be argumentative but if I took that stance at work I would loose my job.
Please keep in mind this forum has a very large international cross selection of members who come from countries with different laws & customs to America, what is socially acceptable where they come from could could be VERY different to were you live.
+1 :tu:. I think it is very easy to lose sight of just how global this community. Perceptions of what is acceptable can vary even within the boundaries of a country let alone internationally.
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From now on I will wear knives all over my body, as a luxurious coat of pointy steel feathers.
:worthless:
:rofl:
EDIT: Also, Syph probably has enough blades for your coat. :D
I sense another 30 day challenge coming... :D
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I could technically be kicked out of school just for possessing a "weapon" as ridiculous as I may find that there isn't much I can do about it. Outside of campus I have zero concern about whether people feel I should have a TOOL on me. It isn't their subject to have feelings about, if knives or multitools make you feel uncomfortable then don't carry one.
But I do know that this is a frame of mind that can't be shared with everyone here. I don't wish to be standoffish about it like I'm making a point, I just enjoy having tools at the ready and as long as they are used in a skillful manner there should be no issue.
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I hate the "because they are people friendly" answer. No offense to anyone, but in my personal life if someone is uncomfortable with me using one of the most primitive tools ever created than thats there problem. People are to sensitive and its not my responsibility to make other people feel comfortable.
Preach it!! I'm sick and tired of people being "offended." If you don't like it; leave.
I don't mean to be argumentative but if I took that stance at work I would loose my job.
Please keep in mind this forum has a very large international cross selection of members who come from countries with different laws & customs to America, what is socially acceptable where they come from could could be VERY different to were you live.
Just want to clarify that I am aware of that, and I wasn't referring to situations where it could lead to trouble i.e. school, airports, and other places where it is illegal. Just in general, I couldn't care less what other people think.
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From now on I will wear knives all over my body, as a luxurious coat of pointy steel feathers.
:worthless:
:rofl:
EDIT: Also, Syph probably has enough blades for your coat. :D
I sense another 30 day challenge coming... :D
Tempting, but first thing's first: must finish Rebar Challenge! Also, the dry cleaning bills would be exorbitant.
Anyway, I am in a place with basically no knife issues at all, but there are still plenty of times I'd pick scissors first. While it's true that knives can do a lot of scissor work, it's also true that a trained lobster could do a lot of scissor work, and would be a better conversation starter. That doesn't mean I go to school with a pocket filled with lobsters every day.
More's the pity.
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Lots of good reasons and info all over this thread
Lynn summs it up brilliantly in this post:
While there are a great number of things a blade can do to replace scissors, in many instances, the scissors are safer.
.........
In many cutting tasks, scissors are more precise than a blade, particularly if you're somewhere without a surface to cut against.
.......
So to summarise:- Safety
- Precision work
- When you need to cut but have nothing to press against - This is the biggie
- Also when you need to cut in a hole (eg nose) - But also non organic holes!!
I love my SAK scissors and use them pretty much every day.
I even read somewhere (I think from Vic) that they are one of the defining features of a SAK. :pok:
Today it was a drinks carton - the wee ones with a straw hole - But I needed to decant it - so the straw hole was no good.
Would not have opened it with a knife - the juice would have splurted everywhere!!
As much as I like the 58/65 scissors they are so tiny - Only really good for a one snip cutting task of a pretty lightweight material...
Their larger cousins make cutting much quicker and easier.
For some cutting tasks even the larger ones are a bit small.
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I hate the "because they are people friendly" answer. No offense to anyone, but in my personal life if someone is uncomfortable with me using one of the most primitive tools ever created than thats there problem. People are to sensitive and its not my responsibility to make other people feel comfortable.
Preach it!! I'm sick and tired of people being "offended." If you don't like it; leave.
I don't mean to be argumentative but if I took that stance at work I would loose my job.
Please keep in mind this forum has a very large international cross selection of members who come from countries with different laws & customs to America, what is socially acceptable where they come from could could be VERY different to were you live.
I definitely agree that no one should take that stance in a situation like a job setting unless you want to possibly get fired. My personal feelings about it are that basically any standard job should allow there employees to carry a knife or MT if they so choose. Your job restricting you from carrying that knife is stripping you the use of the knife as well as your freedom to use the knife because "people" say its not appropriate in a job setting. Well to me its completely appropriate to have a knife on me in my place of work or anywhere else i like.
I understand we have a global presence on the forum and what is socially accepted here might not be there, but if you go back to my original post I say "in my personal life" which is referring to me in the USA. If someone has a problem than to bad. Im doing nothing illegal so leave me alone. Simple as that.
If that came off in a smirky manner I apologize. It isn't meant to.
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Lots of good reasons and info all over this thread
Lynn summs it up brilliantly in this post:
While there are a great number of things a blade can do to replace scissors, in many instances, the scissors are safer.
.........
In many cutting tasks, scissors are more precise than a blade, particularly if you're somewhere without a surface to cut against.
.......
So to summarise:- Safety
- Precision work
- When you need to cut but have nothing to press against - This is the biggie
- Also when you need to cut in a hole (eg nose) - But also non organic holes!!
I love my SAK scissors and use them pretty much every day.
I even read somewhere (I think from Vic) that they are one of the defining features of a SAK. :pok:
Today it was a drinks carton - the wee ones with a straw hole - But I needed to decant it - so the straw hole was no good.
Would not have opened it with a knife - the juice would have splurted everywhere!!
As much as I like the 58/65 scissors they are so tiny - Only really good for a one snip cutting task of a pretty lightweight material...
Their larger cousins make cutting much quicker and easier.
For some cutting tasks even the larger ones are a bit small.
This is a side question, but is the micra/ style cs/ crosscut too large to cut nose hair effectively?
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The best scissors for nose hair is a SAK classic. Second best would be LM Style PS. In my opinion.
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Yaesu Man: I'm glad you agree that it would stupid to try it at an airport ect, but the point I was trying to make was that in different countries what is socially acceptable can be very different to what your used to regardless of what the actual law is.
captain spaulding: I live in the UK and the actual knife laws aren't to bad and were I work hasn't banned me from having a knife on me and in fact my boss & co-workers have borrowed my sak more than once to open boxes ect.
However working in retail and having to deal with the public means I have to use a bit of discretion in how I use it & be reasonable in how I treat their concern. Being confrontational as some people seem to be advocating would certainly lead to problems and possibly disciplinary action.
It's not so much the knife itself that would be the problem, but rather it could be an item that triggers a customer complaint & how I deal with that customer (i.e the stance I take) that could loose me my job.
From my point of view I just see it as just a rather specific example of good customer service than having my freedoms encroached or infringed on.
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While it's true that knives can do a lot of scissor work, it's also true that a trained lobster could do a lot of scissor work, and would be a better conversation starter. That doesn't mean I go to school with a pocket filled with lobsters every day.
More's the pity.
Swiss Army Lobster? I think Leatherman might already have that trademarked...
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This is a side question, but is the micra/ style cs/ crosscut too large to cut nose hair effectively?
No, they're fine. My husband carries a Micra, and has had no problem. He uses it to trim both nose and beard hairs.
I carry a Crosscut, and also have no problem, trimming detailed stuff. I DO think the 58mm SAKs are more nimble, but either will get the job done.
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The Bionic Lobster video is amazing, but the comic book's ending could have used some editing.
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The best scissors for nose hair is a SAK classic. Second best would be LM Style PS. In my opinion.
You must be nasally challenged- I find both of those two too small. Yes, Raven has a big beak. *laughs*
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Well I'll be!!
Are you the same ironraven that used to hang out on the ETS forum? If you are then I can say is it's a smurfing small world!!!
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The best scissors for nose hair is a SAK classic. Second best would be LM Style PS. In my opinion.
You must be nasally challenged- I find both of those two too small. Yes, Raven has a big beak. *laughs*
Guess so cause they are ideal size! :D