Ollók

Ollók, the Hungarian word for scissors, are hand-operated cutting tools consisting of two blades connected by a pivot. When the handles are squeezed, the blades move past each other to shear material placed between them. The plural ollók is used for the tool in general, while olló is the singular form.

There are many variants designed for different tasks. Household scissors handle paper and light materials, while kitchen shears are sturdier and often include a bulky blade for cutting food or small bones. Dressmaking or fabric scissors have long, sharp blades for precise fabric cuts, and children’s safety scissors feature blunt tips. Pinking shears have zigzag-edged blades to reduce fraying on woven fabrics. Specialized forms include tin snips for sheet metal, pruning shears for plants, and hairdressing scissors for grooming.

Construction and materials vary. Most ollók are made of steel, with carbon steel favored for edge retention and stainless steel for corrosion resistance. Blades can be plain or serrated to grip slippery materials. Handles are commonly metal, wood, or plastic-coated for comfort. The pivot is held together by a screw or rivet, and many models allow adjustment of blade tension to maintain cutting performance. Left-handed versions are available to accommodate different grip styles.

Historically, pivoted scissors appear in ancient contexts, with modern forms developing in Europe and becoming widely produced during the early modern period. Industrial manufacturing in the 18th and 19th centuries expanded availability and variety, making ollók a ubiquitous tool in homes, workshops, and professional settings.

Care and safety: keep blades clean and dry, avoid using scissors for purposes beyond their design, store them safely, and have dull blades professionally sharpened to preserve performance.