Sakser

Sakser are two-bladed cutting tools joined at a pivot, used to cut a wide range of materials. In Danish and Norwegian, sakser is the standard term for what English speakers call scissors. The design consists of two sharpened blades that cross and hinge, with handles to provide a grip and leverage.

Common variants include household scissors for paper and light materials, kitchen scissors for food preparation, and fabric scissors or tailor's shears for textiles. There are also specialized forms such as medical scissors and utility scissors. Blade geometry and edge sharpness are chosen to suit the intended material; for example, fabric scissors have long, finely ground blades.

Most sakser use steel blades, often stainless or high-carbon steel, with handles made of plastic, rubber, or metal. The pivot is typically a rivet or screw that can loosen over time and may require tightening or replacement.

Scissors have ancient origins in various cultures, evolving over centuries. The modern form emerged with improvements in blade metallurgy, grinding, and ergonomics during the 18th to 20th centuries, leading to the wide range of task-specific sakser available today.

Keep blades clean and dry after use, and sharpen or replace dull edges. Store sakser closed and out of reach of children. Use the correct type for the material to minimize damage and avoid injury.