Scissors for getting early close cuts of rigging ties and knots

[bigcreekdad]

My EXacto works ok, but it still is hard to get a clean and close cut sometimes. Anyone use any cuticle scissors or something similar that works well?

[jwvolz]

Search for cataract scissors on eBay. Very fine points and they cut with little effort. 

 

 

 

I think Micromark may also have some variation. Fly tying scissors also work very well, but I find the cataract type easier to handle in tight spaces. 

[Anja]

I use my embroidery scissors. It has a very fine and sharp tips.

You can make very close cuts with it.

 

You can purchase them in hobby stores.

 

Anja

[twintrow]

You may also look for "iris scissors" on ebay.   And you might ask your Dentist or Family Doc (or Vet for that matter) what they do with old instruments.  Most use disposable stuff today, but a few still use instruments.  If they get a little rusty or dull or bent they get thrown away.  Beg for them to be saved for you instead!

 

Tom

[RichardG]

I bought these from Amazon a few months ago http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0062PALRE/. They're cheap but work well. One of the blades is serrated which I find helps.

 

Richard.

[Blue Ensign]

A scalpel with a No11 blade is my weapon of choice when it comes to trimming ratline knots in particular.

 

B.E.

[geoff]

with my shaky hands I wouldn't dare use a scalpel anywhere near ratlines etc! I use fly tying scissors from Amazon, or nail clippers.

[allanyed]

I have used the same barber shears for years.  The best go for $500 to over $1000, but are meant for thousands of snips per week.  I found a pair with convex edges for $80 that will last a couple lifetimes of rigging without having to be sharpened.   These were $200 shears that I bought at a cosmetics and hair trade show in the last hour of the last day.  I can CUT, not tear even the tiniest strand right at the knot without having to have any tension on the piece being cut.

 

In the end, quality comes with a price as is usual.

 

Allan

[Chuck]

I use a nail clipper.  Gives a nice crisp snip and doesnt make the edges of the rope ragged.  Both cutting edges are flush so you can get close in on a know or anything you want to cut.  Buy a good pair though....cheap ones wont work as well.

[WackoWolf]

In the USA you can get good ones at CVS and other store like hat. Like Chuck said get a good pair.

[S.Coleman]

Same as chuck. I use nail clippers. They get a nice close cut.