I grew up in a house of scissors.
We had little kid scissors, dad’s big metal office scissors, huge shears in the garage, craft scissor, junk drawer scissors, kitchen scissors, mom’s hair cutting scissors, and the orange handled Fiskars – both straight and ‘pinking’ style. And we knew better than to use the orange ‘sewing scissors’ for paper projects. The Fiskars were strictly for fabric.
The Fiskars company started out in 1649 (!) as an ironworks in a small Finnish village, making tools like knives, nails, and plowshares. It’s one of the oldest companies in the Western world still operating — over 375 years old.
Over the centuries, Fiskars evolved with Finland’s industrial changes. It moved into making agricultural tools and household items, but Fiskars always focused on quality steelwork. By the 20th century, it had gained a reputation for combining function and beauty — things Scandinavian designs are known for.
1967 was a turning point for Fiskars. They introduced the world’s first plastic-handled scissors, which were much lighter and easier to use. Fiskars scissors were also wildly distinctive thanks to a bold, unexpected orange color — now a registered trademark. That specific orange was actually a happy accident — the designer used leftover plastic from the prototype of an orange juicer.
Today, over 1 billion orange-handled Fiskars scissors have been sold worldwide. ONE. BILLION.
The Fiskars website says, “Our lightweight, ergonomic design works so well that many home seamstresses declare them off limits to the rest of the family and hide them away for special projects.”
Which, as I mentioned, is exactly what happened in our house.
Today I have my own Fiskars – both straight and pinking style – and yes, they are used only for ribbon and fabric.
If you’ve used those iconic orange scissors, you know. They really are special.
But why should you care about scissors – special or not?
Here are 4 reasons.
1. Shaping
Scissors create separation so something new can take shape. We use them to cut a pattern. To trim what doesn’t belong. To divide. To shape something.
Sometimes growth isn’t all about adding things — it can be about making clean cuts.
Where in your life do you need to trim, snip, or pare back so something new can take shape?
2. Finding the Right Tension
Good scissors work best when the tension is right. If the pivot screw is too tight, the blades won’t move. Too loose, and they don’t cut cleanly.
It’s the right amount of tension that keeps them working.
Where could a little healthy tension help you stay focused and effective right now?
3. Working in Tandem
Scissors only work when both blades move together. They’re not identical, but they meet in motion — and that’s where the power is.
Sometimes the most effective work comes when two opposing forces — effort and ease, structure and spontaneity, caution and risk — meet.
Who or what could you pair together to get better results than you could on your own?
4. Staying Sharp
Good scissors stay sharp longer when used properly. When we misuse them — for paper instead of fabric, for metal instead of thread — they dull fast.
Even the best scissors get dull without maintenance. They need sharpening. Not constantly, but regularly enough to keep their purpose clear.
Where might you be misusing your energy in a way that’s wearing you down — and what could you do to keep the important parts of your life sharp and ready?
I can’t wait to hear about your answers. And if you need help with any of it….. I’m your gal.
PS My Scandinavian-blooded dad loved loved loved the color orange. Whenever I reach for those orange handled scissors of mine, I’m happy that Fiskars trademarked their very own shade of it.
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