Carl Schwarte
Carl Schwarte Heavy Duty Coarse Scissors - 7 in
Carl Schwarte Heavy Duty Coarse Scissors - 7 in
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A heavy-duty shear from the leather and bookbinding trades — known variously as a sack scissors, a bookbinder's scissors, or simply a Grobschere ("coarse scissors"). Forged from carbon steel by Carl Schwarte, a family workshop that has made knives and scissors in Solingen since 1910. The strong blades — one ending in a blunt, broad point — cut through textiles, leather, and thick cardboard, and a solid screw at the pivot keeps the action stable under real force.
What makes it special
- Forged carbon steel: harder and sharper than stainless, and re-sharpenable rather than disposable — the screwed pivot, not a rivet, is what makes re-sharpening possible
- Made by hand in Solingen, then tested and stamped with the maker's name; Carl Schwarte is one of the few remaining true professional scissor makers there
- Strong, thick blades built for coarse work, with one blade blunted at the tip so it won't catch or pierce the material beneath
- Generously sized finger loops, so you can bring real force to the cut without strain
- Carbon steel isn't stainless: it ships lightly oiled and wants an occasional wipe of oil, and it trades its factory shine for a patina as it's used — the mark of a tool that lasts, not a flaw
Specs
- Type: Heavy-duty scissors (sack / bookbinder's scissors)
- Material: Carbon steel, untreated (not stainless)
- Overall length: 18.6 cm (7⅛ in)
- Cutting length: 8.5 cm
- Weight: 130 g
- Maker: Carl Schwarte, Solingen, Germany
Care instructions: These carbon steel scissors are made to last a lifetime with a little bit of care. Keep your scissors clean and away from moisture. Occasionally they will benefit from a very light amount of mineral or household oil.
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I was looking for a few good pair of scissors and initially purchased a Dacasso desk set with beautiful scissors. These scissors worked well enough for most pedestrian jobs but failed when it came to harder tasks like cutting through leather or heavy fabric. Same with El Casco. Great attention to form but less to function. When looking through the PaperMind website, I noticed the Carl Schwarte Heavy Duty Coarse Scissors and another 2 pair of CS scissors. The description made these scissors the standout choice. I found the "brutalist " styling of the heavy duty scissors most interersting. I purchased all 3 pair and am not disappointed. The Heavy Duty scissors are ideal for cutting heavy cardboard and leather. The other 2 pair make excellent all-around household scissors. Downside-they are carbon steel and subject to staining and rust, which can be avoided with a light coating of oil periodically and storing in a dry location.
The upside-they are carbon steel which takes well to sharpening and holds an edge. And of course, the price which is more than reasonable. Overall, excellent scissors from a reputable German company.