The Best Scissors and Kitchen Shears

After conducting 30 hours of research on 75 models of scissors and kitchen shears, consulting with experts (including a maker expert at San Francisco’s Exploratorium), and cutting paper, cardboard, marshmallows, string, duct tape, wire, cable ties, and chicken bones, we think the best scissors for all-around household use are the Kai 5210 8-inch Dressmaking Shears (also available for lefties). They just work. Light and sharp, with the smoothest-feeling action of any scissors we tested, these stainless steel and vanadium blades will swiftly and precisely cut paper, plastic clamshell packaging, cardboard, blue jeans, and even picture-hanging wire in a pinch.