When buying a pair of scissors, it's hard to tell just by looking at them if they are going to be good. It's also hard to tell what they are going to be good at cutting. Will they be comfortable to use? Will they rust or wear down? I've had my share of good scissors and bad scissors. Thankfully, the Acme United Corporate Preferred Straight Trimmers always get the job done.

I own lots of scissors (does that sound funny?). I have the kitchen scissors for things like cutting open bags and such. I have my CutterBees for scrapbooking. My kids have their school scissors. We have the generic pair that gets used for the dirty jobs, such as trimming the dog's hair. We even have a different pair of scissors for the hair on their paws. Yes, I own a lot of scissors. But, I have one special pair of scissors meant only for my crosstitching.

Now, don't make fun, but I take my needlepoint very seriously. It's not often I work on a project that can take over a year to finish and costs over $200.00 to frame. And, for such special projects, I needed a special pair of scissors. A pair of scissors that cannot be used for anything else (even though I have....don't tell anyone!). That special job falls to my pair of Acme United Corporation Preferred Straight Trimmers, hereafter known as the Preferred Scissors.

My Preferred Scissors have a very sharp edge. This is not the scissors you want to buy for your child's schoolwork. However, it is very necessary when cutting thread. If you get an edge that is a little dull, your thread will either not cut or will fray at the end. This is not a good thing when working fine details on an exquisite piece of needlework! Although I don't use it for other things, the Preferred Scissors can easily cut paper, even small details cuttings, such as scrapbooking projects (although I prefer the Cutter Bee for that). I have, on a rare occasion, used the Preferred Scissors to cut off a tag, and it cuts through the plastic with no trouble. However, if you plan on using this for sewing or needlepoint projects, I recommend saving them for that purpose only, as you will get a cleaner cut in the long run.

The Preferred Scissors are also nice and small. Although many may recommend the usual sewing scissors - you know, the large orange pair of Fiskars your mother probably kept in her sewing basket - those large scissors are not for me. I like a pair of scissors that will fit in my project bag and not get in the way. I can set on the arm of my chair without it stabbing me because it's so big. The Preferred Scissors have a 1 3/4" pair of blades, with the handle being about 2 1/2" long. At around 4", this makes it small enough to fit easily in almost any container I need it too.

The handle is made of molded plastic, and is meant for both right and left handed people. Some scissors are made especially for one or the other, but the Preferred Scissor's handle has equal holes, so is able to be used by anyone. The plastic is hard, with no rubber at all. It is still a comfortable feel, and does not make my fingers sore during use. The handle is a bright blue (meaning I can usually find it in my bag) with a small pink button.

The blade is molded into the handle, so there is no risk of it falling or being pulled out. I have had this happen with other scissors, so this is a plus. The blade itself is tapered at the end, giving it a thinner point, and making it quite sharp at the end. You won't want to get poked with this! Do I need to mention not to run with scissors?

Overall, the Preferred Scissors are great for your smaller sewing projects, such as needlepoint and crosstitch. I highly recommend it for anything with thread. I definitely don't recommend it for children, as the end is very pointy and the blade is very sharp. It is a durable pair of scissors that are sure to last you for many years.