Revolutionizing the Scissors: A Fresh Design Approach
Scissors have undergone a gradual evolution over the years, dating back 4,000 years to their early prototypes in Mesopotamia. They remained relatively unchanged until the introduction of the leading brand, Fiskars, in 1830. However, designer Tamás Fekete has broken free from centuries of conventional design with his innovative pair of scissors that can cut perfectly straight lines without the aid of a ruler. This unique design positions the top portion atop a table while the bottom presses against its side, ensuring precise cuts every time.
Initially conceived as a project at the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design in Hungary, where Fekete is studying industrial design, the idea emerged from his frustration with the multitude of tools required for achieving straight cuts in his projects. "I realized that for a straight cut, I frequently needed tools like a guillotine, a knife, or a ruler," he explains. This realization sparked the question: "Are these really the only ways to achieve a straight cut?"
The answer proved to be a resounding "no." Nevertheless, Fekete faced numerous design challenges to bring his vision to life. Over six months of development, his scissors feature several clever ergonomic enhancements. The thumb handle is designed at an angle to prevent blade binding while safeguarding the user from potential paper cuts. After testing several prototypes, he concluded that the conventional two-finger grip often led to awkward cuts, prompting him to redesign it to accommodate the entire hand. This configuration enhances balance, ensures consistent cuts, and provides a more comfortable grip. To avoid scratching surfaces, he rounded the contact edges of the blades and designed the pivot point to be flush with the body. Despite the groundbreaking approach, the scissors maintain their traditional functionality, although left-handed users still face limitations.
Fekete is eager to advance his project, yet navigating the complexities of bringing it to market presents challenges. As a Hungarian citizen, he’s unable to launch a crowdfunding campaign and is on the lookout for a sharp-minded retailer willing to take a chance on his inventive design.
Innovative Features of the Design
The scissors’ handle forms a right angle when positioned against a table, necessitating a thicker handle to eliminate the need for additional tools. The pivot point is crafted to be as low-profile as possible, allowing the scissors to rest securely against the surface. Gentle curves on one side of the blade prevent damage to furniture.
Photo Credit: Tamás Fekete