These are the so-called miracle shears. They were designed for use by paramedics and others needing quickly to cut wire, light sheet metal, or other tough stuff that might stand between them and their quarry. They are normally demonstrated cutting a penny in two. Which they will do. But not as a steady diet. Let's dispel a few myths. While these are Pakistani stainless, we're not talking any miracles in manufacturing. They are good for their purpose, and real handy to have in the old tool box. But their purpose isn't making pennies into 5-mil pieces, and you will twist or break them at about the same time you find out that you've done the same thing to U.S. laws! For sheet metal or wire or fishing leaders or tin cans or whatever, be our guests.

This all-purpose scissors is the favorite of everyone at A.S.&S.: Pat uses his to cut and strip wire. C.J. uses his to slit the tape on packages. Mary Ann uses hers to open bags of pretzels. It's 6-1/4" long overall, with a very sharp 2" stainless steel blade and large, comfortable handles. It would sell for $9.95 retail if it was new, but it was used for one day to cut cloth in the assembly plant of a major car company, then discarded. Quality control is a wonderful thing.

You get (3) of these stainless steel surgical scissors, which have a shorter working length (with the hinge closer to the jaws) than regular snippers, but you still shouldn't try to remove your own appendix. Measure 4-3/8" long and are quite sharp.

They call it the "Safety Cutter" and it's going to make your life a whole bunch easier. It's a little 2-3/8" long x 3/16" thick teardrop-shaped paper slicer with a teensy rust- and dullness-proof ceramic blade that magically cuts through paper and plastic. Perfect for clipping newsprint, cutting wrapping paper, and opening deviously sealed packaging, including the heavy stuff if you press a bit. Even CD cases. The crazy part? Won't cut your fingers or anything else. You could run it right over your hand, press down and everything, and nothing. Really. We tried it on some expendable employees. You know what this means? You can take it on airplanes, which further means that when you get to the coast you'll actually be able to open all the packages full of the stuff you sent ahead.

These stainless steel tailors' shears are sized halfway between "Edward Scissorhands" and "my grandfather was a cutter in the garment district." At 12" long they're perfect for folks who do a lot of heavy duty snipping or are just tired of wimpy little scissors. And yes, please don't run with them.

For traveling surgeons? Veterinarians? Dunno, but this is a small, retractable utility knife with a pointed, #11 scalpel blade inside. Measures 4-1/4" long with a plastic handle when retracted. Looks to us to be great for crafting, hobbying and pretty much any fine cutting. Made in England, and they ain’t talking.

Life will never be dull again if you carry this pocket-sized diamond knife and scissors sharpener. Comes with (3) 2" long diamond encrusted rods, (2) fine and (1) coarse. The 1-15/16" x 2-3/8" x 5/8" holder is also a frame with slots that hold the rods at the correct blade-sharpening angle. Even though it's made as a pocket tool, with a short keychain, it would abrade its way right out of any pocket. We recommend you just hang it above your workbench.

Jewelers have the best looking tools. This ultra-slim knife is 4-1/2" long OA, with a flat metal handle that comes in assorted colors (our choice). The short, broad blade is honed to fit into the slit in a watch case and pop the back off easily. It doesn't fold into itself, but does come in a protective vinyl sleeve for storage. Very sharp.

Just your standard 2-notch utility knife blades in a 10-pack. For all your utility knifing needs.

Let’s hear it for our 4-piece scissors collection, ready to meet all of your home and office scissing needs. All with cushioned handles and all stainless steel, you’ll get 5-1/2” and 6-1/2” straight-handled office/detail scissors along with 7-1/2” and 8-1/2” contour-handled kitchen versions. All are ambiscissoral,or equally easy for righties and lefties to use.