Solingen scissors – German scissors
Solingen scissors made in Germany
Solingen is the German city associated more than anywhere else with making scissors and knives. The Solingen name is protected under German law and may only be used on products whose main manufacturing stages took place in the city's area – so scissors bearing this mark are genuinely made in Germany.
This category brings together our German sewing scissors from two Solingen manufacturers: D.PERES – the PERFECTION series and the TURBO model with micro-serrations – and Kretzer – the FINNY PROFI and FINNY HOBBY series in ice-hardened stainless steel, and the SPIRALE Classic series in hot-forged carbon steel. Lengths range from 9 cm embroidery scissors up to 26 cm tailor's shears.
Products: 12
What makes Solingen scissors special
Ice hardening (Eisgehärtet)
In Kretzer's FINNY series, after standard hardening the blade is cooled to a very low temperature. This process refines the structure of the steel, so the blade stays sharp longer and is more resistant to wear.
Hot forging
In Kretzer's SPIRALE Classic series the blades are made of hot-forged carbon steel, plated with nickel or chrome depending on the model. Forging gives the steel a dense, strong structure, and the plating protects it from rust.
Micro-serration
On the D.PERES TURBO model one of the blades has tiny serrations that grip the fabric – an advantage with slippery fabrics such as silk, satin and chiffon, which tend to slip out from between the blades.
How to choose German scissors
For cutting patterns and fabric: 23–26 cm – D.PERES PERFECTION or Kretzer FINNY PROFI.
For slippery fabrics: D.PERES TURBO with micro-serration.
For general use, paper and cardboard: Kretzer FINNY HOBBY or SPIRALE Classic, 18–20 cm long.
For embroidery and threads: Kretzer SPIRALE Classic with a 9 cm curved blade, or small D.PERES scissors.
Caring for quality scissors
Dedicate each pair to a single material – fabric, paper or thread.
Wipe and dry them after use, and take extra care to keep carbon-steel models dry.
Put a drop of oil on the pivot from time to time and store them in a sheath.
Professional sharpening only – a home sharpener can change the blade angle.
More scissor categories
Tailor's shears and fabric scissors – for cutting patterns and fabric.
Embroidery scissors and small scissors – for fine work and cutting close to the fabric.
Thread clippers and thread snips – for trimming thread ends at the machine.
Lightweight multi-purpose scissors – for pattern paper, crafts and household use.
Related guide: Solingen scissors: what makes German steel special and how to keep them sharp
Frequently asked questions
What are Solingen scissors?
Scissors made in the city of Solingen, Germany, a traditional center for the production of scissors and knives. The name Solingen is protected by German law and may be marked only on products whose main production took place in the area of the city.
Are all scissors marked Solingen from Germany?
Under German law, the Solingen marking is reserved for products whose main production stages were carried out in the Solingen area. It is worth buying from a known source and checking the manufacturer's name and the model on the blade.
What is cryogenic hardening?
An additional stage after hardening the steel, in which the blade is cooled to a very low temperature. The process improves the structure of the steel, and the blade stays sharp for longer. Kretzer's FINNY series are manufactured this way.
What is the difference between Kretzer FINNY PROFI and FINNY HOBBY?
PROFI is the professional series: a longer blade and a two-component handle with a soft, non-slip addition. HOBBY is a light series for everyday use with a plastic handle. In both, the blade is made of ice-hardened stainless steel.
What is special about the Kretzer SPIRALE Classic series?
The blades are made of heat-forged carbon steel with a nickel or chrome coating, depending on the model. The series includes 18 cm universal scissors and 9 cm embroidery and thread scissors with a curved blade.
When should I choose the D.PERES TURBO with micro-serration?
When cutting a lot of slippery or delicate fabrics - silk, satin, chiffon and lining. The tiny serrations grip the fabric and keep it from moving between the blades.
Are German scissors worth the investment?
Scissors made of quality steel, with aligned blades and a precise pivot, cut more cleanly and keep their sharpness longer. For someone who sews regularly, one good pair can serve for many years with correct use.
How do you sharpen Solingen scissors?
It's recommended to sharpen at a professional sharpener who knows sewing scissors. A home sharpener may change the blade angle and damage how the edges close.
Are Solingen scissors suitable for left-handed users?
Most of the models in the category are built for the right hand. The page of each product states which hand it is intended for.
What is the difference between D.PERES and Kretzer?
Both manufacturers produce in Solingen. D.PERES is sold in the PERFECTION series for sewing and tailoring scissors and in the TURBO model with micro-serrations; Kretzer is sold in the FINNY series made of cryogenically hardened stainless steel and in the SPIRALE Classic series made of forged carbon steel.