An Introduction to Ultralight Backpacking Scissors!
Backpackers use many kinds of cutting gadgets, including survival knives, multi-tools, and razor blades. For many years, I’ve carried the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Classic, but most of the time, I just use the scissors on that little multi-tool. So why carry the rest of the knife? After asking on BPL, I found several others using “backpacking scissors.”
I’ll compare ten pairs of scissors to the Classic, using a baker’s dozen of backpacking-based scenarios and tests. The Classic was tough to beat. But you can save half an ounce (15 grams) by switching to a very familiar pair of scissors with a couple of tradeoffs.
Can you fly with scissors?
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration won’t let you take sharp knives or razor blades onto planes. Some BPL members buy TSA-seized Swiss Army knives by the bucket. Luckily, TSA says you can fly with scissors in checked baggage, as long as they are “sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.” If you carry scissors on board, they must be “less than 4 inches [102 mm] from the pivot point.” However:
The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
If you don’t want to take your chances with a TSA officer, or keep up with frequent rule changes, check or ship your scissors. You can ship securely stowed scissors via FedEx, UPS, or the US Postal Service.
Eleven Backpacking Scissors
Member Exclusive
A Premium or Unlimited Membership* is required to view the rest of this article.
* A Basic Membership is required to view Member Q&A events
Discussion
Become a member to post in the forums.
Companion forum thread to: Backpacking Scissors (Reviews and Test Results)
The most comprehensive review of backpacking scissors for ultralight hiking and camping: 11 models compared in 13 tests! You just may leave your knife at home.
Did you do any testing on which set of scissors was best for running?
JK. Fun and informative write up on the lowly scissors. Thanks for the contribution.
Thanks for the article!
I own a SAK Rambler https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Rambler-Pocket-Knife/dp/B000FNFXQS/ but am frustrated with the tweezer when I really need it (removing splinters). I now take bigger tweezers and a cheap pair of scissors instead.
BTW I’ve found this small nail clipper works very well although I leave it in the car rather than take it along
Thank-You so Much. Great Job.
The scissors I use didn’t make the review…
Gingher 01-005102 Lightweight Embroidery Scissors, 4-Inch
0.6 oz
I carry these along with a razor blade.  Never carry a knife unless I’m planning to wrestle alligators.
Great review but I use these -Westcott Sewing titanium bonded fine cut scissors 2.5″.
Very light and seem to work well. Probably not as robust as the Cuda, but has a fine point which is very useful. I carry a very light (Deejo) knife for more taxing tasks.
Use a little piece of tubing over the tip as has been mentioned before.
Gordon
I also had a pair of westcotts…until recently…discovered that some betadine (iodine) had leaked in one of my FAKs, which corroded them shut! Titanium not so inert after all.
Damn nice scissors though. Can’t remember the weight. But performance, although I never tested toe nails, they would smash all the other tests in this review.
I carry the Victorinox SwissCard scissors, which I’m very happy with (along with, sometimes, a 34g 2½”-blade folding knife – sue me). Couple people asked about sheaths – I use a 1ÂĽ” length of 5/16″ heat shrink tubing, sealed at one end. Weighs < 0.2g, and never had a problem with it. Unlike a knife sheath there are no sharp edges acting on the sheath – all it needs to do is keep the scissors closed.
Following the loss of my Westcott scissors to iodine corrosion, I also used the swisscard scissors with shrink wrap sheath for a few years. Unfortunately a year ago Airport Security spotted them in a scan within my FAK! Taken away :-(
Now in the hunt for a new UL scissor. Maybe another swisscard job, but also mulling over the Victorinox 580. Seems hard to find the swisscard scissors separate to buy…
Become a member to post in the forums.