Another pair of vintage shears we dearly love and heavily use is a steel blade and iron handle Heinisch. We keep it sharp for daily cutting of heavy denim and leather.
The differences between the Heinisch and the steel vintage Wilkinson shears we use intensively seem subtle but are very distinct to the user. The brass bolt nuts, due to their different lengths, keep the handles off the bench at different angles. The thumb rests are also shaped and sized slightly differently. Factor in weight, balance, and handle size and it becomes clear as to why some tailors try to stick to just one pair of shears they have become accustomed to using. As lovers of the sewing traditions of yore we collect, cherish, and–yes, use– various beautiful vintage shears in the Rising Sun Archive.




Posted on: Oct 13, 2009
Manufacturing, Tools, Vintage