Joyce Chen Scissors

Jewelry Discussion
1

These are the best. Relatively speaking they last a long time in the
metalsmith world. I use them for sheet and also wire. The
interesting thing about the wire is that it makes at least one flat
edge when cutting wire. For some unknown reason on coils it can also
make 2 flat edges. It seems it is all in the way that the shears are
held and where the wire hits the blades. One caveat, do not use on
paper. Makes them very dull. I purchased my first pair when taking
an FSG workshop in Tallahassee, Florida many years ago. I have since
purchased other pairs and have always bought them at a
gourmet-cooking store. I always have a spare pair on hand; just do
not want to be without them. Makes a wonderful gift for a
metalsmith friend. I had a guest artist in my studio recently, and
she could not believe how these worked on metal. When she got home,
I am sure she ran out to buy them to add to her studio. Beth Katz,
Unique Solutions, Inc.

2

I am intrigued - so where do we find these wonderful these wonderful
scissors? I have not heard of them before, but they sound great!

Thanks!
Beth in SC

3

Hi all,I have been using Bonsai shears for years and they put Joyce
Chens’ to shame. Try growstuffplus.com and go to bonsai shears to
gardencut shears. They cut everything. Let me know how you like
them. Louise

4 
     Hi all,I have been using Bonsai shears for years and they put
Joyce Chens' to shame.  Try growstuffplus.com and go to bonsai
shears to gardencut shears.  They cut  everything. Let me know how
you like them. Louise

Hi Louise: Checked out the website and there are numerous categories
of shears available. Which do you use? I am guessing the
Professional Ashinaga Shear? would you let us know; also what gauge
metal will it cut and does it make a straight cut if you cut wire
with it? Thanks for the tip, but before I buy, I’d like some more
particulars.

Kay

5

Hi Kay, The gardencut shears are the last one on the page. cost is
about 11.00. I use my shears to cut metal around bezels,and
sheet16ga.and sometimes less. I hardly use my saw unless it’s for
very heavy wire2,4,ga. I have never been happier with a pair of
shears. I used to have lots of Bonsai plants and one day I couldn’t
find my shears and used my bonsai shears and I couln’t believe what
they would cut. I had a ball trying all sorts of metal and all
gauges. Since they are so reasonable,try them and have a ball. I
have introduced them to all my jeweler friends and they agree,better
than J.C’s. Louise

6 
            The gardencut shears are the last one on the page.
cost is about 11.00.  I use my shears to cut metal around
bezels,and sheet 16ga.and sometimes less.

Thanks Louise - sounds perfect. I’ll order some right away and let
you know how they work for me. BTW if you haven’t tried it, get some
(cheap ones around $5) cat claw scissors (I’ll see if I can find a
brand name on mine and let you know) - they are wonderful for
snipping wire to to around 14 gauge and they give a fairly flush cut.

Kay