By The ARTnews Recommends Editors

Whether you’re a serious paper crafter or a student, you need a good pair of paper scissors. No matter if you’re using it to slice through kraft paper or for precision snipping, this essential tool should have the same basic characteristics: sharp blades, a comfortable grip, and enough strength to reliably accomplish the task at hand. Our recommendations below will help you find the best scissors for any paper-cutting job.

There’s a reason why these orange-handled scissors from the Finnish company seem to be just about everywhere. Developed more than 50 years ago, the iconic tool has razor-sharp and versatile stainless steel blades, an ergonomic handle, and a durable central screw to keep the blades moving back and forth with just the right amount of resistance. While originally designed for fabric, these scissors perform superbly with most everyday papers, with its blades cutting all the way to the tip. Easy to steer, it can glide through thinner sheets but also slice cardboard with ease.

For scissors that can cut through heavy paper stock, we recommend this pair from the tried-and-true scissors brand Westcott, The titanium-bonded blades can slice through materials like cardboard, card stock, and laminate with little effort, and the plastic handles have a gentle contour that prevents cramping or other stresses to your hand. This is a tool that will last a long time, from the sharpness of its blades to the structure of its handles. You get two pairs in this pack to keep in different rooms and make sharing easier.

If you need multiple pairs of scissors or are in a setting where they are constantly getting misplaced, this option presents a great multipack value. You get three eight-inch scissors in fun colors, each with titanium-fused, stainless steel blades that are sharp enough to cut through thinner papers. Comfortable for small and large hands alike, they are a great option both for older children and adults. Plus, they fit comfortably in both right and left hands. These scissors feel slightly flimsier than our other picks, but they will serve you well for easygoing tasks.

These scissors check off all the major boxes. They are astonishingly sharp, with stainless steel blades able to smoothly cut through a range of paper stocks with clean and controlled lines. You can cut tape, and adhesives won’t stick to the surface. Plus, they come with a rubberized grip that enhances comfort for long periods of use. The thumbholes are shaped to accommodate the natural squeezing action your hand, reducing not only awkwardness but also pain and swelling over time. Like the pick above, they are sold in packs of three.

Designed specifically for paper art, these scissors have an impressive pedigree. Handmade by craftsmen in Seki City, Japan, which is world-renowned for its knives, they were designed by the venerated blade company Hasegawa in collaboration with the Japanese paper-cutting artist Hina Aoyama. They boast a sleek and sharp blade that can navigate small areas and tight turns with ease, making them perfect for complicated work like decoupage or pop-up art. This is a relatively small tool, with a length of just over 4 inches, so while it is lightweight and portable, its handle might be uncomfortable for users with larger hands. It is also available in other sizes.

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