There are few things more satisfying than a pair of reliable scissors you know can handle the task at hand. You want to trust your scissors will cut through whatever project you happen to have your hands on. But which scissors will serve you best? Are titanium scissors better than stainless steel? We've done the research and have compiled some valuable information for you!

Titanium scissors are superior to stainless steel scissors in a variety of ways. The advantages of titanium outweigh any cons to purchasing them over stainless steel.

• Titanium will maintain sharpness far longer.
• Blades made of titanium are lighter.
• Scissors made of titanium are stronger.

Now that you know the basic reasons titanium scissors are better than stainless steel let's get into the details. We'll talk about the few disadvantages to titanium as well. Continue reading to get all the answers to your questions!

Titanium makes for sharper scissors.

Titanium is a durable metal that is easy to sharpen and stays sharp longer. Due to the nature of the metals, titanium scissors do not have to be sharpened as often. Titanium blades are most effectively sharped using a sharpening stone. The amount of times you'll have to sharpen your blades relies heavily upon how much you use them.

Blades made of titanium are lighter.

Titanium is almost 50% lighter than steel. This means the scissors are made of titanium with be easy to handle and simple to maneuver. Depending on your project, maneuverability can make all the difference. Titanium has the highest strength to weight ratio of all known metals. That means you get all the strength, none of the bulk, and an extremely lightweight tool.

Scissors made of titanium are stronger.

When it comes to strength, Titanium wins. Titanium is almost 4 times stronger than steel. Scissors made of titanium can be considered a great investment, and if they are cared for properly, they can be a useful tool for decades. Titanium is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, so even if these scissors are not treated with love, they can still be used for many years.

What are the cons of titanium?

Although titanium has many great advantages, making it an excellent choice for scissors overall, there are a few negative things to be said about it that we must mention.

Cost

Stainless steel scissors are relatively inexpensive and fit into anyone's budget. Titanium scissors can be quite pricey. Though the price tag might shock you at first, consider the fact that this could be the last pair of scissors you ever have to buy.

If titanium scissors are out of your price range, consider getting steel scissors with titanium coating. They add strength and longevity similar to titanium but are generally more affordable. Just the coating increases precision and makes the blade resistant to tape and glue. Most of the options on Amazon when you search "titanium" will be this titanium coated type of scissors. Pure titanium shears are popular in haircutting.

View these titanium coated scissors on Amazon

Easily marred

The surface of titanium scuffs and scratches much easier than steel. Because of this, you must care for your scissors by keeping them polished. Even though they might become scuffed or dull, the strength of your titanium scissors would be unmatched.

Stainless steel scissors are a good compromise if you're on a budget and want something that will stay shiny for the time that you own it.

View these stainless steel scissors on Amazon

How Do You Sharpen Scissors?

There are a handful of ways to sharpen your scissors. Some are quick and easy, and some more thorough; it all depends on how dull your scissors have become.

Cut foil

Take a sheet of foil about the size of a standard sheet of notebook paper. Fold the foil over on itself many times until you have a slim length of foil about 2-3 inches wide. Cut through the foil from end to end, going the length of the foil. Once you are done, wipe the blades using a clean, damp paper towel or other cloth.

This is a good method if your scissors haven't yet gotten very dull but could use a nice touch-up.

View this foil on Amazon.

Use the scissors to cut sandpaper.

Obtain medium-grit sandpaper. Using the scissors, cut through several squares or until the blades meet your desired sharpness. Once you are satisfied, wipe the blades with a damp paper towel. This method is quite similar to the foil method but generally returns results that are a little bit more satisfying.

Use a stone

View this sharpening stone on Amazon.

The classic way to sharpen a blade is by using a whetstone. Place the blade against the stone horizontally and draw the blade backward. Repeat a few times. Flip the blade and repeat. Switch to the other blade and do both sides of that blade as well. Once you've completed, wipe down the blades with a clean, damp cloth or paper towel. This method is the best if your knife blades have become very dull.

If using the stone is awkward, use a screwdriver to separate the two blades and sharpen them separately. Most scissors use a Phillips head screw.

Sharpen your scissors using a screwdriver

"Cut" the screwdriver as though you were legitimately trying to cut the tool in half. Continue making the cutting motion until the blade is sharp. If your blades are already incredibly dull, don't try this method and go straight to the stone. However, slightly dull blades will benefit from this. Work at the screwdriver until the desired sharpness has been obtained.

How Do You Clean Scissors?

For the most part, some dish soap and water will clean your scissors very well. As titanium and stainless steel are both water-resistant, you won't have to worry about rust. If there is a sticky residue you can't seem to shake, try using rubbing alcohol or paint thinner to clean the blades. Be sure to use paint thinner in a well-ventilated area and wear safety equipment.

What Size Scissors Are Best? 

Smaller scissors, those of about 4.5 to 5.5 inches, are the best size for cosmetologists to use for cutting hair and allow the most precision. For craft projects, such as sewing or cutting large pieces of fabric, longer scissors work well, especially when cutting through yards and yards of fabric. The longer the shears, the less time it will take. Look at getting scissors from 7 - 8 inches for fabric.

For projects such as paper cutting or intricate details, try small scissors or an Exacto knife to make sure those cuts are perfect!

View this Exacto knife on Amazon.

Want to read more about scissors and crafts? Check out our post, "What are the Best Scissors for Cutting Paper?"

In Closing

Overall, titanium shears are far superior to stainless steel. Titanium is strong, lasts a long time, and is sharp enough to get the job done anytime. With all the options out there, you're certain to find the best pair of scissors for you. Happy crafting!

Read more about using scissors and crafting in our post, "What Paper is Used for Paper Cutting Craft Projects?"