Scissors

Object/Artifact

-

The Cabinet of Scissor Curiosities

Scissors: An image of a pair of Persian scissors with their blades closed.
Scissors

An image of a pair of Persian scissors with their blades closed.

Name/Title

Scissors

Entry/Object ID

2025.2.201

Tags

persia, safavid, brahim, wootz, clamshell grind

Description

A pair of Persian scissors from the Safavid period (1501 - 1736). Markings show that they were made by "BRAHIM SON OF" and the inscription translates roughly as "THE WIDTH OF YOUR HEAD IS LIKE OPEN KARMA" - possibly a reference to the distinctively shaped shanks and bows. The blades are deep hollow ground, of a type known as 'clamshell'.

Made/Created

Date made

1501 - 1736

Time Period

Safavid Period

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Width refers to width at pivot.

Width

20 mm

Length

265 mm

Dimension Description

Blade length

Length

122 mm

Dimension Notes

Crotch to point = 172 mm

Materials

Material

Wootz

Material Notes

Wootz is crucible steel produced by a specific method giving it a high carbon content; also known as 'Indian Damascus', it was developed in ancient India.

Location

Location

* Untyped Location

Own Collection

Date

June 9, 2025

Web Links and URLs

Making Wootz Steel - video showing an attempt to create authentic wootz

Created By

studygroup@scissornet.org

Create Date

April 4, 2025

Updated By

studygroup@scissornet.org

Update Date

September 25, 2025