Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of hand-operated scissors and shears having an ergonomic design in which one of the blade members is slide operated so as to better conform to the configuration of the operator's hand and the desired cutting orientation of the device. The system includes a first blade having a shank and at least one finger ring. A second blade is provided with a pivot to cross the first blade. The second blade having a guide channel in the proximal end thereof. A slide assembly cooperates with a track formed into the shank of the first blade and a thumb ring is secured to the slide assembly. In operation, the users causes the blades to open and close with respect to each other by reciprocating the slide assembly along the track, thereby eliminating the opening and closing motion required in the scissors of the prior art.