Abstract: Scissors with thumb retainer for receiving the two phalanges of the thumb. The thumb retainer integrally joins and is generally in line with the shank of the thumb-actuated blade. It includes a cup portion against which the outer end of the distal phalanx seats and an elongate sleeve portion joined to the cup portion, constructed to restrain the two thumb phalanges therein. During a cutting operation, upward and downward movement of the thumb occurs in the swing plane of the blades and is generally parallel to the palm of the hand.