Abstract: The invention relates to scissors. Hitherto scissors have been formed with rigid and identical handles to allow use in either hand, but with some discomfort to the user, or with handles specifically shaped to suit a right-handed or a left-handed user, but not both. The object of the invention is to provide a pair of scissors able to be used in comfort by both right-handed and left-handed users, an objective met by a construction comprising blades and associated handles pivotally secured together, the handles forming respective finger and thumb bows that are symmetrical about the center plane at the mid-point through their thickness, at least one (thumb) bow being formed as a rigid structure from the forward end towards the pivot to a point along the length of that bow, from where the at least one (thumb) bow has a rearward part formed from a form-stable but resilient and/or flexible material.

Abstract: A blade sharpener having a sharpening mechanism that functions to sharpen a blade engaging the mechanism and being moved longitudinally relative to that mechanism. The sharpening mechanism is located within a hollow housing or scabbard for containing the blade, and means is provided to restrain the blade against inadvertent removal from the housing. The blade is moved into and out of the housing through a front end of the housing, and the restraining means becomes operative (automatically) when the blade is fully inserted. Locking means then functions to prevent release of the restraining means, and that locking means includes a plate movable in the longitudinal direction of the housing between locking and unlocking positions. The locking means is moved into the unlocking position by actuation of a press button located at the rear end of the housing, and automatically returns to the locking position when pressure is removed from the press button.