Medieval scissors
- Available
-
Delivery time: 2 - 3 working days* (US - int. shipments may differ)
- Item out of stock
Hand-forged medieval scissors: bow scissors and jointed scissors for historical re-enactment
Hand-forged medieval scissors are among the oldest cutting tools in human history – and they remain irreplaceable to this day when it comes to authentic camp crafts, historical sewing or creating a credible costume. In this category, you will find bow scissors and jointed scissors based on historical models, made from carbon steel, for the Viking Age, High and Late Middle Ages. Blade sizes ranging from approx. 3 to 9 cm cover every area of application – from fine sewing scissors to rough craft tools for the camp.
From spring steel bow scissors to jointed scissors: two basic forms
- Made from a single, continuously curved piece of metal
- No rivets, no moving joints
- The dominant type of scissors from antiquity through to the High Middle Ages
- Historically attested, for example, by finds from Haithabu (Viking Age)
- Typical shape: U-shaped bow with two blades at the ends
- Ideal for simple cutting tasks: threads, herbs, thin fabrics
- Also worn as a belt ornament – attached to the belt with a leather sheath
- Two separate blades, connected by a rivet in the middle
- Became increasingly common from the 13th/14th century onwards
- Enables more precise cutting thanks to better blade control
- Longer blades possible – up to approx. 9 cm cutting edge
- Handle openings for fatigue-free working during longer cuts
- Suitable for fabric, leather and coarser craft materials
- Historical evidence from medieval grave finds and pictorial sources
History of the scissors: From antiquity to the late Middle Ages
First scissors from the Bronze Age
The oldest known scissors originate from the eastern Mediterranean region and were simple, U-shaped metal brackets made of bronze or early iron. These spring-loaded scissors functioned through the inherent tension of the curved material – without rivets or separate joints.
Viking Age: Scissors as an everyday tool
Archaeological finds from Haithabu and other Viking Age settlements show bow-shaped scissors as a common household item. They are found in women’s graves as well as in craft contexts – as tools for sewing, traditional dress and daily tasks. The practice of carrying them on a belt in a leather sheath is evidenced by grave finds.
High Middle Ages: Bow-type scissors remain dominant
Even in the High Middle Ages, the spring-loaded scissors remained the most common cutting tool. They were simple to make, robust and versatile. In monasteries, craft workshops and households, they were indispensable – for weaving and sewing, cutting herbs and working with leather.
Late Middle Ages: Rise of the hinged scissors
From the 13th century onwards, and particularly in the 14th and 15th centuries, the two-part hinge-jointed shears with rivets became established. They allowed for larger blades, more precise cuts and more ergonomic handling. Image sources and craft documentation from this period show both types in use side by side.
Use in the medieval camp: More than just a cutting tool
In an authentic medieval camp, scissors are part of the basic equipment – not as a decorative item, but as a functional tool. Cutting fabric, trimming threads, chopping herbs, working with leather: these are all tasks for which a hand-forged bow-type or hinged pair of scissors still serves reliably to this day.
Viking scissors with a leather sheath, in particular, can be worn on the belt in a historically accurate manner – a method of carrying them that is well attested by grave finds from the Viking Age. Together with sewing needles, linen thread and other sewing supplies, this makes for a complete set of craft equipment for the sewing corner and camp. Those wishing to further equip their camp will find suitable accessories in our Medieval Camp Supplies category. Medieval knives and cutlery sets complement these items to create a harmonious overall ensemble.
From a costume perspective, too, scissors on the belt are a detail that authentically completes a re-enactment outfit – much like an awl or a needle as typical belt accessories.
Overview: Variants and sizes in the range
Small bow scissors (3–5 cm blade)
Ideal for trimming threads, fine sewing work and cutting herbs in camp. Models with a ring handle or jute twine wrapping for a rustic look. Blade sizes approx. 3–5 cm. Also available as a carry version with a leather sheath.
Medium scissors (5–8 cm blade)
Hand-forged scissors with approx. 5–8 cm blades, suitable for fabrics, light leather and craftwork. Models with twisted blades or artistically rolled handle eyes showcase typical handcrafted decorative techniques using carbon steel.
Large scissors & bow scissors (8–9 cm / 24 cm)
The early medieval bow-type scissors with a total length of 24 cm and the jointed scissors with a 9 cm blade are the robust tools for heavy-duty craftwork. Large handle openings for fatigue-free working, sharp carbon steel blades. Brands: Vehi Mercatus, Authentic Blades, Lord of Battles.
Care and handling of carbon steel shears
Carbon steel contains less chromium than stainless steel and is more sensitive to moisture and acids. This means that without proper care, rust spots can form quickly. However, this is not a quality defect – but a characteristic of the historically authentic material. A developing patina acts as a natural protective film and is not a blemish. If you dry your scissors briefly after each use and rub them lightly with oil, you will enjoy them for a long time to come.
Small rust spots can be rubbed off with a fine abrasive cloth or steel wool. Then dry the blade thoroughly and rub it with oil – e.g. camellia oil or simple machine oil. Important: Do not use aggressive acid cleaners, as these will further damage the surface. If you oil them consistently, you can prevent rust in the long term.
Bow scissors and simple hinged scissors can be resharpened using a fine whetstone. The inside of the blade surface remains flat – only the bevel is worked on the stone. Alternatively, for bow-handled scissors, honing on a leather strap (leather strop) helps to smooth the edge and refine the sharpness. Professional sharpening by a specialist is the better choice for very blunt blades.
The best way to store them is in a dry place, lightly oiled – and ideally in a leather sheath. Leather repels moisture, protects against mechanical damage and looks historically appropriate. Damp cloths, wet wooden boxes or sealed plastic bags are the worst options for carbon steel tools.
What makes a forged pair of shears special?
Forged scissors are created by heating, hammering and shaping carbon steel – no casting, no injection moulding. The blacksmith heats the steel to forging temperature and works it with a hammer to achieve the desired blade geometry. This process creates a grain structure in the steel that is superior to cast products in terms of sharpness and durability.
Carbon steel can be forged and hardened to a higher sharpness than many stainless steel alloys – though it does require more maintenance. The blade geometry is crucial: a well-formed bevel and a correct overlap of the blades when closed ensure clean cuts without tearing or jamming.
Artistic craftsmanship techniques such as twisted handles or artfully rolled handle eyes are not merely decorative – they reveal the blacksmith’s craftsmanship and are based on historical designs. Such details make a hand-forged pair of shears an object with character that goes far beyond a simple tool. In our range, you’ll also find other forged items, as well as forged candlesticks and rustic pliers for re-enactment, which complement each other perfectly in style.
Whether you’re looking for a small pair of scissors for the sewing corner in your camp or a larger pair of jointed scissors for rough work – in this category you’ll find hand-forged carbon steel models that are historically accurate and practical for everyday use. Browse through the options and find the scissors that suit your era and your craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
A bow-type scissors (also known as spring scissors) consists of a single, continuously curved piece of metal – without rivets or separate joints. The spring tension of the curved material keeps the blades open; when pressed together, they cut. This design is the oldest known type of scissors and was the dominant form from the Bronze Age through to the High Middle Ages. Modern scissors, by contrast, consist of two blades joined by a rivet.
Yes – hand-forged carbon steel scissors are not merely decorative items, but fully functional cutting tools. Carbon steel can be sharpened to a high degree of sharpness and retains its edge well. The scissors in our range are perfectly suited for fabrics, threads, herbs and light leather. However, they must be dried regularly and lightly oiled, as carbon steel is more sensitive to moisture than stainless steel.
Small blades of 3–5 cm are suitable for fine sewing work, trimming threads and herbs. Medium blades of 5–8 cm are versatile all-rounders for fabric and light leather. The large scissors with 8–9 cm blades, as well as the early medieval bow scissors with a total length of 24 cm, are designed for rougher craft work in the camp. If in doubt, it is better to choose a slightly larger size – larger scissors can also be used for finer work.
Archaeological finds from the Viking Age, including those from Haithabu, show that scissors were worn in leather sheaths on the belt. Bow scissors in particular fit well into a simple leather sheath. Some models in our range come with a matching leather sheath included. This method of carrying is well documented historically and authentically complements any re-enactment outfit.
After each use, wipe the scissors with a dry cloth and rub them lightly with oil – camellia oil or machine oil are well suited. Store them in a dry place, preferably in a leather sheath. Initial rust spots can be rubbed off with fine steel wool, then oiled again. A dark patina that forms is not a flaw, but a natural protective film that protects the metal in the long term.