Scissors

Quick Answer: The scissors in this listing are all-steel dissecting scissors with fine blades, used to cut tissue, membranes and plant material during biology dissection. Point style (sharp or blunt) and blade shape (straight or curved) decide which cuts they suit.

Choosing Points and Blade Shapes

Scissors for dissection are described by their points. Sharp/sharp scissors cut into tight spaces and start a cut in membranes. Sharp/blunt scissors are the common teaching pattern: the blunt blade goes underneath, sliding beneath the body wall without damaging organs below, while the sharp blade cuts above. Blunt/blunt scissors are the safest for younger students and for opening cavities.

Blades may be straight or curved. Straight blades give a long, controlled cut; curved blades follow rounded surfaces and let the user see the tips during delicate work. The listing is titled simply ‘Scissors’, so choose the pattern when ordering.

Compared with scissors with plastic handles, all-steel dissecting scissors are rigid, cut tissue cleanly and can be sterilised. The Scissors, More Types listing covers specialised patterns such as iris and Metzenbaum.

Care & Handling

• Clean the scissors immediately after use, opening the blades to reach the pivot where tissue collects.
• Steam sterilise or disinfect as required, then dry and lightly oil the joint.
• Keep them for tissue only; cutting paper, wire or bone dulls fine blades.
• Store in a tray or roll with the tips protected.

Applications

• Opening the body cavity of a preserved specimen with the blunt blade underneath
• Cutting through membranes, mesentery and small vessels during dissection
• Cutting flower parts, stems and fruits in botany practicals
• Trimming tissue pieces before fixation or sectioning

Specifications

Why Choose LabEquip

Biology teachers usually order dissecting scissors with forceps and seekers so each bench has a full set. LabEquip lists them in its Biology Lab Products range; state point style and length on the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which point style suits school dissection?

Sharp/blunt is the usual choice. The blunt blade slides under the body wall or membrane without piercing organs beneath, and the sharp blade makes the cut.

When are curved blades useful?

Curved blades follow rounded surfaces and keep the tips in view, which helps when cutting close to organs or separating tissue in a confined space.

Can these scissors be autoclaved?

All-steel scissors are generally steam sterilised like other surgical steel instruments. Autoclave them clean and with the blades open so steam reaches the joint, then dry them.

Why keep these scissors away from paper?

Paper and card contain fillers that dull fine blades quickly. Keep a separate pair of general scissors for paper, thread and labels.

How do I cut open a preserved specimen with scissors?

Lift the skin with forceps, make a small nick, then insert the blunt blade and cut along the midline, keeping the tips pointed upward so organs below are not damaged.

How can I tell when scissors need sharpening?

If they fold tissue or thread instead of cutting cleanly at the tips, the edges are dull or the pivot is loose. Have them resharpened or tightened rather than forcing the cut.

Last Updated: September 2026