Book excerpt: American Scissors and Shears provides an historical overview of more than 100 companies and individuals involved in producing scissors and shears in the United States from the mid-1800s to approximately 1930. Accompanying and enhancing the text are hundreds of photographs, advertisements, and patents of the many varieties of antique and vintage scissors produced during this time period. The book will prove invaluable to tool collectors, cutlery collectors (including knives and scissors), sewing enthusiasts, history buffs in general, and to those interested in early American industries. Some books have provided broad overviews of the history of scissors; others have investigated sewing implements, including scissors. None to date have provided the in-depth survey of American-made scissors presented in American Scissors and Shears.