Restoring Vintage Shop Shears!

[@CheapCreep]

I can't believe you destroyed the scissors that Abraham Lincoln used to cut Napoleon's hair! Those scissors were worth 6.9 million Indian rupees!

[@peterbrownwastaken]

Bravo Sir!

[@GirishManjunathMusic]

6.9 million indian rupees is, um, $81,000. which is strangely not that expensive for the kind of statement you're parodying. that probably says more about the state of the world than i am willing or able to process.

[@Nono-hk3is]

I'm pretty sure that was intended as part of the joke ​@@GirishManjunathMusic

[@GirishManjunathMusic]

@@Nono-hk3is yes, which is why i called it a parody

[@Nevir202]

That seems a bit high, (About $82.000) maybe you meant 6.9 million Indonesian rupia? (About $423 lol)

[@Vole182]

The Logo is the J. Wiss and Son's company. They are Shears Steel Forged #38 Scissors which are used for heavy fabrics and upholstery. My best guess is like 1930's probably.

[@peterbrownwastaken]

Wow! Thank you. These are 12" in length. That seems to jive!

[@sarahbenson4492]

Yeah, those are shears for materials. Vole is probably right about who made them. I do know that those types lean towards materials is the size of them and how the handle is. Looks like someone sheared off (Pardon the pun) the other side of that bolt that you had to drill through. The people cutting the material would rest the shears on that bolt so that it was easier to pick up off of a flat surface, saving time on the pick up to cut. I have a new version similar to that with thick hefty bolts. It’s nice!

[@jonas2431]

Fabric shears

[@remusgrrrl]

Beat me to it. Recognized the logo immediately. Own a few for sewing. They are the best Imo.

[@SirGuido]

Came here to say this.

[@hrounds1991]

Those are Wiss and sons no 38 shears for marine fabrics and thick canvas. My grandma was an upholsterer for Union Pacific here in Sacramento. She taught me that the numbers were an identifier to show what material you should use to cut with. Number 16s were paper, number 20s were cardstock, number 25s were simple fabrics, 36s and above were used for either upholstery fabric, canvas or Marine fabric. I still own my grandma's collection, they last forever. The logo looked like the logo on my grandmas set, that puts them at mid 1930s, early 1940s. If they are between 7 and 8 oz they are pre WW2. They got slightly lighter after the war.

[@peterbrownwastaken]

That’s fantastic information. Thank you!

[@ares395]

That is insane amount of very specific knowledge, awesome

[@domsusefulstuff]

I knew you'd be here, kind internet stranger. I didn't know what form you'd take, but I knew someone would appear to bless us with info about those beautiful shears. Thank you @hrounds1991. It sounds like your grandma's collection is in good hands.

[@starleigh3560]

i thought they lopoked like fabricd shears!!!! neat!!!

[@cherylstephenson7241]

Looks like Wiss no. 38 tailor's shears. I recognized that little curly bit by the S!

[@peterbrownwastaken]

Bang!! Look at that! Thank you Cheryl

[@chicgeekery]

Some angry ghost is going 'You did WHAT with my fabric scissors?!' Great job! Heh, somehow I have my black metal scissors from 1st grade, 1965. They still cut paper just fine.

[@hellsingmongrel]

😂 A million deceased Grandmas suddenly cried out in pain and then vanished!

[@Ajss321]

Evapo-Rust is a really good product for restorations like this. Removes rust while being safe for most other materials that may be on a part. Saves a lot of time sanding or grinding and it can also just be funneled back into its container and reused for quite a long time.

[@Dysiode]

Real nice! The "I'm just having a good time" vibes definitely came through, and it turned out super great for a workhorse of a pair of sheers

[@Zoso14892]

Your attempt at metalworking was no worse than the average metalworkers attempts at woodworking on here! It works and you keep the important part, good job.

[@Ketaped]

As a crafter, sewer and history buff this video scratched all the right places! It's wonderful to see old things get a new life and new use. And while they may be upholstery shears, it's better that they're used for something than rot away unusable in some overpriced antique store. Thank you sir, for another awesome video.

[@shinji391]

Certain things should be left alone, but other things should be restored and rejuvenated. Both schools of thought add to and preserve history.

[@Ketaped]

​@@shinji391 I agree, but in general, my view is that things that are supposed to be functional are better functional. There are almost always ways to repair them that respect their history. I love restoring vintage and antique sewing machines. There's very little more satisfying than taking a filthy, rusted, seized machine and making it sew again.

[@SixSixthSix]

I love these kinds of projects! Just saved a couple of Nooitgedacht chisels that were in terrible condition. The scissor turned out great man!

[@madengineer9072]

I very much like seeing old tools put back to use. Something about it servings its function rather than being a decoration just scratches a certain itch.

[@jflight5416]

Never comment on your videos - but just wanted to say been watching for a long time - love your channel - very calming before bed ritual for me when you post a video - and love that you show the frustrating and lows of a project. Refreshing from the polished edits of most project channels - Thanks for continuing to post!

[@salemstrange2091]

I LOVE RESTORATION CONTENT! And I love your content Peter, the fact that these two worlds have collided is AMAZING

[@devttyUSB0]

Nice resto. They'll probably live on for a long time in your skilled hands!! Thanks, Peter!!

[@HiddenDeveloper]

This is the simplest thing I ever seen you do...and it was amazing! Great Job.

[@vgullotta]

5:17 ish in, when you're looking at that S, it looks like there's also a logo there that is the manufacturer maybe? Could maybe use sharpie or paint to fill it in and sand away the excess to see what it says. I love Shop Time!

[@leonmedland11]

Coming up to 1 million soon!! I'm so happy for how much you've grown as a content creator and so excited to see all your future projects 🥰!!!

[@mrnlce7939]

Such fine blades deserve a title may I suggest "Slashly". Grate video. Keep up the good work.

[@maddieadams75]

Nice work on removing 90 yrs of patina, dirt,rust and grim 😀 it’s beautiful seeing you restore the scissors, making them your own. ✂️ ❤

[@karl_alan]

Oh, Peter. Does it say anything about how much your fans love you that videos about cleaning your shop, reading a book or fixing non-woodworking tools still require an instantaneous watch from so many of us? Just great to see what you're up to & spend some time hanging out in the shop.

[@shirleyannconfer9651]

The metal gleamed so beautifully. I love it when something is restored to be able to use again. Pretty good deal for $10.

[@omegateamsports5291]

Peter your style, presentation and delivery of commentary are always entertaining. This type of project looks relaxing

[@Valmtg]

My mom has a good amount of these in various sizes. If I recall, they would be upholstery/fabric shears from like the 30's or 40's. My mom got a bunch of them used and has been utilizing them around the house for various things since the 70's. You need a pair of garden scissors to cut a few things? There's a couple of pairs in the little tool shed. You need to cut stuff that you get from mail advertisements, got a pair in the living room. There's 2 pairs in the kitchen junk drawer for cutting up various things, and then there's a coffee can bucket full of them in the basement.

[@sparkyprojects]

I had an old pair of pliers that wouldn't move at all, i soaked them in white vinegar for a couple f days, washed that off, oiled them and they now work great ;)

[@nssheepster]

I do love that you're willing to just... Use the tool that works. I run into so many people day to day that act as if using a less-than-optimal tool is some cardinal sin. Sometimes, you don't own or aren't carrying the very best tool for a job... But that doesn't mean you just don't DO the job, you know? It gets very frustrating sometimes.

[@alfabsc]

Good job. No sand blasting, chemical or electrolysis rust removal. Just Scotch scratchers and WD40! My wife said at the beginning "He paid $10 for THAT?" She does not know that I spent $10 yesterday on a 2 ounce bottle of special glue that I needed. "Don't worry, be happy!" 😁

[@ErrantScholar]

I like the sorry bud at the end. In as much as objects have life force, I suspect that pair of sheers is probably going to be happy with the trade off of whatever work you have them do, for the restoration you did to them.

[@Jenniepoo3]

I cut a lot of heavy denim in my recycle sewing projects and these scissors look perfect for that. Enjoy in your shop! They look fabulous!

[@domramsey]

So satisfying. Every time you use them you'll think of the work you put in to bringing them back to life. I bet they outlive all of us.

[@Reverend_Taco]

Two PB videos in one week?! It must be my birthday!!

[@tracybowling1156]

You are an excellent woodworking machinist!

[@liamb135]

They are J. Wiss & Sons No. 38 Inlaid Shears. I'd love to see you restore more interesting objects!

[@stevenpifer]

Awesome work bringing them back to life! There a really neat video by Alec Steele visiting a British factory where they still handcraft them.

[@beakz]

Came here to say the same thing :)

[@brandonthompson9957]

I'm an engineer that works for the company that now owns Wiss scissors, cool to see you having a pair. A lot of history there! Now they are resourced instead of made in the USA, but still held to all the same standards! (I just did a lot of testing on them!)

[@peterbrownwastaken]

That’s wild! Thanks for the information

[@litacakes3422]

my soul left my body when you used those beautiful tailoring shears on paper D:

[@kenmashburn4771]

"they used to be fabric sheers, but in this shop, they can be cutting anything" Yeah, including fabric soaked in resin :P awesome work as always.

[@skepticbat]

So excited we get another video so soon 🎉

[@RobertEchten]

I know nothing about this kind of scissors, but I recently saw a video from Alec Steele where he visited a company that made that type of scissors and he was shown the whole process. Very interesting. I think you might like it and appreciate your find even more. Love the video.

[@Kreative_Rainbow]

You did a wonderful job bringing those shears back to life!! 👍 Great idea to recycle them!! 👏👏

[@pipdaddy7]

I used to work in a bakery and we would use those red scotch Brite pads all the time on the sheet pans if something was burnt onto them. Really good product

[@persephoneblack888]

I love old scissors. They're always so much sturdier than the craft ones I see around.

[@andrejohnson6731]

That would’ve been a great opportunity to try your hand at japaning ❤ Handool Rescue has a series of videos on that

[@VaultCauy]

I have a pair of scissors made by that same company. I found them in my great grandfathers secretary maybe 8 years ago and use them all the time. I recognized the logo that says WISS USA. Mine have a 56 stamped on the other side. The black enamel handle is exactly what mine have. Great video

[@joshuamclean1716]

Hey Peter, love your videos. Your style and humor never fails to entertain and you always do a great job. Just wanted to let you know apple cider vinegar is a great agent to use to clean metal. It destroys rust and helps to degrime tools it’s inexpensive and very effective.

[@JTMusicbox]

Nice! You know if you make resin scissors, and they get old, you can just reuse the mold to make more…

[@Eurgain86]

My mom had one of those scissors and about 5/6 years ago I found one on a shop at such a low price I knew they didn't know what they were...It's the best fabric/leather/paper/everythig cutting tool I have

[@joshclark44]

Excellent restoration! Nuts and bolts imo are sometimes worth replacing to have a functional tool without hindering the authenticity much. The only thing i would say is maybe make the flathead groove deeper and straighter, so it doesn't strip as easily for the next guy

[@BeanieTheBodach]

I am trembling with shear excitement

[@peterbrownwastaken]

*slow clapping*

[@BeanieTheBodach]

@@peterbrownwastakenYou did a terrific job! Those look like very happy shears

[@gokartsminibikesandmore9925]

2 videos in 3 days!? Im liking it

[@NorseButterfly]

My mom still has her set of fabric shears somewhere. I don't know if they're the same brand, but look very similar. Hers came as a pair that included fabric shears and pinking shears.

[@AutomailUser]

Beautiful work, Peter!

[@THANATOSIXU]

I just spent a good chunk of my day today restoring a stanley plane. Man its hard work, but it cost me 250$ less than a new plane. I didn't have to drill out anything, like you had to though. Mainly rust removal and lubing all the moveable joints, then protective coating/paste waxing the rest.

[@peterbrownwastaken]

That sounds like a good day!

[@lemagreengreen]

Big, heavy fabric shears are the best, everyone needs a pair. Makes all other scissors look crappy, you can buy pretty good new ones and they're not even that expensive for 8-10" ones. Great for men who can't cut wrapping paper in a straight line with normal scissors, they're effortless.

[@peterbrownwastaken]

I'm excited to try that!

[@Chimpey]

Peter you spoil us with not one but two videos this week 😁

[@amandamason9359]

Shop time repair shop has turned into my favorite relax type videos.

[@Traderjoe]

I was going to say that they look like Wiss scissors. Whatever way you got them to work is fine. I am sure that there’s a wrong way to do everything, but it’s the results that count. I love old scissors too. Oddly, I have the same scissors that you showed as the ones these will replace. Mine had broken at one point and I fixed them with JB Weld and a washer because the plastic handle shattered and they are still going strong

[@RealAndySkibba]

Yay! More Peter!

[@FishyBoi1337]

*I* think this would have been the perfect use case for japanning. Hand tool rescue has a good modern and technique for it

[@blacktalonbased]

I like the restoration projects!

[@Hugh-S]

Amazing what a little elbow grease can do. Nicely done.

[@davidramsay8920]

I love nice projects like these

[@joshuadbybee4906]

They look great! Well done. On a side note Alec Steel recently went to a shop that makes shears like this it was very interesting.

[@donaldduck9493]

in walks HandTool Rescue with his 50gal drum of evap-rust. o wait. wrong channel. get it Peter!!!

[@ghosttheoremproductions5469]

The one bolt end gets staked into the unthreaded side. Hence the marks around the edge and lack of tool engagement surface.

[@f.k.burnham8491]

Peter- If I may suggest: Put the scissors in a container of 50% water and 50% molasses. It may take a few weeks but the molasses mix will eat all the rust off and leave any paint unharmed. Stir the container occasionally . Put a lid on it and put where pets can't get to it. It will smell after a while. Take out of solution and wash with water. Clean with denatured alcohol and paint. then reassemble. This method is being used in Australia and California to remove rust from car bodies Nice job on the restoration. I am lazy so I use the molasses & water method.

[@Markel_A]

I feel like given how rough the surface was, I would've gone with a matte or satin finish instead of gloss, but other than that they look great! I'd love to watch you restore other stuff, coming from a craftsperson like you I'd be interested to see the creative things you'd do when restoring other items. :)

[@Smrts955]

I think the threaded part was a screw or bolt staked in place that divot on the flat side at the edge of the circle

[@rafaelgsbr]

Any Scoutcrafter fans around here? I can't be the only one... Great work, Peter. Playing machinist is fun, I once had to turn a few hex bolts into slotted ones and all I had was a hand drill, an old file, a vice and a hacksaw. The end result turned out surprisingly fine.

[@Alleroc]

Definitely a Wiss #38. I use a pair of Wiss #175E for electronics work daily. Great scissors.

[@cvantrease1231]

I use a little wd40 with the scotch bright the slurry really helps remove rust

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Great job on those shears.

[@Watoosi13]

As someone without an entire workshop, your machining is about what all my in progress projects look like…

[@LeoRedFang]

Yay! New video!

[@Tippex114]

Alec steel does an amazing video of the production of these

[@problame2249]

Every old sewing person ever is giving you the evil eye for cutting paper with fabric shears lol.

[@williamclark7185]

This was a fun video, awesome work!

[@GeekmanCA]

Oh no Peter's a restoration channel now 😜

[@slngblde]

I’ve got a similar pair of wiss I found in the middle of the road years ago. Mine are much newer though.

[@anxietyclam]

jeez this could have been a paid advertisement for scotch brite, that stuff really seemed to put the work in

[@yendortgone]

Awesome recondition

[@testbenchdude]

Yes, but what about a SECOND Peter Brown video? lol thanks for doing this man. Very entertaining.

[@Slikx666]

Peter. There's nothing wrong with how you modified the bolt, it's a good way to do it quickly. 😎👍

[@MikeHughes-lt4ev]

Did you use the micro mesh pads?

[@selaazib]

I love this channel😊

[@MrRomasa17]

Looks great

[@lauriereber8939]

The worn engraving said "Made in the U S A". I could not make out the name. Great project. Keep up the great work.

[@willysgodevil7891]

"Wiss" above that, maybe?

[@lauriereber8939]

@@willysgodevil7891 It is highly possible. Thank you.

[@LadyXayoz]

New England, USA is the bottom words. Does that make sense? I'm Canadian so I'm not too sure about American places.

[@talyrath]

My grandmother had a pair of these in the 80s. Even then they were old enough that they had been demoted from fabric cutting duty.

[@cassienether7741]

"I apologize. I'm just trying to have a good time." Amen lmao

[@kasbakgaming]

Trick I've heard of to sharpen scissors/shears without messing with the bevel is to use them to make a few cuts in some scrap pieces of sandpaper. Seems to work okay the few times I've had occasion to try it.

[@Docstantinople]

Two videos in less than a week 😮🎉🎉🎉

[@TimTheInspector]

What a lovely start to a new life for those scissors. How long do you figure it took from start to finish?

[@peterbrownwastaken]

It was 1 day with filming.

[@Squibbleses]

Cool restoration, glad they turned out! Reminds me that Alex Steele did a tour of a scissor making factory a while ago where they talk a bit about the geometry of scissors. Probably wouldn't be too helpful for you though since I imagine it would be pretty hard to get the twist into the blades outside of a factory setting with all the right tools

[@michaelneal3162]

My two big surprises. One Peter doesn't have a wire wheel. And two he didn't sharpen them. But he did explain the sharpening so all good by me.

[@starwarskid93]

I love it, and can't wait for the shear jokes to appear. Surprised you didn't electroplate the blade with copper or brass.

[@whoslovingmj]

I got a pair of shears from my fathers garden after he passed earlier this year. They are in better condidion than these xD but i think this may give me the energy to actually look them over and getting the rust off and sharpening them

[@kencoffman7145]

Really nice job

[@latenightdad1700]

I apologize. I’m just trying to have a good time. Needed that laugh. Love your videos brother

[@k9foru2]

The old bolt looked like it had 2 small holes on opposing sides to use a pin wrench to tighten it

[@KJ7JHN]

Need to strip the enamel with acetone and either season them with grapeseed oil at 400 degrees in the oven x 4 OR use steel blueing. The WD40 will evaporate and rust. Use machine oil or wax on the blades.

[@kathleenkillen7820]

Good job!