Thinking of adding some EMT shears to my kit for their intended use, plus general repair, inprovisation, sewing, etcetera.

Seeing prices from $3 and up. Like the idea of the minis.

I do not know how to tell good ones from others.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

The only minis I've tried were pretty floppy. Better than nothing but not very impressive.

I've tried the full size cheapies too, for a buck or two. They cut, but again they flex and dive under heavy cutting. Though note that they spring back into shape so they aren't permanently disabled. Still, not my choice for serious use.

I tried one of these and bought about five more pair: http://www.leevalley.com/home/page.aspx?c=2&cat=51222&p=44099 . Their 'clamshell scissors' are the same thing with rounded tips on both the top and bottom: http://www.leevalley.com/home/PrintPage.aspx?c=1&p=59398 . I can cut doubled-up jeans, including seams, without them flopping around. Very strong, and easy to resharpen also. These are the ones that travel with me on airlines in my radically-enhanced FAK (context is important, ya know?). Security doesn't even bother to open the kit, they know what they are.

No doubt the medical folks will be able to advise on the best of the best. I'd like to know what they use.

You can choose stamped emt scissors from Pakistan (American Science and Surplus often has decent examples at $2), or you can get a forged version by googling "lister bandage scissors". Stamped versions work pretty well for the money, but I have been unsuccessful in sharpening or tightening them after they get loose and dull. The forged versions are more amenable to such tinkering. Size matters: the bigger ones are more effective. Orthopedic surgeons use 8" super cuts ( http://www.amazon.com/Moore-Medical-Super-cut-Bandage-Scissors/dp/B0015TB5V8) at $164.93; and they do indeed cut nicely.

I have a couple of the EMT shears from countycomm for 7 or 8 dollars. Haven't used them much but they seem fine. Yes, they do cut pennies quite easily.

Is there a Mora-type, inexpensive-but-quality, sweet spot EMT shear?

I have both the American Science & Surplus version and the Countycomm version. In my mind, these http://countycomm.com/premiumshears.htm are the ones that fill the "inexpensive-but-quality" niche.

I have no affiliation with AS&S or Countycomm except as a happy customer.

So countycomm shears get two votes for good value!

Any of the < $5 shears are probably all the same. You can get them at uniform stores, Target, swap meets... I'd recommend a swap meet, simply b/c you can try the ones out before you get them.

County Comm is fine, if you like dropping $10 for a week's worth of shipping.

Also, be careful what you buy. Trauma shears are NOT the same as bandage shears.

I'd consider the Fiskars Garden Shears: http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=196298#Post196298

$8-9, tough, hard to lose color. Available at Wally world, Probably at Home Depot/Lowes, similar offerings at fabric and craft stores.

Other "Kitchen Shears" made by other manufacturers tend to be quite good as well.

Make it 3 votes for the County Comm units. I have 3 of them and have used them on everything from clothing, to wire and they work well.

As far as durability, at around eight bucks a pair, buy a few. I have them in different locations and have used them pretty frequently. So far they hold up pretty well.