186-W20SP Wiss Bent Safety Tips Double Round Points: 10-1/4": Limited to supply on hand.
These are old stock, not Crescent Wiss.
- Class/Type : Upholstery
- Length : 10-1/4 in
- Brands : Wiss
| Blade tips rounded for extra protection | |
| Precision ground blades for sharper cutting edges & longer blade life | |
| Handle rings designed to comfortably fit users hands | |
| SET-EASY pivot adjustment easily & securely adjust to users preference | |
| Hot dropped forged nickel plated blades |
J. Wiss & Sons Co. was founded in Newark, New Jersey in 1848 by Swiss immigrant Jacob Wiss, eventually growing into the world's largest manufacturer of fine scissors and shears. Renowned for their incredible steel tempering and innovation, Wiss tools became iconic staples in American manufacturing, tailoring, and household sewing baskets for well over a century.
? History and Evolution
- The Early Years (1840s): Jacob Wiss, a skilled cutler and gunsmith, immigrated from Switzerland in 1847. He opened a modest shop at 7 Bank Street in Newark, hand-forging high-quality shears and surgical instruments. In his earliest days, he famously utilized a dog-powered treadmill to run his grinding wheels.
- War Efforts & Growth: The exceptional sharpness and durability of Wiss tools quickly earned a massive reputation. During the American Civil War, the U.S. government contracted Wiss to manufacture surgical scissors for Union medical units and heavy shears to cut military uniforms. They would later step up production for both World War I and World War II.
- Becoming a Global Giant (1914): In 1914, Wiss acquired its primary Newark competitor, the R. Heinisch Sons Company. This strategic move established J. Wiss & Sons as the largest producer of fine scissors and shears on Earth, distributing products across Europe, South America, and Australia.
- Famous Innovations: The company was highly regarded for introducing hot forging and a specialized inlaid blade process. In the 1930s, they revolutionized home sewing by patenting and mass-producing their highly popular Model C zigzag pinking shears.
- The End of an Era: The company remained family-run across five generations until it was acquired by Cooper Industries in late 1976. Production shifted out of Newark by 1978, and manufacturing operations were later moved overseas, bringing a close to Newark’s legacy as a premier cutlery hub. The brand survives today under the Apex Tool Group as Crescent Wiss.
- The 186-W20SP Wiss is a pre 1976 model.
