Think outside the box (joint)…

There are two ways of joining the handles on nippers: box joints and lap joints. The less expensive method is the lap joint where the handles are pinned together near the jaw and pivot side by side. Over time and with multiple sharpenings, the lap joint can become loose and the edges of the jaw may not meet properly.

Box joints are where one handle has an opening near the jaw and the other handle is actually inserted through the opening. The handles are then pinned together. This method makes for a more sturdy design with precise action. With box joints the jaws will always meet in true fashion even after much use and many sharpenings.

Nippers are made of either chrome or nickel plated steel or high grade stainless steel. Unlike kitchen knives, nippers are not generally exposed to moisture for long periods of time so, while stainless steel holds the edge longer, it is not as necessary as in knives. Plated nippers can also be of good quality and last many years while offering a more affordable alternative. Dovo/Solingen makes great nippers in both box and lap joints either plated or stainless…

(to be continued…)