# I'm 55 and I've never bought a pair of fingernail clippers in my life **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 24, 2025, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288 "2025-07-24T22:10:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/21 "2025-07-25T01:14:27Z")
I just bought a bunch of nail clippers. I used to have lots, and they seem to have disappeared. Maybe they teleported to your house. Some of the new ones are too soft or something, and don’t actually clip my toe nails. 😢 I want a couple of good nail clippers. I’ve got travel, one for my bedside table, and one for the bathroom. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/22 "2025-07-25T01:15:03Z")
You can’t improve the mousetrap. Sharpness is all that counts in nail clippers.. But yeah there’s probably dozens in this house. I know I didn’t buy them all. I have a clear memory of picking up a pair at Wal-Mart a few years ago and fearing I’d accidentally stick them in my pocket. I undid the ball chain and hung them on the buggy. Went right out the door without paying 89cents for them. I’m not sure where my _hot_ clippers are, or even if they exist any more. I feel so guilty now. 😊 I only buy the $1.25 kits at dollar tree now. In cardboard/plastic packaging. That way my shop-lifting career has ended. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/23 "2025-07-25T01:18:50Z")
My goodness, that man was clever. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/24 "2025-07-25T01:21:40Z")
> [@HMS\_Irruncible](#): > > I suppose that Japanese nail clippers are benefitting from some of the know-how, craftsmanship, and tradition that goes into stuff like katanas and high-end sushi knives. Godzilla? ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/25 "2025-07-25T01:23:39Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > You can’t improve the mousetrap. Sharpness is all that counts in nail clippers Quality steel matters, because hardness matters, because if it’s not hard then it won’t stay sharp. Same idea as knives, which the Japanese are masters at. Whatever the reason, my snips are as sharp as the day I bought them 30 years ago (and they’re very sharp). ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/26 "2025-07-25T01:27:43Z")
Rigidity matters, too. The problem with the cheap clipper i just bought is that they bend, instead of being pressed into the nail. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/27 "2025-07-25T02:00:08Z")
Every few years, I throw one into each Christmas stocking. So far, nobody’s told me not to. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/28 "2025-07-25T02:13:03Z")
> [@HMS\_Irruncible](#): > > I bought a pair in Tokyo about 30 years ago and still have it. It cuts well and doesn’t seem to have dulled in the slightest. Wasn’t expensive, or at least not by Tokyo standards. > > I suppose that Japanese nail clippers are benefitting from some of the know-how, craftsmanship, and tradition that goes into stuff like katanas and high-end sushi knives. I bought some [Kai scissors](https://kaiscissors.com/) for our daughter, who likes to sew. Not cheap, but as they say… when you buy quality, you only cry once. They’re _ **very** _ nice scissors. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/29 "2025-07-25T02:22:47Z")
Well, yes. Good steel holds an edge better. Japanese aren’t perfect though. I have Japanese knife that practically worthless. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/30 "2025-07-25T02:27:38Z")
I’ve never knowingly bought nail clippers. Lots of bottle openers, however. I’ve skied my whole life. Never bought a pair of goggles (have dozens) or gloves. Find goggles all the time, and gloves are always found or gifted. Got some _real_ nice ones from a friend a while back. Thanks, Tommy! ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/31 "2025-07-25T10:34:52Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Japanese aren’t perfect though. > I have Japanese knife that practically worthless. Okay then, do your own thing. Thanks for contributing. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/32 "2025-07-25T13:10:14Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > Never bought a pair of goggles (have dozens) or gloves. Find goggles all the time, and gloves are always found or gifted. This proves if you keep your eyes and ears open, the Universe will provide. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/33 "2025-07-25T19:30:35Z")
I’ve never bought nail clippers because the default here is using scissors and a file, and that’s how I learned it. But I’ve bought a couple of those, because both tend to wear out. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/34 "2025-07-25T19:41:16Z")
I mostly use scissors for my fingers, but clippers for my toes. My toe nails are thick for scissors. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/35 "2025-07-25T19:46:53Z")
reddit buyforlife and the rest of the internet rave about Seki Edge clippers but they will cost you the princely sum of $25 so maybe not recommended for those of you who tend to lost them. > **[Amazon.com : SEKI EDGE SS-112 Stainless Steel Nail Clipper : Beauty &...](https://www.amazon.com/EDGE-SS-112-Stainless-Steel-Clipper/dp/B07NDLKQC5)** > > Amazon.com : SEKI EDGE SS-112 Stainless Steel Nail Clipper : Beauty & Personal Care ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/36 "2025-07-25T19:48:13Z")
Those are freaking huge! ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/37 "2025-07-25T19:53:04Z")
That’s about the size of my favorite pair that I have had for easily 30 years. I use them for fingers and toes plus it has a little plastic cover that catches the stray nail bits. Leverage is everything. Mine are Bassett TRIM which are apparently still made but like all things I doubt that the quality is on par now. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/38 "2025-07-25T20:16:56Z")
Every pair I’ve ever owned has been about 2 inches long, and most worked fine on my toe nails, and my husband’s much thicker toe nails. ---
**Author:** ![DaveRaver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/daveraver/32/1078_2.png) [@DaveRaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveRaver)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/39 "2025-07-25T20:18:55Z")
I received nail clippers as a prize when I was in the Cub Scouts. I had them for 50 years! ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2025, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288/40 "2025-07-25T20:25:30Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I mostly use scissors for my fingers, but clippers for my toes. My toe nails are thick for scissors. My toenails are getting thicker and thicker as I age, but so far I’ve managed to cut them with scissors, though it gets harder every time. When it doesn’t work anymore, I have a pair of scissors like in the linked picture, I used to have rabbits and guinea pigs and used them for cutting their claws, but they will also work on thick toenails. [![](https://medizinische-instrumente-may.de/cdn/shop/files/KS-0006-NagelzangeKopfschneiderbearbeitet-1-Ebay_1000x.png?v=1724062750) ](https://medizinische-instrumente-may.de/cdn/shop/files/KS-0006-NagelzangeKopfschneiderbearbeitet-1-Ebay_1000x.png?v=1724062750) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-55-and-ive-never-bought-a-pair-of-fingernail-clippers-in-my-life/1021288.md?page=3)