How is Horizontal Thumb Pressure (HTP) harmful to scissors and stylists?
Put simply, HTP = dull scissors + hand fatigue.
HTP significantly impairs the performance of high quality scissors by grinding the inside edges of the blades as they open and close. This metal-on-metal friction erodes the cutting edges, dulls the blades, and causes nicks. The scissors’, performance swiftly deteriorates, and the degradation may be noticeable within a few weeks or even days. This premature dulling causes stylists to exert even more thumb pressure, and soon HTP becomes a chronic habit.
Stylists unaware that HTP damages scissors are often disappointed and perplexed by a scissors’, failure to retain its sharpness. Most resign themselves to a vicious cycle of repeatedly and frequently sharpening scissors that dull prematurely. This costly and frustrating cycle can continue for years before the root of the problem, HTP, is finally diagnosed.
More importantly, HTP imposes undue stress upon a stylist’,s fingers, hand, and wrist. This can lead to hand fatigue, pain, cramping and, over time, ailments such as repetitive motion syndrome (rms), carpal tunnel syndrome (cts), and tennis elbow.
What is Vertical Thumb Movement Only (VTMO™,)?
VTMO™, is using a relaxed thumb to move the scissor handle in an up and down (vertical) direction only, zero horizontal thumb pressure is applied. This technique allows the scissors’, pivot area and blade sharpness to generate the perfect amount of power to precisely and effortlessly cut. The scissor handle with the finger hole (known as the guide blade) never moves. It serves as a stable base for fingers that are relaxed and in control, optimizing radial freedom but not interfering with the scissors’, functions.
In contrast to HTP, VTMO™, is beneficial for both the stylist and the scissor. It is ergonomically optimal, maximizes cutting precision and consistency, and minimizes hand stress and scissor wear.
VTMO™, is a cornerstone of the Hikari scissor design. Accordingly, Hikari scissors perform their best when the thumb moves in an up or down direction only. Any nonvertical movement, force, or thumb pressure, especially HTP, works against the scissors and will result in dull or nicked blades.
Please read the section below titled Use Vertical Thumb Movement Only (VTMO™,) Techniques for additional important information on how to effectively use Hikari scissors.
What causes Horizontal Thumb Pressure (HTP) and how can I prevent it?
The table below summarizes the primary causes of HTP and practical, inexpensive measures to prevent HTP.
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