The original multi-purpose Kitchen Shears was invented and patented by J. A. Henckels in 1938. The basic style was only slightly modified over the years until this updated version was introduced in 1996. Sleek and European in design, these shears have many uses in the kitchen: use them for cutting food containers, seafood, poultry and string - it even has a screw-cap opener. Made of high-carbon steel with precision honed edges, the shears have 1/8"-thick micro-serrated blades that feature the company's FRIODUR ice-hardened stainless steel that resist stains. The handle is made of high-quality, fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene. Dishwasher safe.