They are, indeed, super-sharp. These classic embroidery stork scissors are miniature, just 1.5" long. They came (a novelty item?) in a brown leather case embossed "A SHARP PAIR" in gold letters. The little penknife is paired with it to make a kind of tiny sewing set. The blade does fold out but it's rusty and not very sharp anymore. c..... I don't know, 1910? I heard that the stork scissors originated in the 1700s via midwives!