Scissors? After a while the screw comes loose, and they are not as sharp and efficient as they used to be. A relatively trivial problem perhaps for someone using scissors in the home, but an issue of some importance for the professional user, such as the tailor or beautician. For those employed in these sectors, cutting efficiency and precision is obviously vital. The Premax consortium was keenly aware of this problem and after considerable research was able to patent its Ring Lock System (www.ringlocksystem.com), a special assembly system for scissors and other cutting implements. This new invention aims to eliminate forever the problem of loose screws and consequent malfunction of the blades, ensuring instead that their regular efficiency is always maintained.

In fact, the system consists of two bush bearings, one in stainless steel and one in aluminium alloy, plus a Teflon ring, assembled with the use of a special high precision machine, originally employed in clock-making. This sophisticated system allows very precise regulation of the blades, eliminating the element of “play” created by the loosening of the screw, and ensuring strict uniformity in the implements produced. The Ring Lock System greatly improves the movement of the blade, which swivels around the Teflon ring: a material which does not distort over time and is self-lubricating. With this rotation of the blade, the cutting action is controlled, and will remain regular and consistent with the passage of time.

In addition, the Premax consortium carried out detailed and specific studies of hand movements, in order to create a product which is ergonomically perfect, and extremely comfortable and practical to use. In view of what emerged during this line of research, Premax decided for the first time ever to create two separate product lines, one for men and one for women, distinguishing them by different colours. Considerable care was taken with the design of the products, which have a strong, elongated shape. Most of the lines in production (whether for men or women) are designed for use by beauticians, and include manicure scissors, nail scissors, scissors for moustaches or nasal hair, and tweezers. There are also scissors for cutting cloth, such as dressmaking scissors and embroidery scissors (also available for left-handers). The latest product to emerge is a line of scissors for kitchen use.

The Premax consortium was established in 1974 by a group of craftsmen from Premana, and is heir to a long tradition of making cutting instruments which dates back to 1700. Nowadays, the consortium concerns itself with the worldwide promotion and sale of the products designed and manufactured by the 50 member companies in the group.